BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900: The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 holds a special place in mobile history, symbolizing the transition from traditional QWERTY smartphones to the touchscreen era. Launched in August 2011, it represented the peak of BlackBerry’s business lineup by merging its world-famous keyboard with a responsive capacitive touchscreen, giving professionals a unique hybrid experience.
Key Specifications
Hardware Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 (QC 8655) |
| RAM | 768 MB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB |
| Expandable Slot | microSDHC (up to 32 GB) |
| Operating System | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| Battery | 1230 mAh Removable Li-Ion |
Display & Design
The Bold Touch 9900 sported a 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen with a crisp 640 x 480 resolution, delivering about 286 PPI density. Though compact, the screen offered excellent clarity and contrast (1304:1). Its slim body measured 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm, weighed just 130 grams, and was designed for effortless one-handed use—perfect for professionals on the go.
Connectivity & Features
- Network: GSM / HSPA
- 3G Bands: HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth: v2.1 with A2DP
- GPS: A-GPS with BlackBerry Maps
- NFC: Supported
- USB: microUSB 2.0
Camera Capabilities
Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, the device could record 720p HD videos and capture stills up to 2592 x 1944 pixels. With its LED flash, it delivered practical functionality for snapping business documents, presentations, or quick shots, fitting perfectly into its productivity-driven persona.
Key Highlights
Physical Keyboard Advantage
The Bold Touch 9900’s most distinctive feature was its full QWERTY keyboard, known for accuracy and comfort. At a time when the industry was moving towards all-touch displays, this keyboard reassured loyal BlackBerry users with a familiar and efficient typing experience.
BlackBerry OS 7.0
This version of BlackBerry’s operating system offered:
- Faster overall performance
- A smoother web browser
- Better multimedia handling
- Deeper social media integration
Market Position & Pricing
Launched at around $700, the Bold Touch 9900 was targeted at executives and professionals who valued secure communication, reliable email services, and productivity tools over entertainment features. It was marketed as a premium business smartphone, reinforcing BlackBerry’s reputation in the corporate world.
Legacy & Impact
The Bold Touch 9900 stood at a crossroads in smartphone evolution. It showed BlackBerry’s attempt to modernize while staying true to its roots—balancing touchscreen innovation with its signature keyboard. Although it was soon overshadowed by fully touch-based Android and iOS devices, the 9900 remains a nostalgic favorite and an iconic piece of BlackBerry’s golden era.
Certifications & Compliance
- FCC Approval Date: August 30, 2011
- SAR Ratings:
- Head: 1.19 W/kg
- Body: 1.03 W/kg
- Hearing Aid Compatibility: M3/T3
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 was more than just another handset—it was a symbol of BlackBerry’s dedication to professional communication. Even though its time has passed, it played a critical role in bridging the gap between classic mobile design and the touchscreen age, leaving behind a legacy in the story of smartphone innovation.