Research in Motion today announced the launching of the
BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 in the Philippines. The Curve 3G is an update to the popular and more affordable
BB Curve 8520.
The Curve 9300 3G replaces the Curve 8520 which now supports faster 3G connectivity and will be available via local carriers this November.
BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 specs:
2.46″ screen @ 320×240 pixels
256 MB internal memory
3G/HSDPA
up to 32GB via microSD
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1
2MP camera
GPS w/ aGPS support
Li-Ion 1150mAh battery
Aside from the connectivity update, there’s nothing much new to this handset but makes it a bit closer to the more expensive BlackBerry Bold 9700. As for the design, it’s the same form factor although the back panel has been changed from leather pattern to pimpled surface.
The units they showed today still have the BlackBerry OS 5.0 but RIM execs tell us it is version 6.0 ready so once the OS is ready, it should be easy to update the handsets via OTA, including the Bold 9700. Unfortunately, the Curve 8520 will not support version 6.0.
As for product pricing, RIM is leaving it up to the carriers to announce the retail price. Heard Globe is getting first dibs. The Curve 3G should go between Php15k to Php20k.