[radgirl]

Hi all,

I have been a LONG TIME BB user. But the time has come where I am no longer satisfied with what BB has been putting out. The Torch, IMO, was a huge disaster as I am on my 3rd unit in less than a year.

I went to the BB site and saw the 9860/9850 coming out. What does everything think so far? I went to the sticky and found mixed reviews. I don't want to buy another BB and be stuck with a phone and a company that is going down the tubes. Again, I love BB, but I don't see them as competition in the market place any longer.

So, this brings me to my next question. How do the 2 new BB phones compare to the iPhone 4 and possible the iPhone 5 with the release a month or so away? I'd love some real, solid comparisons. My upgrade is due soon and I can't take this lightly as I live and die by my phone.

Any thoughts and serious input would be most helpful so I can make a decision.

Thank all.

[Bonjour43MA]

I think you need to first figure out why you've stuck with BB for so long (as have I), because those reasons will determine whether the BB platform is still right for you, or if moving over to iOS will server you better.

For me, coming from an ex-Storm 1 and Torch 9800 user, this new 9860 is a DREAM to use. I never wanted the keyboard on the Torch 9800 and found the unit to be big and chunky, and the added weight was an annoyance as well. This new phone puts me back to where I feel comfortable (slim phone with big touchscreen) and fits my hand like a glove. I plan on getting an iPad sometime in the next 6 months so that will satisfy my Apps need and it will also replace my netbook PC.

Compared to the Torch 9800: The new phone is a lot snappier, smoother, quicker, and easier to type and navigate (on the touchscreen). People really need to give OS7 a try before writing it off because with the new hardware this is now a different experience for me. Everything just works and delays are minimal, if any. Phone quality over the speakerphone is definitely louder and better-sounding as well.

Compared to the iPhone4: I did a side-by-side with my buddy's iPhone4, mainly to checkout the system speed (moving around in menus), web browsing, pinch zooming, pictures, movies, and overall feel. I came out impressed because they felt identical, with the iPhone4 feeling ever slightly more refined (but not by a big margin at all). The major pro on the iPhone, obviously, are the apps. There are simply way too many available for the BBs to be comparable, and this leads to my main conclusion for people that's deciding between these 2 phones-

If your primary usage for the phone is for emails, texting, checking Facebook, using popular apps (weather, music, social networking), browsing, and phone calls, I would go with the 9860 and stay with the BB platform. The new hardware and OS7 really make this a new experience that is enjoyable. The only exception is that if you hate using virtual keyboards then you may want to checkout the 9900 instead.

If your primary usage for the phone is texting, Apps, games, browsing, Facebook, and other miscellaneous needs (random apps like RDP, Nike+, etc.), then you should probably move over to the iOS platform because it simply does those things better and offers more choices (apps-wise).

[DannyJK]

I think the 9860 is a great device. I've had it for over a week now and have had no problems other than jaw droppingly poor battery life, but soon found out it was due to user error and not the phone or battery. I now get great battery life! The phone will last a whole day of moderately heavy usage no problem. I've used an iPhone 4 and dont really like it and it definitely doesnt do what I want it to do as well as a Blackberry. As for Android, yeah their specs are impressive but the Telus rep I spoke to says he cant believe how many returns on the HTCs he gets compared to Blackberry. Also with specs like that the battery is bound to not last very long the android phones. Also my best friends iPhone 4 he barely uses and only gets about a day of battery life out of it, so Its not the greatest on battery life either. Then again with companies increasing processor speed and giving phones bigger screens doesnt help at all either. Battery technology hasnt budged in several years and until it does, were are likely to be hitting a hardware cap pretty soon.

[Bonjour43MA]

...other than jaw droppingly poor battery life, but soon found out it was due to user error and not the phone or battery. I now get great battery life! The phone will last a whole day of moderately heavy usage no problem.

Could you elaborate on this please? What did you do differently to improve the battery life?

Thanks!

[Vihzel]

I'd wait to see what the iPhone 5 has to offer. In terms of hardware, there isn't really any concrete specs besides having a dual-core processor (like on iPad 2) and an 8MP camera. People aren't even sure yet of what the name is going to be (iPhone 4S or iPhone 5). You're only going to be able to compare the 9850 to the iPhone 4 right now, but why would you when the iPhone 5 is going to be released next month? It's best to compare the 9850 to the iPhone 5 instead of a phone that's 14 months old now.

[DannyJK]

Could you elaborate on this please? What did you do differently to improve the battery life?

Thanks!

I dont mind elaborating one bit! You can read here:

Facebook wastes an ungodly amount of power!

And this one too!:

My Gripes...

But long story short, My phone got good battery life the first day using it, and the next, like, 4 days after that horrible life if I used the phone for ANYTHING and about 10%+ drain an hour at idle. Turns out Facebook was updating feeds every hour even though I thought I had it closed. Facebook is a greedy, hungry, gluttonous b!tch. After logging out of Facebook my phone got a little more than 24 hours life before going back on the charger and when I did put it on the charger it still had 25% life left. Granted about 6 of those hours were idle time but I used it fairly moderately. Hope this helps.

[FuzzyB]

I would rule out iPhone 4 at this point. The 5 is coming in a month. I too am trying to make a decision, however it's between the 9850 and the 9930. I didn't think I'd wanna go back to a qwerty keyboard but man that new bold is one awesome machine. If the 9850 isn't kick a$$ then I may be jumping back to the physical keyboard and the new bold.

Hi all,

I have been a LONG TIME BB user. But the time has come where I am no longer satisfied with what BB has been putting out. The Torch, IMO, was a huge disaster as I am on my 3rd unit in less than a year.

I went to the BB site and saw the 9860/9850 coming out. What does everything think so far? I went to the sticky and found mixed reviews. I don't want to buy another BB and be stuck with a phone and a company that is going down the tubes. Again, I love BB, but I don't see them as competition in the market place any longer.

So, this brings me to my next question. How do the 2 new BB phones compare to the iPhone 4 and possible the iPhone 5 with the release a month or so away? I'd love some real, solid comparisons. My upgrade is due soon and I can't take this lightly as I live and die by my phone.

Any thoughts and serious input would be most helpful so I can make a decision.

Thank all.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[xBlackBerry]

I would wait till the new iphone comes out and give that a try if you havent had anything but a blackberry you might not know what other phones have to offer. If you find yourself missing your BlackBerry then return the phone pay a restocking fee then get a BlackBerry.

[ratm68]

when the 9800 came out, it was already dated and barely kept up with the market. I have a 9800 and it took beta OS after OS to get it 'up to speed'. It still lags to competition IMO. I think/hope that the 9860 is what the 9800 should have been (and probably should have been release 2 yrs ago). As with teh 9800, i don't believe that BB release the 9860 to compete with future market release such as the iPhone5. It's the sad reality when I bought the 9800, and i think will be the case with the 9860, that BB release will continue to be a 'generation' behind with the market offering.

[Bonjour43MA]

when the 9800 came out, it was already dated and barely kept up with the market. I have a 9800 and it took beta OS after OS to get it 'up to speed'. It still lags to competition IMO. I think/hope that the 9860 is what the 9800 should have been (and probably should have been release 2 yrs ago). As with teh 9800, i don't believe that BB release the 9860 to compete with future market release such as the iPhone5. It's the sad reality when I bought the 9800, and i think will be the case with the 9860, that BB release will continue to be a 'generation' behind with the market offering.

I totally agree. Had RIM come out with the 9810's specs on the original 9800, they would've "caught up" with the market leaders last year in terms of overall user experience, web browsing, menu navigation, and usability. But... they didn't, and a lot of Torch 9800 users were left unimpressed and dropped their Berrys like hot potatoes. The Torch sold pretty well actually, and the majority of our BES users are on it right now.... I don't look forward to them getting their hands on the 9810/9900/9860 because I know they will all want to upgrade right away

For those of you that are writing OS7 and these new phones off, please do yourselves a favor and try them out at a store... you'll be pleasantly surprised! I haven't been able to leave my 9860 alone since I got it a few days ago because it's just so damn smooth and pretty to play with! lol and dont' even get me started on the browser... WOW. night and day difference compared to the 9800... pinch zooming, scrolling, etc... feels like the iPhone / Androids now

RIM has come a LONG way from the original Storm. I fired it up the other day and could not believe how slow and clumsy it was as it seemed barely usable next to the 9860 lol. I hope they can stablize their current user base with these new OS7 phones and really make a difference next year with their Qnx phones... otherwise they'll lose even more people, myself included.

[david9962000]

I'm in the same "boat", I'm hesitating between the 9860 & iPhone 4s.... I have a Mac and an iPad but I love BB's they're great for emails.

Anyone with a 9860. Tried a iPhone 4S and give an honest opinion? The regular sim and removable battery on the 9860 is nice. I believe AT&T is getting the 98X0 next month.

[waker]

I'm in the same "boat", I'm hesitating between the 9860 & iPhone 4s.... I have a Mac and an iPad but I love BB's they're great for emails.

Anyone with a 9860. Tried a iPhone 4S and give an honest opinion? The regular sim and removable battery on the 9860 is nice. I believe AT&T is getting the 98X0 next month.

I'd get the iphone4 if you get an iPhone. The 4s is hardly worth the money. The regular 4 costs like 50 bucks.
Sent from my Bolt via Tapatalk.

[montage]

One thing not many people talk about when comparing is the PRICE!

I wont have a iphone4s and went for the torch 9860 for one reason, and thats price alone.

The 4s would cost me just under double for less over 2 years. For those kinda figures i dont care how many apps i can download and not use again!

On another note i do think the 9860 is a real step in the right direction. Its lightning fast and is everything i love about BB.

[eclipse33]

I'm really pleased with my BB Torch 9850. Apps are starting to filter in for the new OS and I have no complaints. I would REALLY like to know how the sales of the 9850/9860 have been compared with the early Storm releases. I've NEVER seen any info as to how the acceptance of these new phones has been.

I've seen no promotion of these new phones, 'cuz I guess if they aren't Android or iPhone, the carriers don't seem to have an interest.

[emilylaurence]

iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, the latest gadget are terrifically made equipment that is capable to give you full unseen entertainment and full enjoyment all the time . These are really good that has several untouched technologies and interface that is good to experience. This also provide various other free iPhone deal that you don't get with 9860/9850 or any other models. So get it and enjoy the best as much you can.

[Thachoc1]

i wouldn't even bother to buy an iphone. just get an ipod touch, 4th gen or better, you get the cam, facetime, phone calls, and text messenging, oh did i forget to mention everything except Siri. Get real Apple is playing people left and right. What a joke. SMDH! Burns me up everytime I think about it.

[astraith]

Hi all,

I have been a LONG TIME BB user. But the time has come where I am no longer satisfied with what BB has been putting out. The Torch, IMO, was a huge disaster as I am on my 3rd unit in less than a year.

I went to the BB site and saw the 9860/9850 coming out. What does everything think so far? I went to the sticky and found mixed reviews. I don't want to buy another BB and be stuck with a phone and a company that is going down the tubes. Again, I love BB, but I don't see them as competition in the market place any longer.

So, this brings me to my next question. How do the 2 new BB phones compare to the iPhone 4 and possible the iPhone 5 with the release a month or so away? I'd love some real, solid comparisons. My upgrade is due soon and I can't take this lightly as I live and die by my phone.

Any thoughts and serious input would be most helpful so I can make a decision.

Thank all.

I don't know if you made your choice yet, but Windows Phone is a better choice going from BlackBerry. It has a better email program and a better browsing experiance plus if your on ATT then you'll have the new Titan 2 and Nokia Lomia 900 to choose from. Both are LTE devices too.

[frizodanizzo]

I used to love blackberry I had almost every model at one point from the old school scroll wheel ones, to the balls, then to the touch screen ones and ones with optical pads. I had one all the Way to the storm 2 loved it had it for a couple years and went to a newer bold. Mostly due to working in a shop that had metal shavings everywhere and all kinds of things to tear up a screen trying to send a text. I loved os 6 when it first came out but after a while there wasn't anything better really coming out just a phone slightly faster to run it. I ended up with a iPhone 4s I love it. I had two droids in between and they were pure garbage returned them both. I'm waiting till blackberry can wow me again before I'll stop using my iPhone for now. Emailing is awesome on here even with the touch screen.. Difference is this ones touch screen is highly more responsive than most blackberry touch screens. It's to hard to type touch on blackberry right now still, I hope with os7 something awesome happens, and some new touch screen comes out that's way more Responsive and clear as can be.

[RoseBud68]

@frizodanizzo

Your fist post since joining in 2009 is to drag up an old post to talk about how happy you are with the 4s... really. OPS has moved on, thinks it time you did the same....

[jegs2]

Holy thread necromancy, Batman!

[pinkvikchick]

weird, I just came from an iphone 4s to a torch. I missed blackberry sooo much, I've had a ton, thought I'd see what the iPhone was all about. It's nice...I say at least try it, if you don't like it, sell the phone on ebay or something and buy a torch. That is what I did.

[cgull]

I went from a droid running froyo to a 9850 and love this phone. Also am much more productive. My wife has the iphone4 and it doesn't appeal. Much more swiping and work to get things done.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9850 using Tapatalk

[koncoberry]

*i am eager to join the conversation*

Been using XDA2 for 7years (2002-2009) then switch to curve8320.....looove the push email n BBM

Switch to Tour9630 in 2010...Trackball issues

Then to bold9700...love the battery life

Then the 'poisonous virus' of iphone hit me to use iphone4 for a WEEK...miss BB sooo much. Sold it n bought ipad1

As for the BB....switch to 9860

Battery life sucks..yes. But due to poor connection in Indonesia. Dont blame the device, blame the connection. Memory leaks, indeed. But acceptable. Never had a critical memory (<50megs)

Althou i had offten time of typo, but then again, i had to blame my fatty fingers (LOL)
Typo as well in the iphone

As for the apps..l know idevice have waaaay better 3rd party apps, but back to the basic needs..i need my BB to do emailing, BBMing (if you do business n indonesia, you'll know that BB is essential) and lite browsing. If i want to do funny stuff n hardcore browsing, that's when my ipad cmoes in handy.

I know that i can get better combo of torch-playbook to do that but then again, i need thefunny stuff (lite apps, gaming, emags, etc) and even iphone cant satisfy my eyes due to e screen size, and the apps in playbook is not that 'play'able



FYI,
at 1st lauch, 9860 sold at about $500, 9900 at $600, 9810 at $550
Last week i was shocked to see the prices...9900 down to $580, 9810 stays, 9860 drops to $380

Looks like the terms 'blackberry is qwerty' sticks too much in indonesian's mindset

[hernanstafe]

I come from having an iphone 4s now I have a 9860, and I have to say i'm more than happy with it. Now let's admit it. The iphone has twice the processing power, it's a better multimedia and gaming device, but after having many high end phones, i've come to conclude that the BEST devices to communicate are blackberrys, because after all, let's not forget we're talking about cellphones here. BB's may not have as many apps as android/iphone, but when it comes to making calls, and mesagging, there's no compare. The only complain i had about the 9860 when i first bought it was the rather bad battery life, but i've found a way to tweak that and now works flawlessly. Now, don't get me wrong, the iphone is an awesome device, i just think bb and iphone are meant for different type of users.

[jegs2]

Would be nice if the 9850 came with native software that prevented face-dialing/muting/hanging-up, but don't know if iPhones have the same problems or not.