The keyboard: The BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G's physical QWERTY keyboard is good, but it is not the best. Although its raised buttons are preferable to the flat slide out keyboards found on the phones like the Motorola Milestone and Samsung Genio Slide, it is more spacious than the slider on the new BlackBerry 9800 and the Curve 3G lacks the sharply angled keys of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and is a little easier to fudge. We found you have to be quite careful to hit the right keys, although in time this will become easier as you get accustomed to it. Automatic text correction are generally intuitive, saving you the frustration garnered by the iPhone, for instance, which militantly corrects intentional mistakes and does not allow for context when correcting punctuation. Potty mouths will be glad to hear you can swear away to your heart's content on the BlackBerry Curve 3G.
The Optical Trackpad: The optical track pad gives you more freedom to move the cursor around the web page than a D pad would, although it did tend to be overly responsive, making selecting a little link a real hassle. It also comes in handy when you want to select text to copy and paste on the BlackBerry Curve 3G, as you can grab massive chunks of text in one quick swipe.
Connectivity: It is often a little easier on the headphone connection if it is located on the top or bottom of the handset; particularly if you will be storing the handset in a pocket. You might think, given the location of the media playback controls on the top pane of the BlackBerry Curve 3G, this might have been a sensible place for the headphone jack too. Since it is a 3.5mm connector, you will have the freedom to use a wide range of headphones.
Moving on to the name game of connectivity, the BlackBerry Curve 9300 phone offers Wi-Fi and GPS along with 3G network that RIM has included for namesake.
User Interface: If you had used the BlackBerry OS 5 handset previously, then you will be right at home on the BlackBerry Curve 3G’s interface. The home screen icons can be customised to be made entirely of your most uses apps, functions and web shortcuts. Additionally, the entire main menu is easy to organise into folders. This user interface shares numerous similarities to Windows desktop PC software. Though, the menu is made up of rows of icons, there are webs of text based menus to navigate through within the applications. They are made up of options to adjust settings, carry out functions and kill applications. These menus can be intimidating for those who are new to the whole BlackBerry experience, as it can be quite confusing to be faced with an endless list of options when all you want to do is, for instance, write a new text message.
Ease of use: Because of these menu webs, it is not as easy an interface to get to grips with as those of iOS devices like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G, but there are comparisons to be drawn with the Android handsets like the HTC Wildfire. The good news is that, the level of customisation is lower, but the basic principle of easy access to your favourite applications is the same. And, it is worth noting that the OS will be updated in the near future, so you will be able to have a greater home screen customisation to fiddle with. While the multiple home screens will give you more space, you will be able to assign widgets as opposed to the app launching shortcuts.
Calling: Many of the standard functions of the Curve 9300 phone are extremely easy to launch. To make a call you can either hit the call button, or simply start typing a number or name of a contact from the home screen, and then it is just a case of selecting the one you are after and hitting 'Call' or the BlackBerry button to bring up the menu of options including SMS, MMS and email. Yet another handy option for the time strapped super caller is to assign speed-dial keys. With a full QWERTY keyboard at your disposal, you have over twenty six buttons to play with, although A, Q and W are already assigned to the other essential handset functions like lock keys, change profile to vibrate and call voicemail respectively.
Messaging difficulty: The only thing that seems to be overly complicated on most BlackBerry handsets, though, is when you have launch a new email or SMS message. Instead of just going into your inbox and being presented with an obvious option to compose a new message, you have to launch the internal menu by hitting the BlackBerry button, then scroll down through the list of options until you find an option reading 'Compose SMS'. This just seems like a couple of steps too many, especially for such a straightforward task. We should note that you could also launch an SMS to a specific contact from within the address book although this might not come as naturally to anyone making the leap from a 90’s phone to a smart one.
On-board Apps: The RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G Smartphone does come well-stocked with on-board apps though. Along with the traditional calendar, notebook, clock and calculator apps, you will be able to get going with Windows Live Messenger straight away. There is also a suite of office-based apps – Word To Go for reading and editing word processed documents, Sheet To Go for spreadsheets and Slide To Go which, unsurprisingly deals in slideshows. If you are sentimental about your text messages, then you may appreciate a handy little app called ''Saved Messages" to which you can, save messages that matter to you separately from your inbox. Of course, you will also get an array of BlackBerry games on board the BlackBerry Curve 3G. From the illustrious BrickBreaker to the frustrating WordMole, they will keep you busy on the commute if you forget your book.
The phonebook: The phone book is a very serious affair. Although you can assign photos to contacts, these don't show up in the phonebook's list view, so it's very text-heavy. We are not able to find an easy way to sync our Facebook contacts with our BlackBerry contacts, which is a little remiss in this day and age; particularly for a youth orientated handset. To compensate it, you will approximately have thousand contact options when setting up new contacts, from nicknames, job titles and home and work addresses, to birthdays and even relevant web pages. As you can imagine, this might be information overkill for the casual user, but if you are syncing the handset with your Outlook account, then much of this data may be automatically saved by the BlackBerry Curve 3G. Grouping contacts into relevant groups is an easy enough job too, one of which can be your favourite contacts if you like. However, it does not make them any easier to access, but if you regularly email or text the same group of people, it could save you a bit of fiddling about. There is no need to enter the contact book at all if you do not fancy it.
Camera: The camera on the BlackBerry Curve 3G is poor. The two megapixel camera has nothing special about it, and even lacks the flash and auto focus functions that are found on the higher-spec BlackBerry Bold 9700. When you launch the camera app, the only options that you are offered onscreen are to zoom in or out, and take the picture. In order to fiddle around with the limited options, you have to click the BlackBerry button and enter another of those text heavy menus. Here, you will be able to play around with the white balance, picture size and its quality, as well as opt for monochrome or sepia options if you are feeling a bit old school. It is really nice to have the sepia and monochrome options, we suppose, but they do smack of being token options, and almost highlight the limited amount of features the camera offers. To zoom in and out, just roll a finger across the optical track pad.
If you decide to take a snap in a landscape position, then you can use the shutter button on the side of the handset, but if you are after a portrait shot then click the optical trackpad. Unless you are really quite firm with the button, you will find yourself zooming when you already had the shot nicely framed up; this is a real annoyance on several occasions. It is not rocket science to know that the zoomed in images lose a lot of quality. This camera is not too bad at handling colours. While the camera struggles with the close-up shots it handles long shots much better. The images are not massively crisp, either, which is no more than we would expect from a 2-megapixel camera. It is suffice to say, this is not the ideal handset for shutterbugs. The BlackBerry Curve 3G does not do too badly handling a lot of light. As you might expect, it seeps into the whole image, but the dark areas do retain a suitable amount of contrast. It is also worth noting that the 2 megapixel camera lacks the flash, and so, the low-light photography is very much miss and not a whole lot of hit.
Video recording: Similar to the still camera mode, video recording on the BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 offers the most basic customisation. The only options provided are between two sizes including normal or a smaller MMS size, and colour effects like normal, black and white or sepia. One of the features we did appreciate, however, is its ability to pause recording then continue. Rather than leaving us with a bunch of little video files needing editing together on a PC. Like the still camera, the video camera's ability to handle bright colours is not bad, but you do still get that unreal gloss over objects like flowers. Differentiating between similar colours is a bit of a struggle for the BlackBerry Curve 3G. It is a shame that you cannot zoom while filming. You have to decide on your zoom before hitting record, otherwise you will be forced to manually move closer to your subject. Mailing of the videos works fine as long as the file size is not too big, and any video clip over about 30 seconds will need to be transferred by USB instead.
The browser: The browser on BlackBerry OS 5, which will be running on the BlackBerry Curve 3G at launch, is notoriously rubbish. It is quite slow to open the web pages, even slower to render images, only offers one tab at a time and is generally a bit of a pest to use. Even though the screen puts in a valiant effort to display as much of the webpage as possible on non mobile sites, it ends up offering you a birds' eye view. By which we mean a view of a load of coloured blobs on a screen. You really have to make good use of the zoom function in order to see smaller images and read any text. Zooming in to get a better view of text tends to be quite smooth, although we were often left with extremely jaggedy pixellated images after a zoom-in. In fact, some websites rendered very pixellated, and even dedicated mobile sites suffer this same fate. Sharing of links is quite easy, and you are given an option for this in the browser's menu. RIM has also given you the option to send the link in an email, via SMS, MMS or BlackBerry Messenger. The other standard feature is the inclusion of bookmarks, and you can sort these by named folders to keep things tidy.
Messaging: Moving on to the all important messaging, the Curve 3G has its bases covered. As you might from any handset in the BlackBerry family, the Curve 3G features enviable email capabilities and BlackBerry Messenger for instant messaging other BlackBerry users for next to nothing. All the messaging options including the traditional SMS, MMS and email is very easy to set up, having it integrated into the handset at every opportunity. You also have the option to set the default option for each contact to be email rather than calling, if you wish to do so. We do not have to remind you that the BlackBerry handsets have always excelled at email. Setting up a webmail account is as easy as inputting your address and password. The options include Gmail, Yahoo and Windows Live addresses. As and when you set up your email addresses, you will be able to opt to have your contacts for each synced with your address book. As with most of the other BlackBerry handsets, including the Bold 9700, you have the option for your SMS and MMS messages to be routed to a universal inbox that also receives emails from each of your accounts. This makes it easy to check all your accounts at once, although it can be a little annoying if you are not sure which account has received which messages.
Some of the other killer messaging functions in the Curve 3G are the ones that all other BlackBerry handsets offer, including the BlackBerry Messenger or, as the kids call it, BBM. This is a real boon, especially for the cash strapped user; you will be able to save your text messaging pennies for the friend who do not own a Blackberry and BBM other BlackBerry users for no charge if you are on a BlackBerry plan. If you have plans of moving to the BlackBerry Curve 3G from another BlackBerry handset using the same SIM, the Curve 3G will set up your existing account and disable the one on the old handset.
Backup: Gone are the days when you will not be able to use BlackBerry Desktop Manager with Apple Mac computers, now you can quite happily back-up, restore and sync your BlackBerry Curve 3G, even if you are completely without any PC. The software is pretty straightforward to use, much easier than the complicated, non-intuitive efforts from the likes of LG and Samsung. You can pick what playlists to sync to your BlackBerry Curve 3G in an iTunes-like interface likewise with calendar events, contacts, notes and tasks. Creating a backup file is just a process of two clicks, and if you are in the secret service or just a bit paranoid, then you can encrypt your essential data from within the Manager. It is really disappointing that the Desktop Manager does not include a quick and easy way to import your images and videos, though, and there is no overview of your applications already stored on the handset.
Music playback: BlackBerry OS 5 is not known for its brilliance in the media arena. While the BlackBerry Curve 3G does display track information and album artwork, the music player is very basic. It does offer you the option to shuffle or continuously play albums, artists and tracks, however. The other notable features in the field of multimedia are the ability to either build your own playlists or command the BlackBerry Curve 3G to create an automatic playlist featuring artists of your choosing. There is no FM radio available, so have to make sure you have plenty of music tracks to listen to. The music quality is average even through the high quality Sennheiser in-ear headphones; but be happy that it is at least than the BlackBerry Curve 3G's built-in speaker, which is tinny and awful. You can also control the media player by using the buttons on the top of the handset. This controls both the audio and video players.The audio files are supported include MP3, AMR-NB, AAC-LC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Flac, Ogg Vorbis.
Video playback: The Video playback is not particularly brilliant quality on that 320 x 240 pixel screen, but the video player is quite nippy, and it skips happily between clips. If you do not have much stored on the handset, you can visit YouTube within the mobile browser; we would recommend sticking to the Wi-Fi to do this. The video formats supported on the BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G Phone include MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV9. The image gallery displays all your photos in a pleasing thumbnail layout, but viewing them on such a small, low-quality screen is not exactly satisfying. Uploading images to Facebook and other social networking apps is very simple, there is an option in the internal menu for that. However, there is no such option for sending videos to social networks though. You have to share them via the traditional way of email or Bluetooth. It is true that this is not the best handset for anyone looking to video blog on the go. If that is the case, we would point you in the direction of the iPhone 4 for its front-facing camera, or the Sony Ericsson Vivaz which records in HD and makes sharing videos super easy.
Maps: The native Google Maps app on board the BlackBerry Curve 3G is not the worst we have seen. A recent update has vastly improved matters. Getting directions between locations has suddenly become much easier; it is just a matter of simply filling in clearly marked boxes with your destination and locations. Although the maps are accurate and much easier to use after the all important update, the maps could still be a little slow to load when you are out and about and relying on the 3G network. The compass, however, is brilliant; it is quick, accurate and easy to navigate by. It is just as well that Google Maps come pre-loaded, given the monstrousness of BlackBerry's own native maps app, which is clunky, confusing, slow and generally makes life difficult for the user.
Connectivity: Using the 3G in areas of good reception is a breeze. When the signal is full, downloading is a quick and easy matter, browsing the web was not too painful, social networking apps updated quickly and emails were in and out of our inboxes like hipsters to a Starbucks. Too bad, that as soon as signal drops a notch, the handset becomes a little unstable; it becomes very frustrating and unreliable. Luckily the Wi-Fi fares much better, there are no problems maintaining a signal, and web based services are notably quicker. The Bluetooth connection is also fine, and the BlackBerry Curve 3G does offer A2DP connectivity, so you should be able to use wireless headphones with no problems.
Battery: The Blackberry Curve 9300 3G Phone lasts two full days on one full battery charge, and it gets very touch-and-go towards the end of day two. It is just about in line with what RIM has stated for the handset's battery life; it offers 4.5 hours of talk time, 29 hours of music playback or 19 days of standby time. Speaking physically, the battery is tiny, which no doubt helps the BlackBerry Curve 3G retain its low weight.
Box contents: The box and accessories are pure RIM. A charger with UK/EU adaptors, stereo headset, data cable and a user guide.
Warranty: The BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 comes with 1 year warranty for parts and labour. Verdict: Like its fellow Curve handsets, the BlackBerry Curve 3G is one of RIM's highly capable handsets aimed at a more youthful, fun-loving consumer than the traditional business customer. It is quite similar to the rest of the Curve range, including the BlackBerry Curve 8500 with which it shares its external media controls. The design is slightly updated, though, and the 3G connectivity gives it an edge. The BlackBerry OS 6 update, on its way to the handset in the coming months, will set it apart from older models like the rest of the BlackBerry Curve range. You can find the Curve 3G online for free on a £20-a-month, 24-month contract. You can also pick it up for around £280 SIM-free.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 is quite a decent smart phone. Its new QWERTY keyboard is likable, though it is not as good as the Bold 7000. Without any questions, the messaging and email tools of this BlackBerry are top notch. The call quality and reception is just top notch. With the BlackBerry OS 6 upgrade imminent, the interface can only get better, and we are looking forward to advanced media features, meaning we can take full advantage of the physical media buttons atop the Curve 3G. On the other hand, the screen has a comparatively low resolution is one of the ways that RIM is able to keep the cost of the handset down, but for media fanatics it just will not cut it. The 2 megapixel camera is woefully restrictive. Similarly, the clunkiness of the menu system and the onboard browser will frustrate until you can upgrade the software. For a mid range handset, the BlackBerry Curve 3G stands up well. If you are after an email machine with occasional web browsing and a spot of media playback, then it will suit you down to the ground without costing you a fortune and with BlackBerry OS 6 just around the corner, things can only get better.
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BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 Smartphone - Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | RIM |
| Model Name | BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 |
| Announced | 2010 |
| 3G Network | Yes |
| Form factor | Candy bar |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 4.29 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches |
| Weight | 104 grams |
| Display Type | Transmissive TFT LCD |
| Display Resolution | 320x240 pixel colour display |
| Colours supported | Over 65,000 colours |
| Input and Navigation | Trackpad located on front face of device, ESC key to the right, Menu to the left, Full QWERTY keyboard with backlighting |
| Voice input and output | 3.5mm stereo headset capable, Integrated speaker and microphone, Hands-free headset capable, Bluetooth® headset capable, Integrated Hands-free speakerphone and M3, T3 Rating for hearing aids |
| Speakerphone | Yes - 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Phonebook Memory | Yes |
| Call records | Yes |
| Memory | 256 MB flash memory/256 MB SDRAM |
| Card Slot | Expandable memory - Support for microSD card |
| Tri-band UMTS networks | (800/850)/1900/2100MHz and 900/1700/2100 MHz |
| Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks | 850/900/1800/1900MHz |
| 3G | HSDPA |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g WPA / WPA2 Personal and Enterprise Cisco CCX certified Wi-Fi® access to BlackBerry Enterprise Server Wi-Fi access to BlackBerry Internet Service Support for UMA |
| Infrared | No |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth® v2.1; Mono/Stereo Headset, Hands free, Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) and Serial Port Profile Supported. Bluetooth Stereo Audio (A2DP/AVCRP) |
| Camera | 2MP camera, Fixed focus and Video recording |
| Features | 3G network support, Optical trackpad, Full QWERTY keyboard, Simultaneous voice and data, Email and text messaging, BlackBerry® Messenger, Instant Messaging, Phone, Browser, Camera and video recording, Wi-Fi, GPS, Media player, Organiser, Bluetooth, and Tethered modem |
| Video Format | MPEG4, H.263, H.264 and WMV9 |
| Audio Format | MP3, AMR-NB, AAC-LC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Flac, Ogg Vorbis |
| Ringtones and Notifications | Tone, vibrate, on-screen or LED indicator, Notification options are user configurable and 32 Polyphonic Ringtones - MIDI, MP3 |
| OS | Blackberry OS6 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email and Instant Messaging |
| Browser | HTML |
| Radio | No |
| Games | Yes + downloadable |
| Colours available | Black |
| GPS | Built-in GPS functionality Includes BlackBerry® Maps |
| Device Security | Password protection Keyboard lock |
| Battery Type | 1150 mAHr removable/rechargeable lithium-ion cell |
| Battery Standby | up to 19 days, UMTS - up to 14.5 days |
| Talk time | up to 4.5 hours, UMTS - up to 5.5 hours |
| Warranty | One year |
