The early 2010s were a fascinating time for mobile devices. Two iconic phones, the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G and the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900, represented distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. Let's revisit these classics and see how they stack up today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 edges out the Sidekick 4G thanks to its slightly faster processor, better overall software experience (BlackBerry OS), and generally more refined hardware. However, the Sidekick's unique form factor and messaging focus still hold nostalgic appeal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 1700 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, March. Released 2011, April 20 | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 127 x 61 x 15 mm (5.0 x 2.40 x 0.59 in) | 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm (4.53 x 2.60 x 0.41 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 640 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 34.9 cm2 (~45.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | 1.2 GHz QC 8655 |
| Chipset | Hummingbird | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | - |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo) | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 1GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, BlackBerry Maps |
| Radio | Nо | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Proximity, compass |
| | T-Mobile TV
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
ThinkFree Office document editor , PDF viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 456 h | Up to 307 h (2G) / Up to 307 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 30 min | Up to 6 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte black, Pearl magenta | Black, White |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.34 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB
|
T-Mobile Sidekick 4G
- Unique sliding form factor
- Excellent physical keyboard for messaging
- Nostalgic appeal
- Slower processor
- Less refined software
- Limited app ecosystem
- Weaker battery life
BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900
- Slightly faster processor
- Better software experience (BlackBerry OS)
- More refined hardware
- Better battery life
- Physical QWERTY keyboard
- Outdated operating system
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Android/iOS
- Bulky design
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 3.2-inch touchscreen display with a nominal contrast ratio of 1304:1. While the resolution is similar, the BlackBerry's display generally offered slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Sidekick's screen felt a bit more basic by comparison.
Camera Comparison
Both phones included a camera for photos and videos, but neither was particularly impressive by today's standards. Image quality was adequate for casual snapshots, but low-light performance was poor. The BlackBerry's camera software offered slightly more features.
Performance
The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 boasts a 1.2 GHz QC 8655 processor, giving it a slight performance advantage over the Sidekick 4G's 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8. Everyday tasks like browsing and app loading felt a bit snappier on the BlackBerry. However, both phones show their age by modern standards.
Battery Life
The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 generally offered better battery life than the Sidekick 4G, thanks to its more efficient processor and software optimization. Expect a full day of moderate use from the BlackBerry, while the Sidekick might require a midday charge.
Buying Guide
The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is for those seeking a nostalgic experience, prioritizing a unique physical keyboard and a focus on instant messaging. The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 is for users who appreciate a more traditional smartphone experience with a focus on productivity and a physical QWERTY keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are apps available for these phones?
Both phones have limited app availability compared to modern smartphones. The Sidekick 4G used a proprietary app store, while the BlackBerry Bold 9900 used BlackBerry App World, which has been discontinued. Finding compatible apps can be challenging.
❓ Can I use these phones on a modern network?
Both phones are 3G devices and may not function properly on newer 4G or 5G networks. Compatibility depends on your carrier and network configuration. You may need to use a legacy SIM card.
