RIM’s first attempt at a flip BlackBerry wasn’t especially well-received. The Pearl Flip was commendable for being a significant departure in form factors for RIM at the time (even compared to the Storm), but the lower-end specs, reworked trackball layout, and prominent rear jut when open made for a fairly awkward phone. Recently, RIM and Sprint announced their second go at a clamshell BlackBerry, and have this time armed it with their best software, top-end specs, and their latest design principles. We’ve unboxed it and gave it a once-over, but here’s our full-blown review.

Despite the added gusto, reception to the early first looks have been less than stellar. Can the BlackBerry 9670 succeed where the Pearl Flip failed, or is RIM poised to be embarrassed just when the competition is getting stiff?

Go ahead and hit the jump to see if the Style deserves the name.


RIM BlackBerry Style 9670

Available for $99.99 w/ 2-year contract from Sprint

Specifications (Specs – sheet)

2.7-inch QVGA (360 x 400) display, 2″ 240 x 320 external display
624 MHz CPU, 512 MB of RAM
5-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash
3G via 800 / 1900 MHz EV-DO Rev. A, Wi-Fi b/g/n
GPS, Bluetooth 2.1
microSD (support for up to 32 GB)
3.5mm headphone jack
BlackBerry OS 6
4.5 hours talk time, 10.5 days standby
96 (175.5 when open) x 60 x 18.5 mm, and 131 g
The Good

External display for notifications
Spacious, easy-to-type keyboard
The Bad

Poor battery life
Bulky when open