BlackBerry Bold 9000 – The complete guide: features, QWERTY keyboard, and how much it's worth today

BlackBerry Bold 9000 – Complete guide, common issues and value

The BlackBerry Bold 9000 from 2008 is the BlackBerry par excellence. Perfect physical QWERTY keyboard — still today considered the best ever produced on a phone — brilliant colour display, real-time push email and military-grade security. It was the phone of Barack Obama, CEOs and journalists worldwide. An absolute icon.

Technical specifications of the BlackBerry Bold 9000

  • Release year: 2008.
  • Dimensions: 114 x 66 x 15 mm.
  • Weight: 133 grams.
  • Battery: Li-Ion 1500 mAh.
  • Standby time: up to 312 hours.
  • Talk time: up to 5 hours.
  • Display: 480x320 pixels, 65k colours (TFT).
  • Keyboard: Physical QWERTY.
  • Camera: 2 megapixels.
  • Memory: 1 GB internal + microSD.
  • Connectivity: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS.

Why was it so special?

  • Physical QWERTY keyboard considered the best of all time.
  • Real-time push email (revolutionary for the era).
  • Military-grade security (used by presidents and CEOs).
  • Very precise trackball tracking.

Common problems and how to solve them

Trackball not responding or dirty

The trackball gets dirty with use. Clean with a cloth slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Works like a mouse.

Battery not lasting

After 17 years, the original battery is exhausted. Replace with a compatible battery (€15-20 on eBay).

Phone won't turn on

Dead battery, oxidised contacts (clean with an eraser) or dead battery.

Wi-Fi connection problems

The Wi-Fi module in old BlackBerrys does not support modern 5GHz networks. Use only 2.4GHz networks.

What is a BlackBerry Bold 9000 worth today?

  • Used working without box: €50-80.
  • Used with original box: €100-150.
  • New in unopened box: €200-350.

Barack Obama used a BlackBerry Bold 9000 during his 2008 presidential campaign. He was so attached to it that he fought to keep it even after becoming president.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Bold 9000 represents the pinnacle of business phones. An original in good condition can be worth up to €150. All our phones are verified, working and with original battery. Tracked shipping and free returns.

Looking for a working BlackBerry Bold 9000?

Back to blog