BlackBerry Torch 9800 vs HTC Desire Z
When it comes to messaging BlackBerry has been the benchmark for some years now, though the introduction of a new breed of smartphone has seen its mantle start to slip, with devices offering push e-mail as standard but also packing greater media functionality.
The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is RIM's counter punch though, it's a re-designed, re-energized take on their tried and tested formula and we thought it might be fun to pit it against the newest generation of smartphone messengers: HTC's Desire Z – the all-singing, all-dancing Android QWERTY seen as the rightful successor to the grandfather of the OS, the HTC Dream.
E-Mail
We thought we'd get straight down to business. BlackBerry is mobile e-mail, for years they've been setting the standard and we didn't expect them to change the winning formula with the Torch. It's the same, high-standard of messaging that we've always relied upon. It's functional, powerful and RIM's dedicated servers mean that you're afforded a greater level of security than with other services though you pay a monthly fee for the privilege.
Conversely, the Desire Z comes with push e-mail from Google which is easy to use, reliable and won't cost you extra money each month. If we're talking business the BlackBerry walks it, but for personal use we just can't back the extra monthly outlay, meaning that this opening bout is a dead heat.
Winner - Draw.
Design
The BlackBerry Torch is a nicely re-designed device. It offers a bright, rich touchscreen sitting atop a slide-out hardware Qwerty, which has all the usual firmness and responsiveness that one would expect of a BlackBerry device. It feels solid in the hand, though it isn't the smallest of devices, but we don't see the size as a negative.
The Desire Z is up to HTC's usual standard. It's solid, the QWERTY keyboard is roomy and the next generation touchscreen is vivid and bright, the slide mechanism is a letdown though. It feels flimsy and lets down the overall design of the device.
When you're buying a premium smartphone you should feel re-assured with the quality and that feeling was much more prevalent with the BlackBerry.
Winner - BlackBerry Torch 9800
Operating System
HTC's Desire Z ships with version 2.2 (Froyo) of Google's Android OS. It's packed with hardware patches, speed increases and new functions that make using the device a simple pleasure. Add to this HTC's beautiful Sense UI overlay and you've got a winner.
The BlackBerry on the other hand is still a bit behind. Though it is imbued with some of the great improvements of BlackBerry OS6, such as the re-designed Webkit browser and improved multi-media functionality, it just doesn't have the same approachable face as Android. This might change with the introduction of their new QNIX OS – but this is a way off.
So for the time being this round is firmly won by the Desire Z.
Winner - HTC Desire Z
Overall Verdict – Draw
We weren't surprised by the draw to be honest. Both these devices are excellent and have their pros and cons. To be frank, the fact that a BlackBerry even held its own against the latest Android soldier is an impressive feat in itself. It shows that RIM has listened to recent criticism and has responded with actions rather than words.
With the new QNIX OS promising to be an amazing step forward we can't help feeling that the future has brightened up for the beloved BlackBerry.
HTC's Desire Z is exactly what you'd expect from a company renowned for making high-end, high-performance devices. It's sleek, it's fast and it performs on every level with Android only serving to make this already desirable device more relevant and user friendly.
Both offer virtually identical 5-megapixel cameras to capture your fun and important moments and the usual slew of connectivity options so it really comes down to a matter of personal taste.
If you're an avid messenger and you're looking for a new device you'd be wise to consider both of these contenders in depth as you'll find plenty to like about them both.
Click here to see all the BlackBerry Torch 9800 deals online.