After Research In Motion (RIM) launched the BlackBerry Torch 9800 I’ve been getting messages asking me if it’s better than the iPhone 4. I obviously can’t say because I don’t own a BlackBerry Torch 9800 nor have I ever had the time to play around with one for more than a few minutes. What I did do though is to research online to get the insights and thoughts of mobile phone experts all over the web.
Here’s one of the best comparison reviews of the iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 that I saw. It’s a video side-by-side review made by Techno Buffalo. It’s a bit long at 22 minutes but there are a lot of insights in it so I think it’s worth watching especially if you’re making a decision on which phone to get.
Here’s another excellent article which breaks it down feature per feature: Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 vs iPhone 4 by International Business Times.
My Thoughts
I was having this conversation with a friend on Facebook chat the other day and we both agree that at the end of the day it boils down to two things: your “Tech Ecosystem” and brand preference.
Tech Ecosystem basically refers to other gadgets that you use which will interface with your smart phone. What laptop do you use? Is it a PC or a Mac? How about your tablet? Are you enjoying the Apple iPad or are you waiting for the BlackBerry PlayBook? If you’re an Mac user then I strongly recommend that you go for the iPhone 4 because the integration and user experience in just flawless (especially if you use Mobile Me). One thing I love about the iPhone 4 is that there are a lot of apps that seamlessly sync to my Macbook and iPad like Evernote, Drop Box, Amazon Kindle, and Action Method.
When I was using a PC I remember enjoying my good old BlackBerry Bold 9000. When I switched to Macbook, syncing my data and getting apps was such a pain. That’s actually the main reason why I decided to go for the iPhone 4 when it was released locally (that and it was months ahead of the BlackBerry Torch 9800).
In terms of brand preference, some people just have an affinity to what the BlackBerry or Apple brand represents. This overwhelming sense of loyalty and pride allow them to look beyond all the technical mumbo jumbo and they’re just really happy their respective brand of choice. This comic from C Section might be able to better illustrate my point:
So who wins? BlackBerry Torch 9800 or the iPhone 4? The most appropriate answer is: it depends. It depends on how you plan on using it, what you’re using it with, and your personal preference. Both phones are great and they will accomplish the basic tasks of what is required of a phone and more. I might have to give the iPhone 4 an edge though due to the massive App Store which just keeps on reinventing your iPhone experience each time you download a new cool app.
Price-wise ?
Where will your vote go ?
No official Torch prices yet so I can’t say right now bro.
Yihee. Evernote and action method. Lol. Evernote on the ipad though cqnt edit rich text. Im still hoping they allow it soon.
Btw nice comic!
Carlo, you sound very respectful to Blackberry. After reading Gizmodo’s or Engadget’s review on the 9800, I just totally lost all interest in All things Blackberry. Steve Jobs wants us to think what he wants us to think, but then he’s mostly right most of the time. Anyway, great and simple review.
Hi bro,
Thanks for the comment. I can’t really give a bashing since I never had a 9800 before that’s why I just referred to other reviews I found online. However I really do believe that the BB has a solid market that they cater to especially with their competitive prices (Curve product line).
Cheers,
Carlo
nice balanced view man. i’m using the torch now and i’m loving it because of the messaging and social network integration. i’m using a pc as well. availability of applications isn’t great though so if you’re looking for a phone that you would use more for media or playing games, you’re better off with the iphone.
end of the day, to each his/her own.
I like the comic presentation. People in general will not really do the comparison. It is the image in their minds that they follow.
Thank you for sharing.
I own both and I must say that the Torch offers a crappy browser experience compared to the Iphone. Touch screen interface is not very responsive. BB might want to stay away from the touch screen market in the future.
Voice quality and quick email loading are it’s strong points, the usual area where BB excels.