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The newly released BlackBerry Torch was designed to compete against the other modern smarphones in the market. The Torch has upgraded both its hard and software from previous BlackBerry phones in order to compete against iPhone and Android based smartphones. A lot of the Torch’s features are a first in terms of BlackBerry phones go, but not so much against the other Android phones.

On the software side, it runs BlackBerry’s new OS 6. This updated OS is designed specifically to compete with some of the Android phones. It has an updates Webkit based browser, which runs much better than any of the previous versions. Older versions of BlackBerry’s browser were clearly mobile browsers, because of their limited functionality and slow speeds. Android, on the other hand, ran a browser as easily as any desktop computer. The new browser really helps BlackBerry catch up to that. The Torch also supports a unique navigation scheme. Large icons on the home screen make it easy to navigate to different parts of the phone, and are customizable.

On the hardware side, the Torch is clearly a BlackBerry phone. As this is the BlackBerry’s first slider phone, it still has a physical keyboard. Many Android phones are touch-screen only, and so this is one unique feature of the Torch. The Torch also bears resemblance to many previous BlackBerry phones, with its slightly oval design, whereas many Android phones are designed to be a lot more box-y. Although the hardware isn’t completely unique, it’s nice to see people who prefer BlackBerry phones and still want to have Android based features.

The BlackBerry torch is just like any Android or other smartphone in that it needs some accessories. Common types of BlackBerry Torch accessories include BlackBerry Torch screen protectors and BlackBerry Torch cases. You probably want to keep your phone protected, keeping it in good condition for the long run. After all, the typical life cycle of a phone is two years, so you will want to make sure it lasts. Although the Torch is a nice peice of hardware, it certainly isn’t indestructable, so you have to keep it safe and protected.

Overall the BlackBerry Torch is a nice phone. Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult to describe what makes it unique form other Android phones. It mostly feels like BlackBerry’s attempt to catch up with the Android phones, which they did well, but they didn’t really surpass any of them. The biggest difference between the Torch and any Android phone is simply that the Torch is a BlackBerry phone. The Torch has been Android-ized somewhat, but still bears many resemblances, both in hardware and software, to older Blackberry phones, and it hasn’t really excelled above Android phones in any way. With everything that has been said, the Torch is a great phone, and is a good phone to consider getting.

As Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone continue to batte for the top spot in the smart phone industry, the Resarch In Motion finally enter themselves in the race with the new Blackberry Torch 9800. Though this phone is not considered a “game changer”, the Torch is a great addition to the BlackBerry family. If the early user reviews are any indication, the BlackBerry Torch is shaping up to be yet another resounding success for the RIM team. Understated yet powerful, the Torch features support for a wide range of cellular networks and offers impressive hardware and value for the money.

Let’s talk hardware before we get into a discussion about aesthetics and performance. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 features a Marvel 624 MHz CPU, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of on-board storage. In addition, a 4 GB microSD card comes included with the phone. Of course, the microSD can be upgraded up to 32 GB if you need more storage space. There’s also a 5 Megapixel camera with an LED Flash, the expected 3.5 millimeter headphone and MiniUSB ports, and an optical trackpad if you want to keep the gorgeous 360×480 pixel screen free of smudges and fingerprints.

In terms of looks, the Torch is extremely similar to its predecessors such as the 9700. The Torch comes with both a capacitive 3.2” touchscreen and a slide-down, full-size QWERTY keyboard. On this particular model, the individual keys have a slight bevel to them for a familiar, intuitive feel when typing. At 0.56 inches thick, it feels incredibly solid and stable without being overly bulky. Weighing 5.68 ounces, it’s heavier than competitors such as the iPhone 4 but doesn’t really feel like it. Overall, it’s a nice evolution of the classic BlackBerry design without much compromise of its original look.

When it comes to usability, the new BlackBerry OS 6 is the highlight of this show. The latest iteration of the beloved operating system performs admirably when it comes to viewing media online and with general web browsing. The Torch is offered through AT&T and runs on their HSDPA/UTMS network, allowing for potential download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. In addition, it features quad-band EDGE support for making calls in virtually every country on the globe. As expected, it also features support for Wireless-N WiFi connectivity through any of AT&T’s 20,000 nationwide wireless hotspots.

The phone already comes fairly well equipped, so you shouldn’t need many BlackBerry Torch accessories. It also works with older RIM phone docks without any issues. While the Torch’s screen offers fair protection against scratches, you may wish to obtain one of the BlackBerry Torch Screen Protectors for a reasonable price online. There are also many custom BlackBerry Torch Cases for sale that can help you protect your precious hardware from dents and dings. All in all, the Torch is an excellent phone that should keep current BlackBerry users happy and might even convince a few Apple fanatics to give it a try.