BlackBerry Curve 8330 Hands-On: Sprint vs. Verizon
April 2nd, 2008 by Mark Spoonauer
We’ve told you about all the specs for these two smart phones, but it was nice to be able to hold them in our hands and check out some of the new features in person. Unfortunately, neither of the two 8330’s were activated when we swung by RIM’s both at the Pepcom event at CTIA, but based on first impressions we still think both versions will attract a big following.
The first thing you notice about these devices is how different they look, with the Sprint version sporting a darker titanium finish and the Verizon version going with the more conservative liquid-silver aesthetic.
The home menus are also different; the Verizon version has a more traditional and subdued desktop dock along the bottom of the screen compared to Sprint’s slightly more animated vertical row of icons, complete with a Sprint Speed sunburst for branding. Of course, you can change these graphics, but you can definitely tell Sprint is trying to skew a bit younger and hipper with its 8330.
What both devices share is GPS capability and EV-DO connectivity, as well as 3.5mm audio jacks. Too bad the memory card slot is still behind the battery on both 8330’s. We also noticed two new applications: a video recorder and a voice note application (you can store this audio and video to microSD).
It seemed minor at first but another notable improvement is the friendlier fonts being used in applications like e-mail and the web browser. Text is now much easier to read and more modern looking. We can’t wait to take these Curves for a test drive.
Just look at these pictures.
The Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330 sports a cool metallic finish and a minmalist-chic home screen.
Both the Sprint and Verizon 8330 can record video at 15 fps.
We really like the friendlier and bigger look of the text when reading and composing e-mails.
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April 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 am
Never pass on a Curve.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:42 am
Agreed!…………
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
I SO LIKE WHAT I’M SEEING. JUST CURIOUS THE KEYBOARD DOESN’T LIGHT UP IN THE DARK? DOES ANYONE KNOW…
April 8th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I will be getting the Curve with Sprint!
April 8th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
does anybody notice that in the first pic the blackberry is a 8310….and i will be getting the curve with sprint
April 11th, 2008 at 4:34 am
i wish the curve with sprint was titanium
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 am
Sprint offers both Titanium and Black/Dark Gunmetal I believe.
I’m thinking of going with the sprint curve with the far cheaper plans, roaming with verizon anyways + free roaming and no proprietary verizon bs.
Opinions?
April 26th, 2008 at 12:54 am
When is sprint launching the curveeeee im dieing of impatient
April 30th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Does anyone know the exact date when the curve will be out for Verizon Wireless? Thank You
May 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Verizon Curve is supposedly available online by May 9 and at brick & mortar by th 12th.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I am a 10 year suscriber to Verizon. I have 5 phones for family and spend tons with them each year. The question/comment that I have is why would anyone purchase a Curve from VZ when ATT has a more featured (gps enabled) phone for $150.00 bucks less? I hate to admit it, but ATT is kicking VZ. Better phones, packages…..and most importantly, better pricing. I have been waiting on the Curve for weeks, expecting VZ to be competitive in price, but seems that my wait was in vain. Oh, I just got an email from Costco you can purchase a ATT curve there for $49.99. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Long time VZ lover….thinks he might go over to the dark side. SAME FREAKING PHONE!!! $200.00 bucks more? FOR WHAT?????? Ok…time to take meds…
May 10th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Regarding ATT vs Verizon
ATT’s digital service is still behind the times in comparison to VZ and Sprint. ATT should be where VZ is within the next 5 years… ???
VZ and Sprint have the most modern technology, well, Sprint has the MOST modern technology, but VZ is also using a mashup of old school mixed with CDMA and I doubt a consumer will notice a difference between Sprint and VZ.
But this is where the comparisons end, because VZ has some proprietary issues - so that leaves us with Sprint - CDMA, EVDO, and finally a half decent phone (lol). Oh and it’s at a lower monthly cost.
There’s your breakdown.
m1
July 29th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I have had either 3 or 4 of the htc moguls (thru Sprint) and a Palm Treo 755 (still Sprint), all in the last nine months. I am out of my office a lot and rely on email and messaging to communicate with courts and my office. The last 9 months have been miserable because each phone has been a nightmare. Does anybody have experience with heavy use of the 8330. Sprint is sending one of those next. I think they are tired of seeing me!