We pretty much knew that the BlackBerry 9720 would be the last BlackBerry 7 device, and BlackBerry has now confirmed this. The news comes from BlackBerry VP of Developer Relations who confirmed to N4BB that this would be the last BlackBerry 7 handset.
The BlackBerry 9720 comes with BlackBerry 7.1 and has a QWERTY keyboard, plus a 2.8-inch touchscreen display that features a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels.
Specifications and Features
The BlackBerry 9720 is powered by an 806MHz processor and has 512MB of RAM, which, while modest by today’s standards, was quite functional for the tasks it was designed to handle. The device also features a 5-megapixel camera, which includes basic functionalities such as autofocus and LED flash, making it suitable for casual photography.
The 1,450 mAh battery provides a decent amount of usage time, allowing users to stay connected throughout the day. Additionally, the device includes a microSD card slot, enabling users to expand the storage capacity up to 32GB. This is particularly useful for those who need extra space for photos, music, and other media.
Legacy and Impact
The BlackBerry 9720 represents the end of an era for BlackBerry’s OS 7 devices. BlackBerry 7.1 OS was known for its robust security features, efficient multitasking capabilities, and the iconic BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service, which was a significant draw for many users. The physical QWERTY keyboard was another hallmark of BlackBerry devices, offering a tactile typing experience that many users still fondly remember.
Despite the rise of touchscreen smartphones, the BlackBerry 9720 catered to a niche market that valued physical keyboards and the unique functionalities of the BlackBerry OS. It was particularly popular among business professionals who relied on its secure email and messaging services.
However, the smartphone market was rapidly evolving, and BlackBerry faced stiff competition from iOS and Android devices, which offered more advanced features and a broader range of applications. This shift in the market ultimately led to BlackBerry’s decision to transition away from its proprietary OS in favor of adopting the Android platform for its future devices.
The BlackBerry 9720, therefore, stands as a significant milestone in the company’s history. It symbolizes both the strengths and limitations of BlackBerry’s approach to mobile technology during that period. While it may not have been able to compete with the latest smartphones in terms of hardware and app ecosystems, it remained a reliable and secure option for its dedicated user base.
The BlackBerry 9720 is more than just a smartphone; it is a piece of mobile history. It marks the end of BlackBerry’s journey with its OS 7 devices and the beginning of a new chapter as the company sought to reinvent itself in a rapidly changing market. For those who used and loved BlackBerry devices, the 9720 will always hold a special place as the last of its kind.
Source N4BB
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
