BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone

Photo: P2u111 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

BlackBerry

BlackBerry Bold 9900

August 2011 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The BlackBerry Bold 9900, released in August 2011, was a premium smartphone known for its iconic physical QWERTY keyboard and responsive touchscreen. Running on BlackBerry OS 7, it offered a blend of traditional BlackBerry features with modern touch capabilities, making it a favorite for business users and messaging enthusiasts.
Display2.8-inch TFT, 640x480 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655
Main Camera5 MP with 720p video recording
BatteryRemovable 1230 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $250

💰 BlackBerry Bold 9900 Price

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 lowest price is $250, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size2.8 inches
Resolution640 x 480 pixels
ProtectionN/A

Platform

OSBlackBerry OS 7.0, upgradable to 7.1
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon
CPU1.2 GHz
GPUAdreno 205

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), up to 32GB
Internal8GB storage, 768MB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP, LED flash
FeaturesGeotagging, face detection, image stabilization
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1230 mAh
Talk timeUp to 6 h 30 min (2G) / 5 h 50 min (3G)
Stand-byUp to 307 h (2G) / 307 h (3G)
Music playUp to 50 h

Body

Dimensions115 x 66 x 10.5 mm
Weight130 g
BuildPlastic back, stainless steel frame
SIMMini-SIM
KeyboardQWERTY physical keyboard

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP
PositioningGPS, with A-GPS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedMay 2011
StatusAvailable
Release DateAugust 2011

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent physical QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing.
  • Durable and premium build quality with a stainless steel frame.
  • Intuitive and secure BlackBerry OS 7 for productivity.
  • Compact and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in one hand.
  • Unique blend of physical keyboard and touchscreen interaction.

Cons

  • Small screen size by modern smartphone standards.
  • Outdated operating system with no support for modern apps.
  • Limited camera performance compared to contemporary devices.
  • Short battery life, especially with heavy usage.
  • 3G connectivity only, lacking modern LTE speeds.
★ Our Verdict

While a groundbreaking device in its time for combining a physical keyboard with a touchscreen and offering a premium experience, its outdated operating system and hardware limitations significantly hinder its utility in today's smartphone landscape.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is now a vintage device, primarily appealing to collectors, enthusiasts, or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Do not expect modern smartphone functionality, app support, or high-speed internet. If purchasing, prioritize units in excellent cosmetic condition with a working battery, as replacements can be scarce. Be aware that BlackBerry services have largely been discontinued, impacting core functionalities like BBM and email. Consider it a secondary device for its unique typing experience rather than a primary smartphone.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • BlackBerry Bold 9900 Handset
  • Battery
  • Wall Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Stereo Headset
  • User Manual

As an older, discontinued model, new units are unlikely to come with a manufacturer's warranty; refurbished units may offer limited seller warranties.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the BlackBerry Bold 9900 released?

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 was officially released in August 2011.

Does the BlackBerry Bold 9900 have a touchscreen?

Yes, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 was notable for being the first Bold series phone to feature both a physical QWERTY keyboard and a capacitive touchscreen.

What operating system does the BlackBerry Bold 9900 run on?

It runs on BlackBerry OS 7.0, which was upgradable to BlackBerry OS 7.1.

Can I still use modern apps on the BlackBerry Bold 9900?

No, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 runs on an outdated operating system (BlackBerry OS 7) that does not support modern Android or iOS applications.

What is the camera quality of the BlackBerry Bold 9900?

The phone features a 5-megapixel rear camera with an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video. It does not have a front-facing camera.

Is the battery of the BlackBerry Bold 9900 removable?

Yes, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 comes with a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery.