BlackBerry 8520/8530 Curve (Gemini) Review

The BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8520 Curve, code-named “Gemini” once upon a time, is the first in a new family of optical trackpad-toting smartphones from RIM. Back in the days of the 8700, many old-schoolers cried foul when their beloved jog wheel was to be replaced with a trackball in the original Pearl 8100, but most welcomed the new input with open arms – after all, it was certainly worth a slight loss in precision for something way cooler, right? It didn’t take long for apps to take advantage of the multicoloured LEDs inside the Pearl, then manufacturers to pump out customized trackballs when those lights were replaced with straight white ones in newer models.

Aside from occasionally getting grit stuck underneath, the trackball had a good run on BlackBerry, supporting devices all the way through the latest Tour and Curve models. Now we’re on the brink of similar transition, this time with trackballs exiting stage left. Based on what we’ve seen of the upcoming Onyx, and supposedly the updated Wi-Fi Tour, the trackpad will be the new standard for BlackBerry, with the odd SurePress device thrown in for kicks.

Now, the BlackBerry 8520 isn’t what you’d call the higher-end of the Curve line, but the slick new design does carry it a long way. Hit the jump for the full review!

Update: The BlackBerry 8530 is now out on Sprint (NYSE: S) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and though it’s largely the same as the 8520, it merits a few extra points. Check them out in the conclusion.

By Research In Motion ($129.99/free from T-Mobile (NYSE: DT))

• 2.0MP Digital Camera
• Video Camera Capabilities
• Supports BlackBerry App World
• 256MB Flash Memory
• Wi-Fi enabled
• Bluetooth enabled
• Multimedia Player
• Wireless Email
• Organizer
• Browser
• Phone
• SMS/MMS
• 4.29 inches (109 mm) x 2.36 inches (60 mm) x 0.54 inches (13.9 mm)
• Battery: 1150 mAHr removable/rechargeable cryptographic Lithium cell, 4.5 hours talk time, 17 days standby
• Quad-Band: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks

Pros
Slick new design
Affordable
Trackpad fantastic

Cons
Poor camera
No GPS
Mediocre display

Related News from IntoMobile:

• BlackBerry Curve 8520 Announced for AT&T
• BlackBerry 8900 Curve Cracks Signal Similar Issues with 9630 Tour?
• BlackBerry Curve 8520 Coming to India August 7th
• Price Drops on Rogers BlackBerry Bold 9000, Curve 8900 and 8520
• BlackBerry 8520 Curve Found on Vodafone UK, Storm 2 Confirmed