BlackBerry 7 Smartphones Buyers Guide

So you've decided you want a new BlackBerry Smartphone? Let our buyers guide point you in the right direction!

The latest BlackBerry 7 line of smartphones from Research In Motion brings some great new devices to the market, but choosing one that is right for you can be a challenge. Each device caters to a particular set of users, but we'll help shed some light on things so you can better decide which device is for you. The first thing is always checking with your carrier to see what devices are available to you. You'll also need to know if you're on a GSM carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers and other global carriers) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint and other North American carriers) before your new device as your next step as a BlackBerry user.

View all BlackBerry 7 phone on our device page 

BlackBerry Product Families

Research In Motion puts their devices into different product families, of which each represents a different type of user. Of the new BlackBerry 7 devices, we're seeing the Bold, Torch and Curve refreshed, however there is no continuation of the Pearl or Style series.

BlackBerry Bold

The BlackBerry Bold is Research In Motion's flagship line of BlackBerry Smartphones. The Bold is known for its distinctive form factor and features the classic BlackBerry design with a full QWERTY keyboard and trackpad navigation. The latest Bold devices, the BlackBerry Bold 9930 (CDMA) and BlackBerry Bold 9900 (GSM), also feature a full touch screen interface. The BlackBerry Bold series is a premium alternative to the BlackBerry Curve series and typically carriers a higher price tag as well.

Who it's for: Users who want the best possible BlackBerry experience. 

BlackBerry Torch

The BlackBerry Torch is Research In Motion's touchscreen device. The new BlackBerry Torch 9810 (GSM) builds on the original BlackBerry Torch 9800 (GSM), carrying a full touchscreen and trackpad navigation as well as a slide out QWERTY keyboard. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 (CDMA) and BlackBerry Torch 9860 (GSM) are full touchscreen only devices with trackpad navigation but no physical keyboard. The larger screen of the BlackBerry Torch make the device desirable for those looking more for browser or media viewing.

Who it's for: Users who want the full touchscreen experience. 

BlackBerry Curve

The BlackBerry Curve is Research In Motion's consumer line of BlackBerry devices. This device is sometimes known as the "entry level device", featuring lower specs than that of the premium BlackBerry Bold series. The BlackBerry Curve features a thin, lightweight design as well as a full QWERTY keyboard and trackpad navigation. The latest BlackBerry 7 models are the BlackBerry Curve 9350 (CDMA), BlackBerry Curve 9360 (GSM) and BlackBerry Curve 9370 (CDMA/GSM).

Who it's for: Users who want a good BlackBerry device but aren't looking to spend a fortune. 

Comparing BlackBerry 7 Features and Specs

New BlackBerry users may not get down into the numbers when it comes to device specs, but for those that want to get in a bit more we have a comparison chart so you can see how each device matches up across the board. The new devices all have mostly the same specs and run the BlackBerry 7 OS, so picking your form factor (touchscreen vs QWERTY) is really the biggest decision.

Decision Time... more information...

For more information on all of the new devices, be sure to check out our full reviews, help forums and device superpages.

View all BlackBerry 7 phones on our device page