BlackBerry Curve 9380 shows in Telus holiday catalog
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Wed November 2, 2011
BlackBerry Curve 9380 gets first confirmed carrier
RIM's budget touchscreen BlackBerry, the Curve 9380, has been given some of its first definitive signs of a holiday release and a carrier through a spotting in a Telus staff holiday catalog. In addition to confirming one of the first providers, MobileSyrup's copy confirms a handful of details, such as its 3.2-inch screen and its focus on "youth" and smartphone newcomers. The hardware could be cheap to own on Telus as it will qualify for the BlackBerry Social plan for those who just need BBM, mail, and other essentials.
The 9380 is a slight improvement the keyboard-equipped, non-touch Curve 9360 on the inside. The two share 800MHz processors, 360x480 displays, and five-megapixel cameras, although only the 9380 might support 720p video where the 9360 is capped at VGA (non-widescreen 480p).
An exact launch window hasn't been given out, although most expect the first-ever touch Curve to appear in stores before the end of November. Other carriers beyond Telus are expected to pick up the 9380, including those in the US.
