BlackBerry Curve 8520 – The Complete Guide: features, BBM, and what it's worth today

BlackBerry Curve 8520 – Complete guide, common issues and value

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 from 2009 was the best-selling BlackBerry in the brand's history. Compact and elegant design, excellent QWERTY keyboard, integrated BlackBerry Messenger — the BBM that made BlackBerrys irresistible for young people of those years. Affordable, reliable and with extraordinary battery life.

Technical specifications of the BlackBerry Curve 8520

  • Release year: 2009.
  • Dimensions: 109 x 60 x 13.9 mm.
  • Weight: 106 grams.
  • Battery: Li-Ion 1150 mAh.
  • Standby time: up to 360 hours.
  • Talk time: up to 4.5 hours.
  • Display: 320x240 pixels, 65k colours (TFT).
  • Keyboard: Physical QWERTY.
  • Camera: 2 megapixels.
  • Memory: 256 MB + microSD.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
  • Main feature: Optical trackpad (instead of trackball).

Why was it so special?

  • Optical trackpad (more reliable than the trackball).
  • Dedicated multimedia keys (play/pause, forward, back).
  • Excellent QWERTY keyboard.
  • Integrated BBM (revolutionary for young people).

Common problems and how to solve them

Trackpad not responding

Dirt or wear. Clean the trackpad with a cloth slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

Battery not lasting

After 15+ years, the original battery is exhausted. Replace with a compatible battery (€10-15 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 Curve 8520 worth today?

  • Used working without box: €30-50.
  • Used with original box: €50-80.
  • New in unopened box: €100-180.

The Curve 8520 was the BlackBerry of choice for young people thanks to BBM and the multimedia keys. Its keyboard was considered one of the best ever made.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the best-selling BlackBerry of all time. If you have an original in good condition, it can be worth up to €80. All our phones are verified, working and with original battery. Tracked shipping and free returns.

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