In the latest addition to its line up here in India, RIM has launched its newest member from the Curve family -the BlackBerry Curve 9360. The new handset runs BlackBerry OS 7 and packs in a sufficiently large 2.4 inch display with a resolution of 480*360 pixels. Like its more expensive cousin, the Bold 9900, this one doesn’t get a touchscreen.
That said, I do not really like the idea of a touchscreen on any display lesser than 3 inches across. Of course there could be people who might differ.
Anyway, the phone does come with the legendary BlackBerry QWERTY keypad which for some users remains the sole reason they stick to a BlackBerry. Inside, the OS and the hardware too see an improvement, and the phone is claimed to be faster and responsive than its predecessors. The processor inside the Curve 9360 chugs along at 800 MHz.
Notable features of the device include an NFC chip – which may sound good but is actually of no use here in India at least for now. Then there is of course the now standard optical track pad for navigating through the menu. The phone features a 5 megapixel camera at the rear to satiate all your casual imaging requirements – although it doesn’t seem to have auto focus. Flash however makes its way in. You can also record videos in VGA. The camera also boasts of image stabilization and various scene modes.
The phone has a 1000 mAH battery which should see it powered on for up to 14 days on GSM networks. Talktime is rated at 5 hours.
The BlackBerry Curve 9360 is now on sale in India and has been priced at Rs. 19,990 which we think seems to be a decent price to pay for a mid range BlackBerry. That said, I am sure you would be looking at various other options in this price range before homing in on this one.
