BlackBerry Curve 9380

The Rise and Fall of the BlackBerry Curve 9380: Remembering the Last Curve Model

The year is 2011. The smartphone industry is booming with new technology and innovative features being introduced almost daily. Amidst this fast-paced and competitive landscape, one company was trying to hold onto their once-dominant position in the market – BlackBerry.

Announced in November 2011 and released just a month later in December, the last BlackBerry Curve model, the 9380, entered the scene with high hopes. It boasted an upgraded operating system, impressive processing power, and a sleek design. As BlackBerry fans eagerly awaited its arrival, the Curve 9380 seemed to be the device that would bring the company back to its former glory. However, despite its promising features, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 was ultimately discontinued. Let's take a look at the factors that lead to its rise and eventual fall.

The Rise

As the last Curve model from BlackBerry, the 9380 had a lot to prove. And on paper, it seemed to have everything going for it. It was powered by BlackBerry OS 7.0 and boasted an 806 MHz CPU, making it faster and more efficient than its predecessors. The phone also had 512MB of internal storage and RAM, which at the time, was considered more than enough for the average user.

But perhaps the most significant selling point for the Curve 9380 was its design. The smartphone had a slim and compact body, measuring at just 109 x 60 x 11.2 mm and weighing 98g. It was also the first Curve model to feature an optical trackpad instead of the standard trackball, giving it a more modern look. The 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 360 x 480 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio was also a significant improvement from previous models, giving users a better viewing experience.

The Fall

Despite its promising features, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 failed to make a mark in the highly competitive market. And there were a few reasons for this. One of the most significant factors was the phone's operating system. BlackBerry OS 7 was already a few years old in 2011, and it lacked the features and flexibility that rival systems like Android and iOS offered. As a result, the Curve 9380 was already at a disadvantage when it came to app compatibility and user experience.

Furthermore, the smartphone lacked a front-facing camera, which was becoming a standard feature in most flagships at the time. The 9380 also only had a 5MP rear camera, which performed poorly in low light settings. This made the phone less appealing to users who were looking for a more versatile device.

Another major setback for the Curve 9380 was its lack of 4G connectivity. At a time when the competition was already offering 4G speeds, the 9380 only had 3G capability, which made it seem outdated in a rapidly advancing market.

The Fall's Toll

Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Curve 9380's lackluster performance and outdated features led to its eventual discontinuation in 2011. This last Curve model was an underdog in a market dominated by other smartphones, particularly the iPhone and the growing popularity of Android devices. The 9380's failure was a significant blow to the once-renowned BlackBerry brand and marked the beginning of its downward spiral.

In the years that followed, BlackBerry tried to redeem itself with the launch of new devices, including the Z10 and the Passport. However, it was never able to regain its former status and market share, especially with more advanced competitors continuously emerging.

Today, the BlackBerry brand is still around, but its focus has shifted from smartphones to software and services. And while the BlackBerry Curve 9380 may not have been remembered as a high-performing or groundbreaking device, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of BlackBerry fans as the last Curve model ever released.

In conclusion, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 may have been the last Curve model, but it was also the end of an era for the brand. Its rise and fall are a reminder of how quickly the market can change, and how even a once-dominant company can struggle to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry. So, let's remember the BlackBerry Curve 9380 for what it was – a valiant effort to revive a beloved brand.

Latest BlackBerry Curve 9380 Specs and Prices

LAUNCH

• Announced:  2011, November. Released 2011, December
• Status:  Discontinued

PLATFORM

• Operating System:  BlackBerry OS 7.0
• CPU:  806 MHz

MEMORY

• Card slot:  microSDHC (dedicated slot)
• Internal:  512MB 512MB RAM

DISPLAY

• Type:  TFT
• Size:  3.2 inches, 31.7 cm2 (~48.5% screen-to-body ratio)
• Resolution:  360 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~188 ppi density)

BODY

• Dimensions:  109 x 60 x 11.2 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.44 in)
• Weight:  98 g (3.46 oz)
• SIM:  Mini-SIM - Optical trackpad

MAIN CAMERA

• Single:  5 MP
• Features:  LED flash
• Video:  480p

SELFIE CAMERA

• -:  No

BATTERY

• Type:  Removable Li-Ion battery (JM-1)
• Stand by:  Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 360 h (3G)
• Talk time:  Up to 5 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 40 min (3G)
• Music play:  Up to 30 h

CELLPHONE NETWORK

• Technology:  GSM / HSPA
• 2G bands:  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• 3G bands:  HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100
• Speed:  HSPA

SOUND

• Loudspeaker :  Yes
• 3.5mm jack :  Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

• WLAN:  Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UMA (carrier-dependent)
• Bluetooth:  2.1, A2DP, EDR
• Positioning:  GPS, A-GPS
• NFC:  Carrier dependent
• Radio:  No
• USB:  microUSB 2.0

FEATURES

• Sensors:  Proximity - MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLACplayer MP4/H.264/WMV player Organizer Document viewer Voice memo/dial Predictive text input

MISCELLANEOUS

• Colors:  Black
• SAR:  1.38 W/kg (head) & & 0.77 W/kg (body) & &
• SAR EU:  1.09 W/kg (head) & & 0.59 W/kg (body) & &
• Price:  About 120 EUR

Disclaimer: Specifications shown may be different from the actual product. We cannot guarantee that the information provided on this page is 100% correct. This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice.