BlackBerry Storm2 9520 review
Expert Rating:
Customer Rating:
- electromechanical sensors
- expensive
After much ado and hype the new BlackBerry Storm2 9520 will be showing its face today. Vodafone jointly with Research In Motion will be introducing the nextgen phone to the whole world. In UK, this all touch screen phone will be available from today. The BlackBerry 9520 is a sequel to the original Blackberry storm, which was launched back in November last year. A mobile enthusiast who had dreamt of buying the ever popular Apple iPhone 3GS, but couldn’t do so with his limited means saw the original Blackberry Storm as a suitable substitute. This phone became a rage, and at times the supply could not keep pace with the demand. With time, the hype seemed to be lost. Users started realising that it was merely a ‘substitute’ and couldn’t match the extraordinary iPhone.
The hype finally had to die down and the original Blackberry Storm did not do too well. The major drawbacks were short battery life and not-so-good hardware built inside. After learning a lesson, both Vodafone and Blackberry have again come together to unleash the second phone – the all new Blackberry Storm2 9520. This handset has been released along side the BlackBerry Bold 9700.
Blackberry Storm 2 9520 – Why is it better?
Well to be honest the sequel looks quite akin and alike the original but, comes with an improved performance. The touch screen in Blackberry Storm2 9520 measures around 112.5 x 62.2 x 14 mm and weighs approximately 160 g. The new Storm is a little heavier than the original one. It owes its unusual picture quality to the TFT display, which supports 65,000 colours in a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels. The screen size is 3.25 inches. The electro mechanical actuator makes interaction with the device easier and faster unlike the original Blackberry Storm. Additionally, the wonderful touch screen also supports multi touch facility. Dual touch facility simply means faster typing. It is as simple as just clicking a button. The keys in the new version are more real as their clicking is more audible. In the earlier version of Storm the process was tedious and it seemed like clicking one huge button. The familiar QWERTY keyboard is a welcome change in this version to the much joy of the users. One does not have to try very hard to find out the numbers. To get a feel of the change the users have to try their hands on the new Blackberry Storm 2 9520.
Blackberry Storm 2 9520 Review – The sleek design
The amazingly sleek design definitely makes Blackberry Storm2 9520 a very attractive buy. The new look is more compact and refined. Though it is very much identical to its older version the new look and feel is definitely more sleek and attractive. Rounded sides and the less use of chrome on its sides make it more savvy and sophisticated as compared to Blackberry Storm 1. The keys have been imparted on the screen to impart a professional look. The design has been made tighter to reduce the space between the handset and the display lessening the scope of accumulation of dirt and other foreign agents. The volume, command and voice button have been rubberised from the metal version for more comfortable and easy use. The major deviation of Blackberry Storm2 9520 is the difference in the movement of power buttons from their predecessors. The red call button in the earlier model is used to just lock the handset in the latest Storm 2 version.
Blackberry 9520 Review – Extraordinary visual experience
Early reviews opine that the difference between Blackberry Storm 1 and Blackberry Storm 2 9520 are merely cosmetic. But on examining in depth, one realises that it is definitely more than just mere cosmetic ones. The new Storm 2 is simply excellent for video playback as it supports MP4, 3gp, H.264 and WMV files. The clarity and sharpness of the images are really impressing. Blackberry Storm 2 9520 comes with a huge storage capacity. The 2GB internal capacity can be further expanded through additional MicroSD™ memory cards. Now, storing contacts, images and videos is a no hassle for the mobile users. The in-built media player can also take MP3, WMA and AAC files. The 3.2 megapixel camera comes with a LED flash and auto focus.
Blackberry Storm 2 9520 – A unique SatNav device
The inbuilt GPS in Blackberry Storm2 9520 is an additional feature introduced in this new version. This smart phone can easily be used as a portable SatNav device. The images captured and videos recorded can be geotagged making it easy to identify the location. Many Google applications like the Google maps; g-mail can be easily accessed with this mobile.
Blackberry Storm 2 9520 – With a new WiFi
The WiFi has been included in the revamped model of the Storm version. This new feature adds to the functionality of this mobile and the most ‘asked for’ feature since this was absent in its predecessor. With the WiFi, the Storm 2 also supports the HSDPA mobile broadband with GPRS and EDGE. The presence of Bluetooth® helps in the local connection. With the help of a data cable and Micro USB connector, it is easy connecting the device to any personal computer. The inclusion of WiFi is definitely a Thumbs Up!
The Blackberry Storm2 9520 is definitely a worthy successor of the original Blackberry Storm 1. One has to go deeper to learn about the benefits and efficacy of the functionalities. The RIM and the Surepress Technolgies used in this version have definitely added to the benefits of the new touch screen. RIM has replaced the large plates under the screen with four small sensors. These small sensors locate the users touch more accurately than Storm 1. Even the harshest of critics agree that the all new Blackberry Storm2 9520 is all out to impress the mobile enthusiasts with its functionalities. It is a sure way to make up all the damage that was done by the original version.
BlackBerry Storm2 9520 specification
- 3.2 Mega-pixel camera with Autofocus, Camer Key, Image Stabiliser, Camera Settings & Flash
- Video Recorder & Video Streaming
- Video Player with H263, H264, MPEG4 & WMV formats
- 3.2 inch LCD TFT Touch Screen display with 65k colours & 360 x 400 pixels
- Music player with MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WMA & WMA ProPlus formats
- MP3, MIDI & Polyphonic Ringtones
- Microphone & Speaker
- SMS, MMS & Instant messaging
- Wireless Email, Email with Attachments & Integrated Email Accounts
- Downloadable Games
- Personal organiser with Phonebook, Alarm Clock, Clock, Calendar & To Do List
- Call Log, Conference Call & Vibrating Alert
- Built-in handsfree speaker
- GPS Navigation with A GPS & BlackBerry® Maps
- QWERTY Keyboard with Touch Screen
- Auto Rotate Screen
- BlackBerry® Operating System
- SureType® Portrait
- Touch Screen Navi SurePress™
- Password protection & Screen Lock
- 256 Megabytes of Flash Memory, 2 Gigabytes of memory & MicroSD™ memory slot
- 3G HSDPA, WLAN WiFi®, Bluetooth® & USB Connectivity
- GPRS & EDGE Technology
- Quad band 1900 GSM, 1800 GSM, 900 GSM, 850 GSM &: HSDA 2100 Networks
- HTML Web browser
- MySpace® & Facebook® Compatible
- GSM Talk Time 5 hrs
- 3G Talk Time 6 hrs
- GSM Standby Time 305 hrs
- 3G Standby Time 280 hrs
- Size 14 x 62.2 x 112.5 mm
- Weight 160 grams
BlackBerry Storm2 9520 consumer reviews
Read what other thought of the BlackBerry Storm2 9520. Why not add you own BlackBerry Storm2 9520 review by clicking the Add your Review tab above.Reviewed by simon bolt from london, UK on 01 January 2010
Rating:
Okay, but seen betterwould not recommend this phone.
i have had the unfortunate experience of having to get more than 1 storm 2 as the screen kept freezing the experience I had also involved bad reception even though other users on the network were fine within the home, therefore could not use wifi
not a good buy
BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Deals
Currently there are no deals available for the BlackBerry Storm2 9520. Below are some Blackberry deals for other handsets that may interest you.| Phone | Price plan | Minutes | Texts | Line rental | APM average per month | Go To Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 18 mth contract |  Online 30 | 400 | 1000 | £29 | £0 |
£98
more info |
 24 mth contract |  BlackBerry Storm2 9520 on Orange Dolphin 15 (24mths) | 100 | Unlimited | £15 | £0 | FREE PHONE  |
 24 mth contract | BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Orange Dolphin 15 (24mths) | 100 | Unlimited | £15 | £0 | FREE PHONE |
 24 mth contract | BlackBerry Storm 2 9520 + Line Rental Discount on Orange Dolphin 30 (24mths)  | 600 | Unlimited | £30 | £0 | FREE PHONE |
 18 mth contract | Online 45 | 1200 | 1000 | £44 | £0 | FREE PHONE |
 12 mth contract | Dolphin 30 | 200 | 300 | £28 | £28 | £100 more info |
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