BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Sprint)
Starting at: $154.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 boasts world-roaming capabilities as well as Bluetooth, GPS, and a 3.2-megapixel camera. The smartphone features a high-resolution display and an easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard. Sprint offers a number of services for the handset and it also supports BlackBerry App World.
The bad: The BlackBerry Tour doesn't offer Wi-Fi. You can't save downloaded applications to a memory card.
The bottom line: Despite the lack of Wi-Fi, the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 is a feature-rich and well-performing smartphone that will serve Sprint's globe-trotting customers well.
Editors' note: The RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Sprint is largely similar to Verizon's version of the smartphone in terms of design and features. For this review, we highlight the different features and performance of the Sprint model. For more details on the device, please read our full review of the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Verizon Wireless. Also, please note that the ratings have been adjusted since the original publish date to reflect newer devices that have entered the market.
Both Sprint and Verizon Wireless made its customers very happy when they ... Expand full review
Editors' note: The RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Sprint is largely similar to Verizon's version of the smartphone in terms of design and features. For this review, we highlight the different features and performance of the Sprint model. For more details on the device, please read our full review of the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Verizon Wireless. Also, please note that the ratings have been adjusted since the original publish date to reflect newer devices that have entered the market.
Both Sprint and Verizon Wireless made its customers very happy when they announced the July 12 release of the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630. However, when it came to launch time, Sprint didn't quite deliver on its promise, as customers were met with back-order messages and in-store stock shortages. Though it's not clear how this mess happened in the first place, Sprint has apologized for the delays via Twitter and said additional shipments are on the way and it is working with RIM to meet everyone's needs.
While obviously not the best way to launch a product, the positive side is that the BlackBerry Tour 9630 is worth the wait. We finally received our review unit, and just like Verizon's model, we think the smartphone offers a great combination of a slick but functional design, updated features, and great performance. The phone is a solid upgrade for BlackBerry owners and an excellent choice for Sprint's globe-trotting customers whose needs can't be met by the HTC Snap or the Palm Pre. The Sprint RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 is available for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates; at this time, Sprint has not announced a camera-less version of the Tour, like Verizon.
Design
Sprint's BlackBerry Tour is largely similar to Verizon's model in design, with the exception of a couple of minor differences. For example, it has a silver bezel instead of a charcoal gray one. Also, while keeping the partial soft-touch finish on back, the battery cover is completely smooth and doesn't feature a patterned texture like the Verizon Tour, so it feels a bit slick.
Overall, though, we're fans of the Tour's design, especially the full QWERTY keyboard and high-resolution display. Sprint packages the smartphone with a travel charger (but no international adapters like Verizon's), a microUSB cable, a belt holster, a wired stereo headset, a 1GB microSD card, a SIM card, a software CD, and reference material. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.
Features
Just like Verizon, the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 replaces the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition for Sprint, bringing the smartphone up to speed in features while continuing to offer dual-mode functionality for world-roaming capabilities. Dual-mode functionality means the handset supports both CDMA and GSM technology, so domestically, the BlackBerry Tour will use Sprint's CDMA network, but will then automatically detect and switch to the international GSM bands when traveling overseas. In addition, the BlackBerry Tour supports the 2,100MHz UMTS/HSDPA band, so you can even get 3G support while abroad.
Compare to other smartphones
Compare selected Bonnie Cha is chief correspondent for Crave, covering every kind of tech toy imaginable (with a special obsession for robots and Star Wars-related stuff). When she's not scoping out stories, you can find her checking out live music or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California.
User Reviews
See all user reviewsRating Breakdown
Most Helpful User Review
stars 5 of 5 users found this review helpful
"Nice phone, but too many problems initially." By larrymcj1
Pros New OS, fabulous display, form factor, keyboard
Cons Horrible sounding call quallity (to called party), very short battery life, takes an inordinant amount of time to reset, and has to be reset too often.
Summary I've been a BlackBerry user since the first one came out...I love BBs. When the new Tour came out I was standing in line to get one, but a week later I was also standing in line to return it...literally! I in a line of five people ... Expand full review
Most Recent User Reviews (Showing 2 of 70 reviews)
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Service provider: Sprint Nextel
- Cellular technology: CDMA2000 1X / GSM / WCDMA (UMTS)
- Talk time: Up to 300 min
