Key specs
Critic reviews
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“In keeping with tradition the Curve 8530 is a very solid performer when it comes to call quality. Callers rated us as an 8.5/10, saying that we sounded very clear but that they could tell we were on a cell phone. On our end they sounded good as well, although a bit quiet. Callers sounded very close as well, as if they were sitting right next to us. The 4.5 hours of talk time is a noticeable departure from the original Curve’s 6 hours, especially since they use the same battery.The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8530 is a fine phone, and all things being equal it’s a perfectly acceptable refresh of the 8330. Call quality is good and the OS runs buttery smooth. However, at the current $99 price point we’d spend the extra $50 on the Tour if we had to have a BlackBerry, or pick up more capable phones like the Droid Eris and Palm Pixi for the same price.”
“We’re really torn about the Curve 8530. On one hand we think it’s a great little smartphone that will please a large number of people at the somewhat decent price of $99.99 on a 2-year. The only problem is that you can get something like the BlackBerry Tour 9630 with a better keypad, display, camera and international support for a few dollars more, if even that (we found a bunch of online retailers offering both the 8530 and 9630 for free on contract this morning). Of course the “upgrade” to the 9630 would come at the price of Wi-Fi and that oh-so-sweet optical trackpad. So what’s our final word? Go the your local dealer and take the Curve 8530 for a spin. If you like it, great. Go nuts and buy it. But if you don’t, by all means get something else. Just don’t say it’s not a capable smartphone.”
“In a sector where devices grow up and grow old fast, the Curve 8330 is definitely aged and ready for retirement. Luckily, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is more than ready, willing and able to step into the 8330's shoes to handle the task of being the entry-level BlackBerry of choice for Verizon.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
5 ratings so far
The curve is a great phone to me, perfect for me too. I would say the bold would be a better phone but it is a little more expensive. The phone is also good for teenagers. I do have a few problems just with the camera because it is not the best but it has zoom and that is great. The phone is easy...
For me, this is a great phone. I get all of my email and Facebook guickly, often before my computer does. I have big hands, it took a day or two to learn to use the key-board, but now it is fast and simple. The phone itself is easy to use and has a fast learning curve. The nav-aids are accurate a...
Best phone in Canada right now if you use data, and want to save some $$. You have to pay $100 but you are not under any contract and I have a $30 plan. 50 mins, unlimited text, unlimited social (facebook, msn, yahoo, email, gmail, twitter, you name it) If you are low on the $$ then get this phone.
In Depth
The Blackberry 8530 offers newcomers to the world of RIM an entry-level device that doesn’t feel entry-level at all.
If you’ve decided to upgrade to a smartphone then the BlackBerry 8530 may well persuade you to take the plunge. In addition to the heavily sculptured, contoured QWERTY keyboard, 320 x 240 pixel display and solid build materials, the BlackBerry 8530 offers the next step in trackball evolution: the trackpad.
The original BlackBerries featured an effective trackwheel, located on the right side of the device, which allowed you to scroll through the then super-modern icons and select an application. Eventually RIM moved to a much more powerful trackball, located in the center of the device, and offering better tactile response and increased directional functionality.
Now RIM has introduced the trackpad, which retains the location and functions of the trackball, but eliminates problems that came with the trackball, such as dust, dirt, and other impediments affecting the smooth operation of the interface.
In addition to the new trackpad, you get Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G speeds. Throw in a powerful 528MHz processor, expandable memory, a full suite of native applications to get you started, a 2MP camera, video record, MP3 player, etc., and you have a powerful device that can help you work and play with the best of them.
There are many reasons for the cult of fans and brand loyalty that has built up around RIM’s line of BlackBerry smartphones, and if you want in on the secret the BlackBerry 8530 is a great way to start.
What people actually want to know
When was the BlackBerry 8530 Curve released?
The BlackBerry 8530 Curve was released on November 5, 2009.
How long does the battery last on the BlackBerry 8530 Curve?
The BlackBerry 8530 Curve has a 1,150 mAh battery.
Does the BlackBerry 8530 Curve have a headphone jack?
Yes, the BlackBerry 8530 Curve has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I download the BlackBerry 8530 Curve manual?
You can view and download the BlackBerry 8530 Curve manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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