BGR just unloaded a handful of leaks showcasing what RIM has in store for us this 2011 — complete with pictures and specs — all of which run on a point upgrade of their current mobile platform, BlackBerry 6, and featuring 5-megapixel cameras and NFC support.
First off, we have the new Curve Apollo. This baby runs on an 800MHz processor complemented by 512MB RAM, GPS, and the usual suspects – WiFi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1, and tri-band HSPA (7.2Mbps) connectivity.
Next, there’s the Dakota Bold smartphone. Appearance-wise, it looks like your typical Berry, but don’t be fooled: this is actually a touchscreen QWERTY handet. The Dakota rocks a 2.8-inch 640×480 resolution capacitive touchscreen, flash and image stabilization to complement its camera, HD video recording, magnetometer, accelerometer, 768MB RAM, 4GB of storage and, just like the iPhone (thanks to iOS 4.3), will also be getting WiFi Hotspot capabilities. This should serve as a nice alternative to the Torch, especially for those who aren’t fans of the slider form factor.
Speaking of the Torch, here are the specs of the aptly-named successor to the first-ever RIM slider, the Torch 2. They’ve upped its processor to 1.2GHz processor, the resolution to 640×480, doubled the internal memory to 8GB, and added an accelerometer and magnetometer to the mix as well. It may still look every inch the same as the current Torch, but its specs definitely prove otherwise. This one is reportedly debuting to the US via AT&T in late Q3, which, if true, could mean it’ll hit the local market sometime in Q4 or early 2012 at the latest.
Last, but certainly not the least, here’s the upgrade to RIM’s full touchscreen phone, the Storm 3, codenamed the Monaco. This too will run on a 1.2GHz processor, and will feature the best resolution display ever to be equipped on a RIM handset (800×480). It also sports a much larger SurePress-less touchscreen (3.7-inches vs 3.25-inch on the current Storm 2), 512MB RAM, OpenGL ES2.0 support and, just like the Dakota, comes with WiFi Hotspot capabilities, a proximity sensor, magnetometer, and HD video recording. ETA for the Storm 3 is pegged sometime in September.
So, what do you think guys? Has RIM done enough with their 2011 lineup to win your approval? Or is your loyalty already with other phone makers?
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BlackBerry seems to be releasing models for 2010, specs-wise. Why not a significantly improved Storm?
@bad_boy
1.2GHz processor, WiFi Hotspot capabilities…2010 specs? I don’t quite agree with you on this point. Sure, a 5-megapixel is a bit old school already, but imaging has never really been the strongest suite nor is it the biggest selling point of BlackBerry smartphones. Hence, I don’t see them breaking new ground in this particular anytime soon.
And they are off! Just stop and look for a while. My bag is full! Full of ideas regarding to the gadget I want to own this year!
Design-wise, i like the curve apollo but specs-wise, i like the monaco :p i’m now thinking if i should change my iphone to a BB
If BB/Globe releases a unit that is capable that can do wifi tethering locally, I’ll probably go back to the Crackberry fold.
@Allan David: Android did the mobile hotspot thing last year. Apple’s only getting on it now, which leaves it behind the curve as well. For the processor, 1.2GHz Snapdragon models were released in 2010 as well. Blackberry just doesn’t seem to want to innovate; it may approach the leading edge at times, but never be right on it.
@bad_boy
but as far as the 1.2GHz processor goes, I don’t know of any that was released last year. The 1.2Ghz dual-core LG Optimus 2X was announced last December, but has yet to be available. The 1.2Ghz processor was indeed announced last year, but it’s only now that phone makers are using it on their handsets.
Yeah, you’re right about the mobile Hotspot feature. My bad…got my Android versions mixed up
My torch is still new! And here comes torch 2
@Allan David: Well, at least BB is making an effort to not get left too far behind. I’d really like to see some OMFGBBQ features on the latest models though
@bad_boy
Ditto
Any idea when the exact date of release of these new phones will be?