Blackberry 8520 Review, Blackberry 8520 Handset

Blackberry 8520 Review
17 Points Looks - Review BlackBerry 8520 Looks (Max 20 Points) The BlackBerry 8520 handset has that trademark horizontal screen with full Qwerty keyboard beneath it. The company may not have started the full QWERTY trend but they sure made if their trademark and this is no different with the 8520. This is one area where the budget for the handset truly shows, though. We did not like the plastic construction and this handset did not look classy compared to other BlackBerry and QWERTY handsets with similar styles. Still, we like this type of keyboards so we did not give the handset the lowest point we could give. Besides, you get colour options that you will surely like. 12 Points Features – Review BlackBerry 8520 Features (Max 15 Points) The BlackBerry 8520 handset aims to be the fun handset coming from BlackBerry. In fact, it has dedicated music keys and a good music player. It also comes with a touch-sensitive trackpad, 256MB internal memory (expandable for up to 32GB), WiFi, a 2MP camera, HTML browser, and organiser. This BlackBerry 8520 review did not garner high points for the handset in this area because we know that we can find better features on other budget smartphones these days. 10 Points Ease of Use – Review BlackBerry 8520 Ease Of Use (Max 10 Points) This handset is pretty much straight to the point when it comes to usability. Perhaps because this brand is for the corporate types and these kinds of people really don't have time to test the waters with some things. They have better things to think about and they need their devices to be easy to use. 5 Points Battery – Review BlackBerry 8520 Battery (Max 5 Points) Now we used the BlackBerry 8520 handset all day for several days when we had it with us so the battery just about ran out at the end of day 2. But this does not mean that the juice level leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, in real life, we are certain that this handset will last for about a week with normal phone usage. 4 Points Applications Review BlackBerry 8520 Applications (Max 5 Points) Since this is a RIM handset, there is a world of BlackBerry apps out there for you to enjoy. You can download them straight to your BlackBerry 8520 handset. However, when we did this BlackBerry 8520 review, we kept wishing that it had 3G so that we could do the apps downloads faster. But then, if you have a BlackBerry plan with good data services, you can still connect to the Internet and have your fill of apps. The best apps, of course, were those related to social networking. 4 Points Internet - Review BlackBerry 8520 Internet User Experience (Max 5 Points) This handset does not get full points because it doesn't have 3G. It has EDGE and WiFi but 3G connection still makes a great deal of difference in this day and age of Internet mobiles. 3 Points Internet Speed – Review BlackBerry 8520 Internet Speed & Connection (Max 3 Points) As we mentioned, we would have liked 3G on this handset. Surprisingly, though, the browser is fast. Even though it looked rather simple with features that do no excite us, the browser did its job. 5 Points Texting - Review BlackBerry 8520 Text Messaging Experience (Max 5 Points) This handset comes with an SMS feature that is easy to use. The message editor has all important things you need to know how many characters you have left, etc. 9 Points Menu – Review BlackBerry 8520 Menu Usability / Controllability (Max 10 Points) The menu is easy to navigate but it is not the prettiest thing in the world. If you have seen other smartphones and have admired their graphic-based menu, you will not be happy with menu of the BlackBerry 8520. It is on text and will make you feel that you have been left behind by the rest of the world, in terms of technology aesthetics. However, we must stress again that the menu really is easy to use. It helps that the keys are responsive, too. 10 Points Features Usability – Review BlackBerry 8520 Main Feature Usability (Max 10 Points) This handset will not win any beauty contests (physically and interface of features) but we have to admit that it has features that are quite lovely to use. 4 Points Enjoyment – BlackBerry 8520 Reviewer's Enjoyment (Max 5 Points) There are many things we would have wanted this mobile to have but we kept reminding ourselves that this is only a budget BlackBerry. However, once you get to know its features, we gather that this is a mobile that you will not mind having for a couple of years on contract. 1 Points - Like / Dislikes (Max 2 Points) We must say that we are lukewarm about this because the mobile could be better. For the same price range, you can find a better smartphone from other manufacturer. However, it really does have features that you can live with and learn to enjoy for a budget BlackBerry. 89% Review - Final Thoughts on the BlackBerry 8520 Considering its price tag, we have to say that we are contented with the overall performance of the BlackBerry 8520 handset. We can't really fault it for its weaknesses because it was obvious that the manufacturer was working on a set budget. With that said, we will still consider this handset for a pay monthly plan because there are great affordable plans out there for this handset. In fact, for only £15, you can have this handset free and enjoy great credits. Of course, it is best that you choose a plan that comes with unlimited Internet so that you can enjoy going online on the go. Write A Review Submit A Comment