The BlackBerry Pearl series was iconic, blending smartphone functionality with a familiar candy bar design. But which Pearl reigns supreme? We're pitting the Pearl 3G (9105) against the original Pearl (8100) to see which offers the better experience for today's nostalgic users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G (9105) is the clear winner thanks to its 3G connectivity, significantly faster processor, and improved camera. While the 8100 holds a certain charm, the 3G's modern features make it the more practical choice for anyone looking to revisit the BlackBerry era.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 30, 66, 71 | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, April. Released 2010, April | 2006, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 108 x 50 x 13.3 mm (4.25 x 1.97 x 0.52 in) | 107 x 50 x 14.5 mm (4.21 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 93.6 g (3.28 oz) | 89.5 g (3.14 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 360 x 400 pixels (~239 ppi density) | 240 x 260 pixels (~161 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.25 inches, 16.2 cm2 (~30.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.6 cm2 (~29.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | 65K colors |
| | - | Wallpapers |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 624 MHz | 32-bit Intel XScale PXA272 312 MHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | - |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 5, upgradable | BlackBerry OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB | 64MB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.2, (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | No |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | Dedicated music keys | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.0 |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | Proprietary |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | HTML |
| | BlackBerry maps
Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
| Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Media player
SureType keyboard software
Organizer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 30 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 432 h (2G) / Up to 312 h (3G) | Up to 360 h |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) | Up to 3 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Piano Black, Opal Pink, Royal Purple, Flash White, Red Gradient | Black, White, Red |
| Models | XT2052DL | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.67 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -87.1dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 71dB
| - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -87.1dB | - |
| Camera | Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 71dB | - |
BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105
- 3G Connectivity
- Faster Processor
- Better Camera
- Slightly Longer Battery Life
- Improved Display
- Larger Size Compared to 8100
- Can be harder to find in good condition
BlackBerry Pearl 8100
- Classic BlackBerry Design
- Compact Size
- Easier to Find Parts (potentially)
- Nostalgic Appeal
- Slow Performance
- Low-Resolution Camera
- Limited Functionality
- No 3G
Display Comparison
Both Pearls feature 2.4-inch displays, but the 3G's screen is slightly brighter and offers marginally better resolution. The 8100's display is adequate for its time, but the 3G provides a more pleasant viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pearl 3G boasts a 3.2MP camera, a significant upgrade from the 8100's 1.3MP camera. While neither camera is exceptional by today's standards, the 3G captures noticeably better images with more detail and improved color accuracy.
Performance
The Pearl 3G's Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset and 624 MHz CPU represent a massive leap over the 8100's 312 MHz Intel XScale processor. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother browsing, and a more responsive overall experience on the 3G.
Battery Life
The Pearl 3G typically offers a slightly longer battery life than the 8100, thanks to its more efficient processor. Expect around 6-8 hours of moderate use on the 3G and 4-6 hours on the 8100.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 is ideal for those wanting a taste of BlackBerry with 3G data and a slightly faster experience. The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is best suited for collectors or those seeking a truly vintage BlackBerry experience, prioritizing simplicity and a classic design over modern features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it worth buying a BlackBerry Pearl in 2023?
It depends on your purpose. For collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience, yes. For practical smartphone use, no. Consider the limitations of older technology.
❓ Can I still get 3G service for the Pearl 3G?
3G networks are being phased out globally. Finding a carrier that still supports 3G for the Pearl 3G is increasingly difficult. Wi-Fi is your best bet for connectivity.
