T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 unboxing
Alright, these aren’t the first live in-hand shots of the BlackBerry 8220, but it is the first unboxing. And it’s a damn good looking box! There’s actually very little that comes in the T-Mobile box, just the device, battery, charger, headphones, and a USB cable. We thought it would have been loaded with goodies like a really nice headset, wack cool carrying case, lanyard, decals, and other nonsensical things, but that’s what the accessory market is for, we guess. As far as the device goes, we’re pretty disappointed. Not so much because it’s absolutely terrible, just because the Pearl Flip feels like a prototype and not a final build. Even though this is a retail unit. The displays are a complete letdown, and that’s not because we’ve been spoiled by the Bold. It’s because they are really bad. For some reason the outer and inner screens are pixelated beyond anything we’ve seen recently, and they are probably the worst displays we’ve seen on a BlackBerry since… well, a long time. We understand it’s not a high end device, but is there any reason this thing should be looking like it came out of 2001? The feel of the Flip is fine — it’s a little light actually — and when opened, it’s perfectly weighted. The keyboard isn’t that great, but who are we fooling. This is a phone for your niece, baby mama, sister, or Sarah Palin hockey mom. And for that friends, we give it a B+. What are you still doing here? The gallery is where it’s at, son.
Click on over to our T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 unboxing gallery!
Thanks BGR for the live shots and unboxing!
I really can’t help but be disappointed as well with all the hype surrounding this device and all they were able to do is produce a sub par blackberry??
I am hoping the Thunder does not fall down the same path!
Thanks again
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Lol@Palin comment…can I get the Bold Obama from At&T.
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What’s the point of this phone? It doesn’t seem to excel at what RIM does best. . .providing a device with a physical QWERTY keyboard that allows your boss to yank your chain from wherever he or she may be. All this thing is going to do well, like most flip phones, is make calls. Why do I need a BB for that?
I think it needs a new name. How about “BlackBerry Junior?” BlackBerry Basic? BlackBerry Shotput? Blackberry Light Rain? In light of the economic downturn in the U.S., how about “BlackBerry Poverty”?
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Are you sure you didn’t just get a handset with defective displays? I’m only thinking of this Crackberry.com video:
http://crackberry.com/blackberry-8220-kickstart-hands-video-tour-0
Which videotours it, and the displays look okay. In fact, the guy comments on how nice the displays are.
I only ask because I’m torn between this and the G1. I hesitate on the G1 because so much about it is so new, and I worry it’ll be buggy. Blackberry, though: they’ve been around a while and have a solid reputation…
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I got to play with one the other day and the display seemed fine, it wasn’t “bold” nice, but it was nice.
I only got to play with it for a few minutes, until the RIM rep took it away from me so he could do is spleel about how we are supposed to sell blackberries with instant messaging, and internet in mind first, before email.
But this device is a pearl device, it is definitely not something for the hardcore BB user, it’s for teens to soccer moms who do a bit more texting than normal, or want to seem important because they have a BB.
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Quit making RIM products sound like shit you freaking Apple fanboy. I’ve already used a Pearl Flip and the screens are fine. Not bold like but basically the same as the pearl 8120. Your arrogant enough to think that if all your reader read this they’ll buy apple products instead. Your such a fool.
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I think the reason this will actually sell well is because it IS different from most blackberries. RIM is not the same company that it once was. Its trying to move towards more consumerific phones as well as still appeal to its business users. I think with this & the 8120, its doing just that. I have seen far more pearls in certain areas of the country than Iphones (& I am an apple lover). BUT I have 2 BB an 8330 & a Pearl. I am thinking about getting this phone for my niece who needs the occasional emails but text messages up the wazoozoo & this phone is perfect for that with RIM reliability.
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Thank you Bowser, I see we couldnt even get 10 comments in before some started talking crap, well done.
I have to agree with some of what Fyrestarrter and BGR said. I think this will sell well and is the pefect beginners BlackBerry for a mom, aunt, a little kid who wants have a BlackBerry but doesn’t know what to do with a more advanced one. Im sure the phone itself isnt cheap and will last a good decent time, but for $150 and on Tmobile, this will sell well.
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Rosario what do you mean “a more advanced one”? What is not advanced about this phone. It is the same as a Curve except for the suretype keyboard and the screen is verticle instead of horizontal. It has wifi, edge, and runs the same BB OS as every other Blackberry (be it a higher version).
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This is the first negative review I’ve heard in regard to this phone. I’ve been following this since early in its development and am very surprised to hear such a reputable site as this give such a negative review. I’ve watched and read reviews of this phone and it has been rated as a solid phone across the board. Why anyone would say this is designed for a soccer mom is beyond me. I’m sure that the person throwing that comment out there is not familiar with a RIM device.
A few major points to be aware of with this phone…..this phone can do what any other Blackberry can do. Other than the typical one or two major features (GPS, 3G, WiFi, etc..) that alters due to carrier and region, 95% of BB’s are capable of doing the same exact thing. So millions of people love the Pearl 8100…..so why does that make the Flip 8220 a phone for “soccer moms” as some have mentioned here?….because of the mere fact that it is a flip design?….that’s a horrible excuse. Take a look at an 8100. Now for someone with a more active lifestyle, the 8100 is the perfect solution due to its form factor. How the 8220 actually expands on this by creating a similar form factor except that when opened you know have a larger screen, along with a larger keypad. Awesome. So I can carry it around and not worry about it taking up more space than an 8100, but when I need to use it I get better functionality than an 8100. For those people that feel it isn’t a “hardcore” BB….umm, huh? How do you figure? Because it lacks a full QWERTY keypad? That IS the only difference between it and any other non-Pearl BB. The 8220 has the same email client as any other BB. It really is scary to think that some people who read these reviews may be influenced by the lack-of-knowledge posts that some people decide to throw up here. Too many opinions and not enough facts. And shame on you BGR for being so shallow with this review. I respect a ton of what you have to say, but I was very caught off guard by your comments. Typically you are much more objective in your reviews and this one came off as very jaded.
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I’ve seen it in person and I actually like the phone. It was better than I expected of it.
No idea why you extect a handset that is to be priced so low to have all the same features of the Bold. It just makes sense to lack something. The Bold is not the ultimate God of Blackberries. Obviously we all know it has it’s flaws too. I don’t think the screen is THAT pixelated to complain about. It’s not a Nokia 2610 or anything.
I give it a solid A in my opinion and this review does not serve the phone any justice (even though a B+ isn’t horrible or unaccceptable either).
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I have to agree with BGR no real man would buy this phone the pearl was a cheap looking phone and I felt the same about that phone and this is not from a apple fan its a real BB lover who’s been around since the blueberry
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Ok, I should of double checked my faqs first. I was really trying to get across that this is a more average customer friendly device in the fact that its a flip phone. My mom, for instance will only use flip phones because thats what she prefers. So basically a flip phone comes off as being less advanced and that can sell well for people that dont want a lot of features, but in this case, their in for a surprise. Hope that makes some sense.
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I like it but I have to agree, this is definitely a phone for the average consumer. Real BlackBerry fans will spend the extra money and buy a Bold.
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I still haven’t heard any technical reasons why this phone is any different than any other BB in order to qualify as being labeled a phone for the average user. Being a flip is not a reason. Being a flip has nothing at all with any of the software. And we all know that the software is the same and all BB’s are running comparable software. I have to state this FACT since others are stating their OPINIONS that the flip feature has something to do with the phone not being as advanced or intuitive as other BB’s.
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This was a horrible review. BGR is a loser. Go make love to your iPhone you dork.
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BG, maybe you should request a new unit from T-Mo? Likely you got a lemon. I’ve played with three Pearl Flips, and all had great screens - inside and out.
As to build quality, well, it’s a cheap unit. But, frankly, I find the quality appears superior to the Bold, but that’s just perception.
My major criticism is that this is a bulky phone, and there is no apparent reason for the massive size. Other than that it is a good, solid device expanding into an additional market segment for RIM.
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just give me the bold please..thanks.
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Very unprofessional review BGR. It’s so obvious you received a faulty device (screen-wise), the 2 other video reviews online show a beautiful screen on the device. Anyways, as CanisMinor said, you could have at least requested another unit before blasting this one on your site. I’m sure if Apple would have send you a 3G Iphone with a defective-sh screen to review you would have requested another, or have done everything possible to make sure you’re not being Chicken Little and condemning a device as crappy. This was the final straw for me, so long to you and your crappy website.
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I thought the official T-Mobile version was going to be burgundy… this one looks all black to me. If it is, that’s great (I think the burgundy is heinous) but it seems to point to this not being a final production unit.
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Does anyone know how this is selling so far?
Price seems high, expecially for upgrade.
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well,i will give you guys the skinny on these phones.they r both nice phones.so dont hurt eachother over them,it not that serious.i just purchased one of these phones an i was looking into a bold.however the bold is too big for everyday use and i think it more for the buisness type.alot of kids get these new upcoming phones because they wanna look cool really.they want to be the center of attention,an they feel they can gain in diffrent subjects by having these phones.well if your one of these types.these users love your money n theyl find the contract just for u,so feel special.ive had the just about every BB ther is and the main reason i wanted these phones was for the above reasons.after a while i grew out of spending my money on a phone that looked cool and started to wheigh the goods n the bads before i made a decision.i got tired of the open face phones dialing numbers without my consent,which any open face BB is highly capable of,how bout that screen getting its first real scratch that you cant hide,try putting that huge bold in your pocket n taking it back out,or try texting on that bold looks as if itll take 2 hands.ask the question when you purchase a phone is it going to be more than you need rather than is it better than his/hers.i now have the 8220 an ill tell u the truth it one of the best phones ive had hands down,so dont let these insecure kids talk you out of what fits your budget n meets your ecpectations.go to the store an get a hands on experience.
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Hey BGR: YOU SUCK. I just want u to be aware that noone who matters in the industry regards you as a credible source for anything. You are basically the laughing stock of all of us. You actually praise the girly iphone(which is no longer cool or unique) and talk bad about the Pearl Flip which so far is better than the Bold. I think if u werent a bunch of nerdy homos with your tongues up AT&T’s taint, you might actually give a decent review for a phone that belongs to another network. In reality the Pearl Flip has an amazing display and outperforms the pearl 8120 in many areas. Im sure tmobile sent u prototype because they understand that youre not an actual phone critic and your opinion doesnt matter. perhaps everyone at BGR should stick to what they know- not getting pussy and using faggy iphones even tho theyre old news after 2 years. tmobile 4 life bitches
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