Why BlackBerry Storm 9500 Failed?

BlackBerry had finally acknowledged the confession of touch sensitive mobiles and launched blackberry storm in September 2008 to match the challenges given by Apple I-Phone. BlackBerry Users expected a lot from RIM on this phone that could cross the Apple I-Phone and again become the market leader in the existing known markets. But this time expectations were not met.

blackberry

BlackBerry Storm 9500 is badly hit in Pakistan as it’s purchase and re-sale dropped like anything. Even BlackBerry Bold is being sold at higher prices than of BlackBerry Storm Touch Capacitive smartphone.

The reasons for not having what they expected, I tried to analyze the drawbacks that exist on the end-users side, especially when it is seen in a Pakistani users’ perspective.

User friendliness: This phone is not at all user friendly and you will have to spend almost 4 to 6 days to understand its basic operations. Though Blackberry has never been famous for user friendliness from day one, but this phone is the worst scenario.

Sure Type Problem in Phonebook: T9 option is not going to leave you whatever you gonna do (SMS, phonebook, internet etc) with this phone, despite switching it off – it comes again out of no-where leaving you in a situation to disable it again and again.

No WiFi: WiFi option is not available and buying Rs. 30k plus phone and not having Wifi is something kidding with yourself and with your money. Because, using wireless network is getting common, particularly for high end users.

Memory: This phone has not that much memory i.e. only 1GB, while you can get as much as 8 to 16 times memory when spending same amount on other brands.

Capacitive Touch Feature: Capacitive touch feature has not got that much welcome like Touch Flo or Accelerometer technology because of its pressing and releasing style.

Due to all such issues, customer is reluctant to buy Blackberry Storm, resulting in low prices and no resale value.


  • Not at all user friendly, Have experienced it and its TOUCH is not even close to what iPhone is offering. Menus are comlicated and I totally agree with the article.

  • I think one of the reason for black berry’s failure is that it is not an open system and you can not use other companies sims you have on black berry. You’re bound to use it for the system you’ve first time purchased.

    • Hi Sidra if am not agree with you , I am using strom form last six months here in uk , The phone not made for all user , But its a very good product for business man and professional and blackberry target is that user, Not for fun and style might for that I phone suits .

  • Not really much like the iPhone but honesly its really not that bad if you can get it for Rs 35,990/- at homeshopping.pk

  • Storm was specifically designed and sold for north american and european markets through verizon and Vodaphone. The lack of wi-fi was justified because of the device’s capability of reaching upto 7mbps throughput on 3g networks. Saying that it failed in Pakistan when it was never intended for Pakistan is unfair. The ones available in Pakistan are mostly illegally sold or not supportedby RIM.

    While the device itself is far more advanced in hardware, the software leaves allot to desire. Even then the latest OS is very stable and offers a fantastic user experience! hopes are again high for the upcomming OS upgrade.

    Also, while the author points out lack of onboard memory, he forgets to mention that this device supports use of expansion memmory through memory cards. Depending on where it is purchased, buyers have the option to choose between free 8GB micro sd card or leather case. The user can also buy a 16GB SDcard if desired and will in future be able to upgrade to 32gb+ cards when available. something that an iphone etc is not capcble off.

    Sure type and capctive typing as with all other technologies, have a learning curve. require practice. Most iphone users at the begining could not type on the touch screen without making mistakes. Same is true for Storm.

    Editing with T9 comment: Any blackberry user will tell you how Suretype by Blackberry works. you have to be a blackberry user to understand that is a good feature.

    Dont be so quick to bash the Blackberry storm. At the price point there isnt a bettter featured and well-rounded device one can buy. Best for some one looking for device that can be use for business+entertainement.

  • I am using a blackberry storm and can say its an amazing product. The fact that you cannot use it with other networks is not true. The real thing is, in order to charge more the cell phone operators don’t give you the technical support. In my case I brought this device from U.K and it was on vodafone. I went to Ufone but they insisted that as per their policy i have to take Blackberry Interner Services for around 1100 Rupees otherwise I will not be able to use it on their network. Unsatisfied by that I started searching the internet and found out a simple software to be installed and there it was Bingo.. I am using it with full capabilities as it was in U.K. so final conclusion . A nice product.

  • well this phne lack alot of features though its very sleek and stylish but the big problem with this phone is its keypad never get lock once you update software thats a worst second no Wi-fi though i was expecting when i bought this phone, anuva thing is cant change theme and so many other things like suretype keyboard

  • Hi,
    I think people in Pakistan will not accept this phone bcz they compare each touchscreen mobile phone with the Apple Iphone. I think Blackberry Storm is the best touchscreen mobile in its own domain providing both touch and sure type. Its EDGE & GPRS capabilities are enhanced and one can get good speed while browsing. All phones have some basic flaws as Iphone intially dont have MMS option. Its marketing strategy. Hope you get it.

  • Thank God, I dint buy it… And thanks to all you fellows for changing my thoughts about it : )

  • people all discussions aside, if it aint got wi-fi it aint worth it! you cant use skype on it either as its software wont allow to install skype

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  • hi guys…
    yar tum logon ko handset use ka pata hai nahin or batein kar rahey ho .. tum log local 3310 use karney walay ho sooooo bb ko lay kar bat na karoo world no 1 brand blackberry … jo bb k users hein un se pocho …. tere bolny sy failed ho gya kya ? hahaha .. kisi dost k hath me deakh liya ho ga baat karta hai… ja…ja… koi masla ho tu 0343-3100262 py call karein regards. ramiz bukhari

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  • Why BB didnt improve this BB Storm? try making it to a better phone… it would be so much nicer

  • ve BB storm fresh condition brought frm Dubia … going to sale out if u r interested, call me immediately… 03363531446


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