RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520
The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520 is an entry-level smartphone available from T-Mobile for $129.99 with a two-year contract. However, you can also get the device at Wal-Mart for just $48.88 with a two-year new agreement or a qualified upgrade.
New design
The Curve 8520 is probably most notable for its design since it brings a couple of new tricks to the table: an optical trackpad and dedicated media keys.
Curve 8520 vs. Curve 8900
The overall look of the Curve 8520 is similar to the Curve 8900, and the two models actually share the same measurements at 4.3 inches tall by 2.3 inches wide by 0.5 inch thick. The Curve 8520 is a smidge lighter, but we thought the phone felt slightly plasticky.
Optical track pad
Replacing the trackball navigator is the optical trackpad. Though we weren't huge fans of the one on the Samsung Omnia, we have to say the transition from the trackball to the optical trackpad on the Curve 8520 was quite easy. Aside from the difference in feel (flat versus spherical), it wasn't much of a change.
Display
The Curve 8520 features a 2.46-inch TFT display that shows 65,000 colors at a more lowly 320x240-pixel resolution, so it's not quite as sharp as some of the screens we've seen on the latest BlackBerrys.
External controls
The dedicated media keys are located on top of the device (track forward, back, play/pause). On the right side, you get a volume rocker and a user-programmable button. The aforementioned controls are slightly different in that there are slight bumps along the surface rather than the traditional buttons you're used to seeing on a BlackBerry.
Pocket friendly
You'll have no problem slipping the sleek BlackBerry Curve 8520 into a pants pocket or a purse.
QWERTY keyboard
The Curve 8520's QWERTY keyboard is pretty similar to the 8900's. The buttons are pretty small and packed close together, so users with larger fingers might have some problems at first.
Camera
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 features a 2-megapixel camera with video-recording capabilities and a 5x digital zoom.
Decent picture quality
Picture quality was pretty good. Images were clear and colors, while not the most vibrant, didn't have a weird orange or grayish tone like some other camera phones.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?