[Deathcommand]

([Writers note] I'm bored on a trip. Don't judge me.)

This is a small guide to the differences between a 9900 and 9930.

Before you continue understand the differences between GSM and CDMA networks.

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GSM networks are the ones that need SIM cards to work. They are convenient because with a sim card, you can easily switch between phones. Examples that use GSM networks are T-Mobile, AT&T, Rogers, and most of the other networks around the world.

CDMA networks are the on phones that DON'T have sim cards. They are good because generally the towers have longer range than the GSM counterparts. To switch phones, the carrier must activate it. Examples include Sprint, Verizon and Metro PCS.

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Both phones have the same amount of Processing power. Each at 1.2 Ghz with a snapdragon processor. They each have a little over 700 megabytes of RAM, and each has the same camera with flash.

However, the differences are in the Networks.

The GSM phone can technically use internet at HSPA+ speeds (the slow HSPA+ speeds but faster than 3G). But this isn't the most interesting part.
Another note. There are 3 different 9900s. They don't all have the same Networks. For example. I think a Telus 9900 will not work on AT&T but a Rogers 9900 will. Keep that in mind.
The 9900 has GSM, which has been shown to use battery more efficiently. So it will probably have more battery life than the 9930.

The 9930 has CDMA so it can be used on Sprint and Verizon. But it can also be used on GSM networks if you travel abroad.

Just choose the one for your network.

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[Culex316]

One note...even though the 9930 supports GSM as well, like the Storms and the Tour/Bold 9650, it would (presumably) only get EDGE in North America but pick up 3G/HSDPA in Europe/Asia.

[anon(52425)]

Thanks for sharing :-)

[technik1]

[The 9930 has CDMA so it can be used on Sprint and Verizon. But it can also be used on GSM networks if you travel abroad.]

Thanks for this info. Im getting a VZ 9930.

When I travel to Europe do I just pop in a SIM card from there?
Will I need to unlock it first?
Will I pay VZ roaming if I use a Euro carrier SIM card?

[BergerKing]

If Sprint and Verizon follow the 9650 release, they issued them unlocked. I would expect the 9930 to be the same.

VZ roaming applies if you're on VZ CDMA and roam onto another CDMA network. A prepaid SIM you'd be off the VZ network and on the Prepaid.

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[bossyboyjp]

i will be travelling to LA/ SF on the 26th and plan to pick up a few 9900 or 9930.
i am based in Japan and currently use the 9700 with the ntt docomo network.
does anyone here know what phone i should buy? i would need to buy outright so VZ seems to be the cheapest... but this means a 9930 and i not sure what would happen if i brought it back.

i would appreciate anyone's advise on this.

[Sp1d3rX]

if i will use 9900/9930 in Asia, are there any differences if i use GSM sim card?
9900 support HSPA+ while 9930 does not?

[Ben1232]

Thanks Deathcommand I have been waiting for a detailed post regarding this subject.

I have just taken delivery of a 9900. (I came from a Torch 9800) Big difference in performance.

If I remember correctly, one / some of the US carriers will not offer the 9930 with NFC ???

[nyc_rock]

If Sprint and Verizon follow the 9650 release, they issued them unlocked. I would expect the 9930 to be the same.

VZ roaming applies if you're on VZ CDMA and roam onto another CDMA network. A prepaid SIM you'd be off the VZ network and on the Prepaid.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

False. VZ 9930 is locked and you will need a VZ international roaming plan. Option, unlock it (google search required) and then you can use a pre-paid local sim.

[Deathcommand]

Edited to include the Blue.

Confusing but yeah.

[Craterz]

The 9930 is not strictly a CDMA phone. It also supports GSM networks.

9930 networks:
CDMA: 800, 1900
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS: 900, 2100


9900 networks (AT&T I believe):
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS: 800, 1700/2100, 2100

The 9930 is a world phone, btw, and will work in Japan as well as other Asian markets. Although, a 9900 may be better suited in some areas. Japan networks do support CDMA but in my experience the coverage is spotty at best. Whenever I visit Japan I set my network to only accept GSM 3G/2G networks. I currently have a 9550 Storm2 and the supported networks as compared to the 9930 is very similar.

It would be best to contact your carrier and determine which unit best supports their networks.

As mentioned by others, the 9900 comes in different flavors for slightly different network support.

Hope that helps.

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[chaddeus]

In terms of GSM network, they are both the same so no worries to that. The only difference is the UMTS network and support for CDMA.

The 9930 is significantly cheaper than the 9900 in Asia which wonders me why people would pay an extra $150 USD to get the 9900 rather than the the 9930 since not much countries is using the 1700MHz frequency.

If you take a look at the UMTS frequency used in your country, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks, it seems only some networks in North America and Japan is using the 1700MHz frequency for their 3G.

So to conclude, it might be just a smarter buy to get the 9930 rather than the more expensive 9900 if you are living outside those countries that uses 1700MHz frequency.

- Charles

[spark032207#WN]

^What he said... Took the words out of my mouth.

[nic_ryan]

Since the Blackberry 9930 is a CDMA/GSM phone does it have a SIM Card slot as CDMA phones don't use SIM Cards? Someone please answer my question as I'd like to buy the Unlocked 9930 online and use it in my country, which is in the Caribbean and my Service Provider uses SIM Cards; GSM.
PLEASE don't bark off my head and insult me for asking. Thanks in advance to anyone who provides any assistance.

[audio_engr]

When I look at the sticker pasted on the box of my 9900, this is what I see :

BlackBerry 9900 smartphone
model: RDE71UW RDE72UW RDV71UW RDV72UW RDY71UW RDY71UW

BlackBerry 9930 smartphone
model: RDU71CW RDU72CW

And out of those 6 variants for 9900 and 2 variant for 9930, one is crossed indicating my model version.

So, I guess there are all these versions available from RIM with various permutations / combinations of Radio Frequencies specific to different regions around the world.

[Deathcommand]

That is interesting. Can we get a list of all the sticker things?

[nic_ryan]

Oh ok..Thanks..But does the 9930 have a SIM Card slot? So I can use my Cable&Wirelress SIM Card in the phone in Barbados?

[Deathcommand]

It does but the bands may not match. Just because it has a simcard slot doesn't mean it will work. For example, ATT phones can use tmo phones, but only on 2g. Same way if you try a tmo phone on att.

[mssca]

Just to add to the confusion; there are CDMA phones with SIM cards in Asia. Both GSM and CDMA can have SIM.

[FF22]

Verizon will unlock the simcard/slot if you've had a Verizon account for a certain time period and your bills are current. Call their Global offices and ask to unlock. I did it last week with my new 9930 - just in case.

[Deathcommand]

Just to add to the confusion; there are CDMA phones with SIM cards in Asia. Both GSM and CDMA can have SIM.

I give up. My mind has been fried.

.

[nic_ryan]

Thanks Everyone who responded for the help! Greatly appreciated. I believe the 9930 will work here in Barbados, but only on 2G.

[Deathcommand]

I think what you should do is fine out what frequencies your network uses, then buy a 9900 that matches those frequencies. I would think that the 9900 would be easier to use than the 9930 on a GSM network.

[pcgizmo#IM]

If Sprint and Verizon follow the 9650 release, they issued them unlocked. I would expect the 9930 to be the same.

VZ roaming applies if you're on VZ CDMA and roam onto another CDMA network. A prepaid SIM you'd be off the VZ network and on the Prepaid.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

False, 9650 was not released by VZW unlocked.

[kg4icg]

Yes the 9930 does a have a Sim card slot under the battery for gsm use.