BlackBerry Torch 9810 Vs BlackBerry Torch 9800

Coinciding with its release of its new operating system, Canadian manufacturer RIM is introducing updates to many of its portable smartphones including the BlackBerry Torch. We compare how the upgrade compares to the previous iteration.

BlackBerry Torch 9810 vs BlackBerry Torch 9800

Dimensions and Form

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – 111 x 62 x 14.5mm, 161g
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – 111 x 62 x 14.5mm, 161g

Comparison – The two versions are identical in terms of build. RIM has decided the design BlackBerry Torch is just fine the way it is, with its angular chassis and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It’s what’s underneath the skin that counts, as the two pack vastly different hardware and software.

Winner : Draw

Display Screen

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – 3.2 inch TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen, 360 x 480 pixel resolution
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – 3.2 inch TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen, 480 x 640 pixel resolution

Comparison – Ostensibly both the build and the display of the two phones are carbon copies. Put aside one another with the screen off, and it would be difficult to discern which is the newer model. However, flick the screens on and you will notice the Torch 9810 has a march sharper resolution, with a pixel density of 250 pixels per inch as opposed to the 187ppi on the 9800.

Winner : BlackBerry Torch 9810

Storage Capacity

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – 4GB of internal storage, 32GB Micro SD
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – 8GB of internal storage, 32GB Micro SD

Comparison – Once more the Torch 9810 offers more under the hood with twice the storage capacity as its predecessor. Each device supports Micro SD cards up to 32GB with a standard 4GB card included in the package.

Winner : BlackBerry Torch 9810

Processing Power

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – 624MHz processor, 512MB RAM
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor with Adreno 205 GPU, 768MB RAM

Comparison – With the Torch 9800, RIM was forced to carefully optimize version OS 6 to provide a serviceable device in lieu of poor processing power. In contrast, the Torch 9810 has the ability to brute force through applications with a 1.2GHz processor, supplementary GPU, and increased RAM.

Winner : BlackBerry Torch 9810

Operating System

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – BlackBerry OS 6
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – BlackBerry OS 7

Comparison – The BlackBerry Torch 9810 comes equipped with the new OS 7, which provides a more comprehensive operating system than the previous model. Although some of the additions have been later tacked on to version 6, such as the notifications bar and menu tabs, other added features like HTML5 and javascript support really work better on the new platform.

The native browser is also faster and is enhanced by a voice activated search tool and pinch zooming. The BlackBerry Balance suite, unique to version OS 7, allows users to separate personal and professional data. Version OS 7 hopes to reinvigorate the platform and provide competition for juggernauts like Android and Apple.

Winner : BlackBerry Torch 9810

Camera

BlackBerry Torch 9800 – 5 MP primary cameras at 2592 х 1944 pixel resolution
BlackBerry Torch 9810 – 5 MP primary cameras at 2592 х 1944 pixel resolution

Comparison – The cameras on each smart phone are identical, in terms of specs and resolution. In terms of features, they are mostly the same with the exception of face detection and multi-shot on the 9810. The newer model also has video capture up to 720p as opposed to VGA quality on the 9800.

Winner : BlackBerry Torch 9810

BlackBerry Torch 9810 vs BlackBerry Torch 9800 Conclusion

The Torch 9810 solves many of the problems with the earlier model, such as a flawed processor and less than optimal software. The added storage capacity and enhanced display also make the Torch 9810 an attractive upgrade over the 9800.