Blackberry 8520 Purple

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A fun, affordable alternative to other Blackberries, this model has a variety of innovative features, such as a trackpad, a 2 megapixel camera, a QWERTY keyboard and more.

THE GOOD

Bluetooth, wi-fi, GPRS, lots of memory, sensible buttons, 3.5 mm headphone jack, stylish design.

THE BAD

Cheap camera, no GPS, no FM radio, no flash, QWERTY keyboard not as finger friendly as other models.

9.3out of 10 read review

User Reviews (22)

8.7 read reviews

Talk Time	5 hours
Standby Time	17.0 days
Network (Band)	Quad 850/900/1800/1900
Operating System	BlackBerry OS
Software Memory	128 MB RAM / 256 MB ROM
Display Resolution	320 x 240 pixels
Display Size	2.60 inches
Display Colours	65 536
Dimensions	109 x 60 x 14 mm
Weight	106g
GPS	No
Camera Resolution	2.0
Video Camera	No

Camera Flash	No
Camera Features	Digital zoom
Data	EDGE
Browser	BlackBerry Browser, RSS
Bluetooth	2.0
TV Out	No
Touchscreen
Memory Card	microSD/microSDHC
Internal Memory
MMS	Yes
E-mail	IMAP/POP3/SMTP/Microsoft Exchange/Lotus Domino/Blackberry Connect
Java
Wi-Fi	Yes

9.3out of 10

NOT THE BIGGEST FRUIT ON THE BUSH, BUT CERTAINLY NOT A PIP!

The Blackberry 8520

This rating very much depends upon on what entry level you’re coming into the world of BlackBerry – are you a BB virgin or a loyal customer looking for an upgrade? If the answer’s the former, you’ll love this phone – but more experienced BB users may find themselves looking for features that don’t exist. As an introduction into the world of BlackBerry, it is perfect.

For those who got hacked off with the trackball on earlier curve models, which easily became dirty, the 8520 will be a pleasant surprise. No more independent movements to slow you down, as the Curve comes with a touch-sensitive trackpad. Even though it might not have the same style and sophistication as the 8900, the combination of a trackpad and a full QWERTY keyboard for ease when texting and emailing will be well sought-after by professionals over the frustrations of a alphanumeric keypad. Although the keys are small, they’re raised and tilted so it doesn’t take long to be punching out 60 words a minute!

Multimedia is what this phone is all about. Accessing your tunes is a breeze – there are music keys along the top for easy access, and a whole IM folder lets you chat using Blackberry Messenger, Google Talk, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger or ICQ with pre-installed apps already on the handset. Unfortunately, you can’t sign into all of these at the same time unless you download Blackberry App World.

The Documents To Go suite of apps is pre-installed though, but as it only allows you to view Word, PDF, Excel and image files; you can’t create your own documents. Viewing isn’t a problem, however – the screen is an acceptable 2.6 inches, and although it only boasts a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, it’s bright and vibrant – capable of displaying 65,000 colours. You can also change the font to whatever suits you, adjusting the size where required.

The camera is a bit of a letdown: only two megapixels, and it doesn’t have a flash or autofocus. This said, it perfectly adequate for outdoor shots – and let’s face it, people buy BlackBerries for their excellent email delivery and social media apps, not with photography in mind!

You’ll be very happy with the battery life of this phone. No more having to search for your charger every day with this little beauty – you’ll get three days use, which is amazing considering the reputation of other handsets from RIM. There is a reason for this though – the lack of 3G or GPS in favour of Wi-Fi and EDGE.

Apps and capabilities aside, this phone is also quite gorgeous. It’s slim; weighs only 106 g, and is available in many colours – from the traditional black to purple, pink, blue, red, silver and even violet. If you like dressing up your phone, even Barbie doesn’t have this many accessories!

Avg. Rating

8.7

Craig Martin | Thursday, 2nd September 2010

You either have to have a blackberry or you don't, and I do! Easy to use, affordable (these days).. camera isnt great.. its not the best blackberry but very good entry level phone

9out of 10

Alex Tazin | Friday, 1st October 2010

I was given this phone by my company... lucky me =) Great business phone, emails are handled really well, but doesnt slack off in other areas. Maybe I'm a dinosaur but I prefer actual buttons to fake buttons on a screen.

9out of 10

Clifford B. Russo | Sunday, 27th November 2011

Among the Blackberry line of phones, the Blackberry 8520 is undeniably one that was able to set a mark on mobile device hall of fame. Needless to say, there is really a lot of reasons to adore this phone. The 2.6-inch screen displays vivid images all thanks to the 65K colors on a 322 pixel by 240 pixel TFT screen. The phone’s design makes usage very, very convenient. Connectivity is also as superb, true to all Blackberry mobile phones. To top it all, considering all the features it offers, the phone’s price is definitely all worth it.

8.5out of 10

Alvin Yokota | Monday, 12th March 2012

i like this phone. been using this for a long time now and i've never had any problems with it. i wish it had a radio though and it would be the perfect phone! i love it!

8.5out of 10

Byron Higgins | Tuesday, 13th March 2012

This phone is a great budget phone for people who wants to try a Blackberry phone. Its a durable phone and it is very useful. Had one since 2009 and I'm still using it! The battery might be a problem for people who are not used to it but believe me, it's the best phone you can have!

9out of 10

Cheoll | Friday, 23rd March 2012

For a business person, I think this is a good phone to use. Keypad is excellent, I really feel easy press it. Calling and applications are goo too. It's a good value for money.

8.5out of 10

Morire9 | Friday, 23rd March 2012

In my opinion, this phone is a good investment. Blackberry service is very good. It also has a professional look. Camera isn't important to me but good to have, not that great quality though. Overall, it's a great phone.

9out of 10

Queeche | Friday, 23rd March 2012

this phone is great! that's all i can say about this..! no words can describe how i feel about this phone!

9out of 10

Bakoim | Tuesday, 3rd April 2012

this phone is easy to handle. it has so much to offer and it's really reliable. it's a good phone that doesnt have a lot of issues.

8.5out of 10

Dysoeth | Tuesday, 3rd April 2012

THE BEST PHONE IN THE WORLD!!! PERIOD!!

9out of 10

Oenuasa | Tuesday, 3rd April 2012

The BB 8520 is a reliable phone. It has a good usability since I've used this for over a year now. Very neat and elegant looking. This is a great phone for texting. I recommend this phone to my friends.

9out of 10

Otiaieri | Thursday, 12th April 2012

this affordable business phone is just perfect for my taste. i bought it yesterday, it's great!

9out of 10

Pamod | Thursday, 12th April 2012

affordable phone but looks elegant.

8.5out of 10

Sorar | Monday, 16th April 2012

affordable and very capable business phone. having used this phone for 1 year and a half, this truly deserves an award because of its capability and durability. i am just a normal user and compared to iPhones, i prefer the BB. its just that iphone's attitude of phasing out or self obsolution is turning me off. anyway, the 8520 is very recommendable phone. even if it was released 2 years ago, its still the best choice if you want a stable and useful phone.

9out of 10

Eliknizel | Monday, 16th April 2012

very elegant and professional.. the blackberry service is satisfactory..

9out of 10

Drethl | Wednesday, 25th April 2012

this is a low cost Blackberry phone. Clear display, solid build and has good access to email, internet and social networks. The trackpad is great, fast and i prefer using it than touchscreen. Good phone folks.

8.5out of 10

Rodij | Tuesday, 1st May 2012

If it is is busness phone you want and you are a little bit short with your budget then this phone is definitely for you. But do not expect that it will be able to give you the same level of performance that other more high end phones couldoffer.

8.5out of 10

Hisore | Tuesday, 1st May 2012

It is stylish and is very handy and effective. Nobody will know that is relatively much cheaper compared to other blackberry phones. It is pretty amazing, too.

9out of 10

Zane M | Thursday, 17th May 2012

powerful phone and durable. ever wonder why this phone is always available in phone deals and offers? that's because it's a very recommendable phone. it has durability, performance and looks. while not being a too grandoise phone, it still is a better and more useful phone than iphone!

8.5out of 10

Buhyss | Thursday, 17th May 2012

Would recommend this phone if it had longer battery life...

8out of 10

David N | Thursday, 17th May 2012

I do not really see why a lot of people like this phone a lot. Maybe because its a business phone and I do not really use it for business. For people like me who do not have many business transactions to attend to, I could use better phones with more interesting features.

8out of 10

Amisha | Thursday, 17th May 2012

It is sleek and fits my lifestyle. It also meets my expectations. I never have to worry about being on the go as I could access my transactions anytime anywhere.

8out of 10

Best Blackberry 8520 Purple Deals

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PHONE	TARIFF	MINS	TEXTS	OFFERS	PHONE COST	MONTHLY COST
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 250 MB INTERNET	50 MINUTES	UNLIMITED TEXTS	14MONTHS AT 1.99	FREE	£7.⁶² £15.50 before discount
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS	100 MINUTES	500 TEXTS	9MONTHS FREE	FREE	£6.⁵⁶ £10.50 before discount
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 100 MB INTERNET	50 MINUTES	250 TEXTS	13MONTHS AT 1.99	FREE	£7.²⁷ £13.50 before discount
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 250 MB INTERNET	50 MINUTES	UNLIMITED TEXTS	Gift Card - Sainsburys	FREE	£15.⁵⁰
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 100 MB INTERNET	50 MINUTES	250 TEXTS		FREE	£10.⁵⁰
Blackberry8520 Violet	18 MONTHS 750 MB INTERNET	600 MINUTES	UNLIMITED TEXTS	Gift Card - Sainsburys	FREE	£36.⁰⁰
Blackberry8520 Violet	18 MONTHS 100 MB INTERNET	50 MINUTES	250 TEXTS	12MONTHS AT 1.99	FREE	£7.⁴⁹ £18.50 before discount
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 500 MB INTERNET	100 MINUTES	UNLIMITED TEXTS	Free Xbox 360	FREE	£20.⁵⁰
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 500 MB INTERNET	500 MINUTES	UNLIMITED TEXTS	+ £10 CASHBACK	FREE	£25.⁵⁸ £26.00 before discount
Blackberry8520 Violet	24 MONTHS 250 MB INTERNET	100 MINUTES	500 TEXTS	37 inch LED TV	£220	£26.⁰⁰