The BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G can be a perked-up edition of your entry-level BlackBerry Curve 8520, with 3G connectivity and slightly more oomph below the hood. But its trackpad is annoying, and it delivers absolutely nothing to obtain ecstatic about. General, the Curve 3G could be the definition of 'decent but dull'.
You may uncover the Curve 3G online for totally free on a $20-a-month, 24-month agreement. You may also choose it up for about £280 SIM-free.
Icing about the cake
Icing about the cake
The BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G is definitely an development around the Curve 8520, thanks to its addition of 3G connectivity. We did not complain in regards to the lack of 3G on the 8520, simply because it delivers Wi-Fi for once you need to have to do some significant Web surfing, and it's cheap. But 3G connectivity is now a function that we're used to viewing on just about each intelligent telephone, so it's very good to possess it on-board the Curve 3G.
It is not all sunshine, lollipops and minor upgrades, although. The Curve 3G has the exact same optical trackpad that debuted on the 8520, however it wasn't as responsive in our checks. We occasionally found it downright dumb, and needed to swipe at it numerous times to make it do what we wanted. Right after finding the hang of its quirks, we had been ready to use the trackpad, however it wasn't as enjoyable or zippy as that which we've arrive to anticipate from a BlackBerry phone. It is astonishing that a characteristic that labored so nicely on other models is these kinds of a disappointment on the Curve 3G.
Black is again
The Curve 3G has a staid, business-friendly look, and looks similar towards the BlackBerry Curve 8900. It is trim and feels solid, but it will not win any awards for innovative style. We liked the Curve 8900 due to the fact it had been scaled-down than the BlackBerry Bold 9000, which was RIM's top-of-the-line handset in the time. But, because then, the slightly smaller BlackBerry Bold 9700 has taken the BlackBerry throne, so the Curve 3G does not give a enormous advantage within the dimension department.
Function these fingers
Function these fingers
Like its BlackBerry brethren, the Curve 3G's Qwerty keyboard may make it a great option for persons who adore texting and emailing. The BlackBerry Messenger instant-messaging services allows you to chat for cost-free with other 'Berry entrepreneurs, anywhere inside the planet. The mobile phone also enables you to use as much as ten email accounts, with support for push email letting you get your emails the moment they hit the server. The one downside to those functions is that you should have a BlackBerry contract for the mobile phone to work -- you can't just pick up a low cost SIM card from anyplace. In the event you do not possess a BlackBerry contract, a lot of the phone's functions won't function in any respect.
For social butterflies, you'll find sound Facebook and Twitter apps about the BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G, having a good selection of extra in the BlackBerry App Globe retailer. BlackBerry apps are likely to be more costly than similar apps about the iPhone or on Android platforms, but you will find plenty of totally free ones as well, and so they have a tendency to be reliable.
Knocked for six
Knocked for six
The Curve 3G sports the BlackBerry OS, which takes some obtaining used to if you are unfamiliar with it. A zillion options are available with a press in the menu crucial, however the phone is pretty straightforward to make use of as soon as you're inside the groove. The business-orientated consumer interface is not a visual masterpiece or especially fun to make use of, however it will get the position performed.
RIM has stated the Curve 3G will get an update to the most recent edition on the BlackBerry OS, edition 6, which has just arrived on the BlackBerry Torch 9800. That need to make the mobile phone feel fresher and a lot more consumer-focused, so it's something to look ahead to.
Within the meantime, the Curve 3G is absolutely nothing to obtain enthusiastic about. The tackle e-book, for instance, can be a uninteresting listing of names with out any embellishment in terms of both styling or additional functionality. You will find some fun features in there -- open a get in touch with and you'll be able to see their Facebook profile image, for instance -- but the listing itself is as uninteresting being a silent monastery. Happily, you are able to obtain apps that jazz up your contact listing, residence screen and other locations.
The Curve 3G also adds a sprinkling of musical spice in the form of dedicated media buttons along the prime on the cellphone, along with a regular 3.5mm headphone jack. Having our audio effortlessly at hand meant the Curve 3G did not really feel like all company and no satisfaction. We do not such as the audio jack's position on the aspect on the cellphone, on the other hand, for the reason that, when we're utilizing headphones with a major plug, it sticks out the side and makes the cellphone difficult to pop in a pocket.
Finally, we have to give a shout out to the Curve 3G's battery lifestyle. With gentle use along with the 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity switched on all day, the mobile phone lasted three days on a complete cost. We found it so refreshing to get these kinds of long battery daily life from a wise cellphone that we gave the Curve 3G a major hug and a biscuit.
Summary
It's difficult to get excited about a telephone that only provides small upgrades to what came before, and relies on the future software program update for its only progressive function. But, if you're searching for a completely adequate BlackBerry that ticks all the bins, there's not much incorrect using the BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300. Its trackpad is as responsive being a sloth, although, so, for those who can stump up the cash to get a stunning BlackBerry Bold 9700, we would recommend obtaining that instead.
