The AT&T version of the BlackBerry Torch 9810 now has a solid launch date and price point. It’ll be going for a scant $49.99 on a two-year contract starting August 21. We’re expecting AT&T to launch the 9900 a little bit later, but at least this will give them something to hold up against Verizon and Sprint‘s new offerings.
The Torch 9810 looks pretty much identical to the original Torch, what with its 3.2-inch display, 5 megapixel camera, and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The serious changes take place under the hood. The 1.2 GHz processor and 768 MB of RAM make for a very fluid experience on the new operating system, though the overall software experience is pretty much the same as before. There’s a new magnetic compass in there, which supports augmented reality apps like Wikitude, and the display is markedly sharper, clocking in at 640 x 480 resolution. Of course, AT&T is trying to push HSPA+ on the BlackBerry 9810 as 4G, but at least they have the excuse that T-Mobile started the whole silly discussion. We’ve spent some time with the phone on video, if you want to take a closer look.
AT&T’s pricing sure is competitive, and I’d be interested in knowing how much it’ll be going for off-contract. It’s true that the phone doesn’t really feel all that different from what RIM released a year ago, but if you’ve got something older, or you liked the form factor and just want something that doesn’t hourglass all the time, the 9810 may be a worthwhile pick. Meanwhile up here in Canada, Telus is asking for $129.99 on a three-year contract, and the other carriers aren’t any better, unfortunately. In any case, more information on the AT&T Torch 9810 can be found over here.
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