RIP BlackBerry: A timeline of every great BlackBerry phone

OPINION: Noughties mobile brand BlackBerry rang in 2022 on a bitter note when it appear that it would finally be ending back up for its BlackBerry Bone software from January 4 .

This means that smartphones running BlackBerry seven.1 OS and BlackBerry 10 and tablets based on BlackBerry PlayBook OS ii.one volition no longer brand calls, send texts or access Wi-Fi and mobile data, rendering any of the brand'southward devices not running Android essentially expressionless.

It feels difficult to believe that BlackBerry was once 1 of the nigh pop mobile brands effectually, with its peak striking in 2011 when it reportedly sold more than fifty million units and pinging your pals on BBM was the fastest way to go their attending.

However, information technology wasn't long before Apple tree's iPhone and Google's Android platform took over in sales, shoving BlackBerry out of the spotlight every bit chop-chop as it entered.

With BlackBerry finally pulling the plug on its much-loved OS in 2022, we've taken a wait back at all the best phones the brand released over its lifetime. Every phone on this listing was tested by an good on Trusted Reviews at the fourth dimension of release and scored 4/5 or over.

T-Mobile BlackBerry 8700 (2006)

The T-Mobile edition of the BlackBerry 8700 was the first BlackBerry telephone to proceeds 4 stars that we reviewed here at Trusted Reviews all the way back in 2006.

Dorsum and then, BlackBerry was primarily popular amongst businessmen and women looking to stay connected to work while out and about and was already gaining prominence every bit a condition symbol.

"A BlackBerry is virtually like a measure of importance – the more than emails that you receive and have to respond to while you're out of the office, the more than important you lot surely must be", wrote Riyad Emeran in our review.

What the reviewer said:

"The BlackBerry 8700 is the most achieved handset that RIM has produced to engagement, but it finds itself balancing between ii camps. On i hand information technology wants to be a heavy duty corporate tool, but on another it offers neat features and value for coin for the pocket-size businesses and individuals. I notwithstanding firmly believe that there is room for 2 BlackBerry models – a corporate unit of measurement and a more consumer focused version, complete with camera, full Bluetooth functionality and even Wi-Fi. As it stands though, the 8700 is the best pick if yous need your e-mail sent to your pocket".

Score: iv/5

BlackBerry 7130g (2006)

That same month, we took a look at the BlackBerry 7130g – a slimmer smartphone with it'southward QWERTY keyboard jammed into fewer keys.

Our reviewer praised BlackBerry (then RIM) for designing a phone that looked more than sleek and stylish than previous BlackBerry handsets. Though, he as well noted that it wouldn't win any beauty contests compared with the Motorola V3 RAZR, which should give you a good idea of what the company was up against at the time.

What the reviewer said:

"The 7130g is a great handset and easily the best that RIM has produced and then far. I've been using it for the past few weeks and found it to be a keen mobile companion, and not but for email. The dimensions and design make it a perfectly usable mobile telephone, while features like the integrated Google Maps and fast web browsing make it extremely versatile".

Score: 4/five

BlackBerry Pearl (2007)

A yr afterwards, BlackBerry released the Pearl in an endeavour to move away from its reputation every bit a business concern smartphone.

Like the 7130g, the Pearl lacked the full QWERTY keyboard found on wider BlackBerry phones, with the visitor opting to use its SureType predictive typing organization to proceed the design slim. The Pearl gained its namesake from the rollerball above the keyboard, allowing users to whorl and click very apace.

What the reviewer said:

"As a consumer device, it's a definite success. Information technology'southward slim, it looks great, ticks all the correct boxes and adds the killer instant email characteristic. For kids who are on email all the time, its a keen characteristic – and the fact that RIM is already starting to ship truckloads of these things seems to back that upwards. Just email as a personal tool is on its way out, with social networks and instant messenger rapidly taking its place. Couple that with the fact the media functionality is boilerplate and it looks like a pony that does one trick well and but nuzzles at a few others".

Score: four/5

BlackBerry Curve 8300 (2007)

The BlackBerry Curve 8300 marked our first 4.5 star review of a BlackBerry telephone and, as reviewer Sandra Vogel noted at the fourth dimension, the company seemed to exist on a scroll.

The Curve 8300 featured the full QWERTY keyboard and looked a lot like the older BlackBerry 8800, albeit smaller and with the GPS antenna swapped out for a Bluetooth GPS antenna, assuasive for plow past turn navigation on BlackBerry Maps.

The telephone still lacked Wi-Fi and 3G, though this wasn't exactly surprising given it was 2007.

What the reviewer said:

"The Curve is certainly a neat footling BlackBerry, minor and light, and comfortable to use. I'd have liked Wi-Fi and 3G just at least RIM is clearly working difficult at developing its multimedia capabilities. For a first attempt in that respect the Curve does pretty well".

Score: 4.five/5

BlackBerry Pearl 8120 (2007)

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 was the 2d 4.five star BlackBerry we reviewed and the first in the Pearl line to score so highly.

The 8120 was a big improvement on the original Pearl, bringing with information technology a slim pattern, smarter SureType, a 3.5mm headphone jack and Wi-Fi (though still no 3G). The Pearl also had a ameliorate photographic camera and was capable of recording video for the first time.

What the reviewer said:

"With the Pearl 8120, RIM is clearly trying to push further into the consumer's consciousness and retain its business fans too. The device doesn't make it enough to capture all consumers – where'southward the 3G and the oodles of internal memory, for example? But it does show that RIM is trying harder than ever to break out of its 'businesses just' box. Blueprint-wise it'due south on the button. Features-wise there is even so a little mode to go. And every bit a whole, it'south certainly recommended".

Score: 4.5/v

BlackBerry Bold 9000 (2008)

The BlackBerry Assuming 9000 was the showtime Assuming BlackBerry fabricated and another 4.v star smartphone for the brand.

The Bold included a full QWERTY keyboard layout, a glossy plastic front and a false leather back. The display was the same resolution as Apple's iPhone at the time (480 ten 320) and the phone featured fast GPS positioning and a iii.5mm headphone jack.

What the reviewer said:

"If mobile email is your prime business organization, the Assuming does the job superbly, simply like every BlackBerry before it. The handset itself is besides well designed, uncomplicated to use and stacked full of features – the three.5mm headphone jack is particularly good to run across. Throw in that neat screen and lightning fast GPS positioning and it's clear that RIM has produced another winner".

Score: four.5/5

BlackBerry Tempest (2008)

The side by side three phones nosotros reviewed from BlackBerry all received 4 stars, marker a slight dip in its iv.5 star streak. But still, none strayed into 3 or even iii.5 star territory every bit the brand continued to grow in popularity and innovate more lines.

The BlackBerry Tempest was maybe the nearly highly anticipated of these as this was the get-go BlackBerry with a touchscreen display.

While there was something odd near seeing a BlackBerry without a physical QWERTY keyboard and the model lacked Wi-Fi, the Storm was overall a large success, cementing BlackBerry's position every bit a true rival to Apple's iPhone and Android models at the fourth dimension.

What the reviewer said:

"RIM should be very proud of the BlackBerry Storm. Considering that this is the first touchscreen BlackBerry, it's a surprisingly accomplished device, and one that's oft a joy to use. Just there are bug with the Storm like the lack of Wi-Fi, temperamental accelerometer and disappointing battery life that have off some of the shine. Despite these issues, the Storm is notwithstanding the closest existent competitor to Apple'due south iPhone seen to date. Couple that with the legendary BlackBerry email client and I can meet the Storm doing very well indeed".

Score: iv/5

BlackBerry Bend 8900 (2009)

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 was an update to the Curve line that looked physically similar to its predecessors just with a handful of improvements, including a slimmer pattern, a sleeker stop, a silent way switch and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Nevertheless no 3G, though.

What the reviewer said:

"The Curve 8900 is a worthy successor to the previous models in RIM's Bend range. This is considering the company has managed to retain the Deoxyribonucleic acid that made those devices so pop while also adding some neat extras into the mix such equally the classier looks, faster processor and sharper screen. Sure, the lack of 3G is a disappointment, but whereas it would be a deal breaker on a lesser handset, on the 8900 it'due south merely a bit of a distraction"

Score: 4/5

BlackBerry Curve 8520 (2009)

BlackBerry likewise launched the Bend 8520 in 2009, offering the splendid email features BlackBerry was known for, along with a long battery life and a uncomplicated interface for less money than many flagship phones cost at the time.

What the reviewer said:

"The BlackBerry Curve 8250 is certainly a footling light on features, with 3G and GPS the well-nigh serious omissions, merely the telephone still manages to ascent above these limitations. Information technology'due south the combination of its fantabulous e-mail features, long bombardment life and piece of cake to utilise interface that make it so likeable and as a upshot we think it'south a skilful option for those who want more than a standard mobile, only oasis't got the cash to go the iPhone or HTC Hero route".

Score: 4/5

BlackBerry Bold 9700 (2009)

After a disappointing blip with the BlackBerry Storm 2, BlackBerry released another 4.five star Bold, the BlackBerry Assuming 9700.

The Bold 9700 was a welcome update to the Bold line a year afterwards the kickoff. BlackBerry reduced its divisive faux leather back to a small patch and shrunk the phone downwards in size.

Despite its more than toned-down appearance, the Bold continued to offering a decent choice of features, including a great screen and keyboard and the addition of the Pearl'due south trackball. The Bold 9700 marked the terminal phone to get a 4.5 star rating hither at Trusted Reviews.

What the reviewer said:

"The Blackberry Bold 9700 may not have quite the distinctive fashion of the Bold 9000 but in every other sense information technology's a worthy successor. It'southward well made, feels nice in the hand, has a great screen and keyboard, and the new optical trackpad is at to the lowest degree equal to the approachable trackball".

Score: iv.five/five

BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 (2010)

The Pearl 3G 9105 was a 3G-supported Pearl phone introduced in 2010.

This launch was unusual as BlackBerry chose to release ii different keyboards depending on your location – customers in the Uk received a standard numerical keyboard, while users in the US got a hybrid QWERTY keyboard.

We awarded the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland version 4 stars. Though information technology was less suited to typing out long emails than its US counterpart, the Pearl 3G 9105 remained a stylish phone with not bad connectivity and features.

What the reviewer said:

"As yous would expect, the lack of a QWERTY keyboard means the Pearl 3G is not exactly an ideal phone to use for tapping out longer emails, so if y'all're used to the keyboard on your current BlackBerry then this isn't the handset to upgrade to. Notwithstanding, the phone is apparently targeted at those who want a smartphone that doesn't look like a smartphone, but still retains all the same functionality".

Score: 4/5

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BlackBerry Bold 9900 (2011)

BlackBerry peaked in sales in 2011 and, looking back at our reviews from the time, nosotros can see why. We tested out six BlackBerry devices in 2011 (including two sliding phones from the BlackBerry Torch line) and just one impressed us enough to win four stars. It seemed BlackBerry's reign was coming to an terminate.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 was the best BlackBerry nosotros saw launch that year and information technology was a great i. The phone packed an splendid keyboard, impressive performance, a good touchscreen and new software, though even in 2011 our reviewer noted it couldn't quite stack up to what Apple tree and Android phones were offering at the time.

What the reviewer said:

"The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is just almost the perfect upgrade for existing BlackBerry users, bold you can live with the slight drib in battery life. The keyboard's first-class, the touchscreen'southward great, performance is stellar, and the new software adds enough too. What's more the limitations won't feel equally such if yous're used to previous BlackBerrys. Nonetheless, if you're looking at this phone as merely the best RIM currently has to compete with the iPhones and Androids of this world, then it doesn't quite stack up. Yeah, a lot of its limitations are just down to form factor simply however the screen is minor, the photographic camera isn't up to snuff, and the selection of apps is woeful".

Score: four/5

BlackBerry PlayBook (2012)

Amid a large number of disappointing smartphones, BlackBerry released an update to its PlayBook tablet line in 2012 that offered spider web browsing, video and e-mail features for but £169.

Notwithstanding, the brand struggled to offer the app support available on iPads and Android tablets.

What the reviewer said:

"And so what's the final verdict on the PlayBook and its 2.0 update? Well, at £169 BlackBerry has certainly got the pricing right, and with those essential features similar email now onboard, information technology tin can only be considered a bargain, even simply as a glorified portable video thespian and web browsing tool. However, it nonetheless remains to be seen if that app support volition arrive to brand this and future BlackBerry tablets 18-carat competitors with the iPads and Androids of this world, or if it'southward all also little too tardily".

Score: 4/5

BlackBerry Priv (2015)

After years of BlackBerry ten phones that failed to impress and the release of more than business-minded phones similar the BlackBerry Passport, BlackBerry fabricated an effort to bounce dorsum in 2015 with a renewed focus on security and the assistance of the Android operating system.

The BlackBerry Priv was a success, but a pricey one considering its competition at this indicate.

What the reviewer said:

"The Priv is the all-time BlackBerry telephone in over half a decade, but its functioning doesn't justify its cost tag".

Score: iv/five

BlackBerry DTEK60 (2016)

A year later, BlackBerry released another great, security-forward Android telephone with the BlackBerry DTEK60. The DTEK60 featured a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED brandish and a 21-megapixel camera, along with a more reasonable toll.

What the reviewer said:

"The DTEK60 is another leap dorsum to form for BlackBerry, and a keen mid-range phone".

Score: 4/5

BlackBerry Motion (2017)

While BlackBerry attempted to bring back the Bold keyboard in 2016 with the launch of the BlackBerry KEYone (and again in 2017, with the Key2), neither quite landed the way the BlackBerry Motion did in 2017.

The Move rounds off our list equally the last great BlackBerry telephone, earning 4 stars from us. While the BlackBerry proper name was no longer particularly relevant five years agone, the Motion offered a cheap and applied choice for those in demand of a reliable smartphone with a long bombardment life.

What the reviewer said:

"A solid Android smartphone for those tired of their phone's bombardment running out before 10pm".

Score: 4/5

Source: https://www.trustedreviews.com/opinion/rip-blackberry-a-timeline-of-every-great-blackberry-phone-we-reviewed-4194746

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