The BlackBerry Torch series represented a unique blend of touchscreen and physical keyboard, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional BlackBerry devices and the burgeoning smartphone market. The 9850 and 9860 were key models, but what were the differences? This review dives deep into a head-to-head comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Torch 9860 edges out the 9850 primarily due to its slightly improved processing and overall refinement. While both offer the signature Torch experience, the 9860 represents a more polished and modern iteration, making it the preferred choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps, EV-DO Rev A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | GSM / HSPA |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, August | 2011, August. Released 2011, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 120 x 62 x 11.5 mm (4.72 x 2.44 x 0.45 in) | 120 x 62 x 11.5 mm (4.72 x 2.44 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| | - | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 39.0 cm2 (~52.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 39.0 cm2 (~52.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.2 GHz Scorpion | 1.2 GHz QC 8655 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 | - |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | - |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 7 | BlackBerry OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 768MB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Social feeds
BlackBerry maps
Document viewer
MP3/WMA/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive test input | Social feeds
BlackBerry maps
Document viewer
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 50 h | Up to 44 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 320 h | Up to 330 h (2G) / Up to 320 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 50 min | Up to 4 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) | 1.12 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.45 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.8dB / Crosstalk -86.5dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB |
BlackBerry Torch 9850
- More affordable
- Classic BlackBerry Torch design
- Physical QWERTY keyboard
- Slightly older platform
- Occasional performance lag
- Battery life could be better
BlackBerry Torch 9860
- Slightly improved performance
- Refined design
- Better color accuracy on display
- Higher price (when new)
- Battery life still limited
- Camera performance not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both the 9850 and 9860 feature a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 800x480 resolution and a reported contrast ratio of 1413:1. While the contrast ratio is similar on paper, the 9860 generally exhibited slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to minor hardware refinements. The touchscreen responsiveness was comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p video. Image quality was generally similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance was a weakness on both devices, producing noisy images. The 9860's camera software had minor improvements in processing, leading to slightly better results in some scenarios.
Performance
Both devices are powered by a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 processor. However, the 9860 benefited from subtle software optimizations and potentially slightly improved thermal management, resulting in marginally smoother multitasking and app loading times. The 9850 could occasionally exhibit slight lag under heavy load.
Battery Life
Battery life was a consistent concern for both devices. Real-world usage typically yielded a full day of moderate use. The 9860's slightly more efficient processor and software contributed to marginally better battery performance, but the difference was not substantial.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Torch 9850 is a good option for users seeking a more affordable BlackBerry Torch experience and are comfortable with a slightly older platform. The BlackBerry Torch 9860 is ideal for those prioritizing a smoother experience, slightly better performance, and a more refined design, even within the constraints of the BlackBerry OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Torch 9860 worth the extra cost over the 9850?
If you prioritize a slightly smoother experience and a more refined design, the 9860 is worth the extra cost. However, the 9850 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users.
❓ What operating system did these devices run?
Both the BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 ran BlackBerry OS 7.1. Updates were limited.
