The BlackBerry Curve 9380, released in December 2011, stands out as one of the few full touch-screen devices in the Curve series. Equipped with a 3.2-inch display, 5 MP camera, and powered by BlackBerry OS 7.0, the Curve 9380 was designed to appeal to users who wanted the BlackBerry experience with touch functionality. Its compact size, 512MB RAM, and 806 MHz processor make it suitable for everyday tasks, while its long-lasting removable Li-Ion battery provides ample power for both work and entertainment. In this review, we will explore the design, features, and performance of the BlackBerry Curve 9380.
BlackBerry Curve 9380 Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100, HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA |
| Launch Date | November 2011, Released December 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 109 x 60 x 11.2 mm |
| Weight | 98 g |
| SIM | Mini-SIM, Optical trackpad |
| Display Type | TFT, 3.2 inches, 360 x 480 pixels (~188 ppi) |
| Operating System | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| CPU | 806 MHz |
| Internal Storage | 512MB, 512MB RAM |
| Expandable Storage | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Main Camera | 5 MP, LED flash, 480p video recording |
| Selfie Camera | No |
| Battery | Removable Li-Ion battery (JM-1), Up to 5 hours 40 min talk time |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UMA (carrier-dependent) |
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| NFC | Carrier dependent |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Proximity |
| Colors Available | Black |
| Price | About 120 EUR |
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Curve 9380 features a slim and lightweight design, weighing just 98 grams. With dimensions of 109 x 60 x 11.2 mm, it fits comfortably in hand and pocket, making it ideal for users seeking a compact smartphone. The standout feature is its 3.2-inch touch-screen display, which is rare for the Curve series, traditionally known for physical keyboards. The device has a mini-SIM slot and comes in a black finish, offering a sleek and minimalist design. While the TFT display might not be as vibrant as modern screens, its resolution of 360 x 480 pixels provides a decent visual experience for everyday tasks.
Display
The 3.2-inch TFT display with a 360 x 480 resolution offers a pixel density of 188 ppi, which, while not cutting-edge, is sufficient for tasks like web browsing and reading emails. The screen-to-body ratio of 48.5% makes the device look smaller compared to the display sizes of modern phones, but its compact design remains one of its key selling points. The display contrast ratio of 863:1 ensures acceptable color clarity, though it struggles under bright sunlight.
Performance
Powered by an 806 MHz processor and 512MB RAM, the Curve 9380 is capable of handling basic tasks such as messaging, browsing, and running light apps. However, it may struggle with multitasking or running more demanding applications. The BlackBerry OS 7.0 provides a smooth and intuitive user interface, though the app ecosystem is limited compared to Android and iOS. Features like BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and built-in email support make it a useful device for productivity.
Camera
The 5 MP rear camera on the Curve 9380, paired with an LED flash, allows users to capture decent photos, though image quality decreases in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 480p video recording, which was standard for a mid-range phone at the time of its release. The lack of a selfie camera limits its utility for users who enjoy video calls or taking front-facing photos.
Battery Life
The removable Li-Ion JM-1 battery provides up to 5 hours and 40 minutes of talk time on 3G and up to 360 hours of standby. Its 39-hour endurance rating is fairly modest, so users may need to charge the device more frequently depending on usage. However, for light to moderate use, the battery life is sufficient for a full day’s work.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Curve 9380 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access and includes Bluetooth 2.1 for data transfer and wireless audio streaming. GPS and A-GPS provide positioning support, while NFC is available depending on the carrier. The device does not come with a radio, but it does support media playback with formats such as MP3, eAAC+, WMA, WAV, and FLAC, making it a capable music player.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Curve 9380 offers a combination of touch-screen functionality with the reliable BlackBerry OS 7.0. Its compact size, 5 MP camera, and basic processing power make it ideal for users who are focused on communication and productivity rather than multimedia or gaming. Although its limited storage and modest display quality may not appeal to power users, it remains a solid choice for those who appreciate the BlackBerry ecosystem and need a budget-friendly device for basic tasks.
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
