BlackBerry Torch 9800

Photo: edans / Enrique Dans via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

BlackBerry

BlackBerry Torch 9800

August 2010 6/10 Rating
In brief: The BlackBerry Torch 9800 was a pioneering smartphone released in August 2010, notable for being the first BlackBerry to combine a sliding physical QWERTY keyboard with a multi-touch touchscreen display. It ran on the new BlackBerry OS 6, offering an improved user interface and web browsing experience.
Display3.2-inch TFT touchscreen (360x480 pixels)
ChipsetMarvell PXA940 624 MHz processor
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
BatteryRemovable 1270 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $2,499 in International

💰 BlackBerry Torch 9800 Price in United States

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 price in Sri Lanka is Rs. 44,242. The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $2,499, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique sliding QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen design
  • Improved BlackBerry OS 6 with better browser and user interface
  • Solid and robust build quality
  • Ideal for users who prefer physical keyboards for typing

Cons

  • Smaller screen and lower resolution compared to contemporary competitors like the iPhone 4
  • Lacks a front-facing camera
  • Relatively bulky and heavy for a smartphone
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to iOS and Android at the time
  • Processor performance lagged behind some rivals
★ Our Verdict

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 offered a significant step forward for BlackBerry with its hybrid design and improved OS, but its hardware specifications, particularly the display and processor, lagged behind some contemporary competitors.

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is a vintage smartphone, primarily appealing to collectors or those nostalgic for the classic BlackBerry experience. It is not suitable for modern daily use due to its outdated operating system, limited app support, and slow performance compared to current devices. If considering a purchase, expect to use it as a secondary device for its unique form factor and historical significance. Ensure any unit purchased is unlocked and in good working condition, as official support and parts are no longer readily available. Be aware that many modern web services and applications will not function on BlackBerry OS 6.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone
  • Removable Li-Ion battery
  • Battery door cover
  • Wall charger
  • 4GB microSD card
  • User manual

Original manufacturer warranties are expired; current purchases typically come with limited reseller warranties for refurbished units.