Prizefight: RIM BlackBerry Bold vs. Nokia E71Judges: Kent German, Brian Tong , and Bonnie Cha
About the judges
Kent German covers cell phones at CNET and has been following the wireless industry for six years. He's embarrassed to admit he can name almost any cell phone he sees on the street. Brian Tong hosts Prizefight and other shows on CNET TV. He's ready to face-off two gadgets at any place, any time. Bonnie Cha reviews the latest smart phones, PDAs, and GPS devices, helping CNET readers get their hands on the latest mobile electronics. This article first appeared on CNET's Prizefight feature. Tags: Research In Motion Ltd., Smart Phone, BlackBerry Bold, RIM BlackBerry, Cell Phone |
- Talkback
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sylclh says...
but if you were to compare availability of video calls and the price of the handsets, e71 will win hands down.
also the price of the accessories for BB will burn a big h
ole in your pockets, let also not forget ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH products..
Apr 10, 2009 15:48
but if you were to compare availability of video calls and the price of the handsets, e71 will win hands down.
also the price of the accessories for BB will burn a big h
ole in your pockets, let also not forget ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH products..
Apr 10, 2009 15:48
Devlin says...
I can't help but agree with you in that the final result seems a bit skewed in favor of the Bold (which really isn't all that surprising considering the popularity of BlackBerries in America).
A few things were left out: first, as mentioned by sylclh, the E71 does have a second front-facing camera for video calls the Bold lacks. It can also be inferred that the Nokia makes better use of its 3G capabilities because it is better able to maximize the utility of 3G speeds.
Although the Bold features a marginally higher resolution screen it is only capable of reproducing up to about 65,000 colors, whereas the E71 is capable of producing just about 16 million. The criticism of the E71 display seems all the more arbitrary. The same can be said for the editors' preference for pictures taken with the Bold's lower quality sensor.
Ultimately what hasn't been touched upon is the fact that the Nokia is nearly half-a-year older than the Bold yet it features much of the same technology and then some. Naturally, the Bold's processor will have a higher clock speed but clock speed isn't everything. Looking at the bigger picture, had Nokia released the E71 at the same time or released a successor for it the Bold's shortcomings will be brought to light.
As for pricing, simply looking up a Nokia E71 online will net you an unlocked phone with no obligations to renew your current contract at a price very close to the subsidized cost of the Bold with a contract.
The only phone that will topple the E71 is its eventual successor.
Apr 10, 2009 16:13
I can't help but agree with you in that the final result seems a bit skewed in favor of the Bold (which really isn't all that surprising considering the popularity of BlackBerries in America).
A few things were left out: first, as mentioned by sylclh, the E71 does have a second front-facing camera for video calls the Bold lacks. It can also be inferred that the Nokia makes better use of its 3G capabilities because it is better able to maximize the utility of 3G speeds.
Although the Bold features a marginally higher resolution screen it is only capable of reproducing up to about 65,000 colors, whereas the E71 is capable of producing just about 16 million. The criticism of the E71 display seems all the more arbitrary. The same can be said for the editors' preference for pictures taken with the Bold's lower quality sensor.
Ultimately what hasn't been touched upon is the fact that the Nokia is nearly half-a-year older than the Bold yet it features much of the same technology and then some. Naturally, the Bold's processor will have a higher clock speed but clock speed isn't everything. Looking at the bigger picture, had Nokia released the E71 at the same time or released a successor for it the Bold's shortcomings will be brought to light.
As for pricing, simply looking up a Nokia E71 online will net you an unlocked phone with no obligations to renew your current contract at a price very close to the subsidized cost of the Bold with a contract.
The only phone that will topple the E71 is its eventual successor.
Apr 10, 2009 16:13
vahidy says...
I haven't read this in detail, but what I find missing in the discussion is 'battery life'. Enhanced battery life of E71 is one of its great strengths and should not be over looked at any cost. There's nothing wrong per say with the battery life of Bold but there's nothing to write home about either.
Apr 16, 2009 00:56
I haven't read this in detail, but what I find missing in the discussion is 'battery life'. Enhanced battery life of E71 is one of its great strengths and should not be over looked at any cost. There's nothing wrong per say with the battery life of Bold but there's nothing to write home about either.
Apr 16, 2009 00:56
scsa316 says...
ya you are right.. blackberry cost (700$)rs.35000/- and nokia e71 cost (350$)rs.18000/- in india.. bold is expensive and in that range they are lot of very good hansets like sony xperia x1, e90, n97, htc hd, htc pro, omnia, iphone 3g available.. i am using sony x1 which is one of the best phones i have ever used..
Apr 10, 2009 16:17
ya you are right.. blackberry cost (700$)rs.35000/- and nokia e71 cost (350$)rs.18000/- in india.. bold is expensive and in that range they are lot of very good hansets like sony xperia x1, e90, n97, htc hd, htc pro, omnia, iphone 3g available.. i am using sony x1 which is one of the best phones i have ever used..
Apr 10, 2009 16:17
xdeadliving says...
Even I can't agree with the final verdict and I really feel that the judges are "biased" towards the RIM.
There's -
1. lower pricing
2. better voice quality
3. lesser bulk
4. no mandatory contracts
5. wider range of freewares and apps
6. 2nd cam
7. better 3G utilization
riding in favour of the E71.
I think, its just a perceived sense of sophistication around a crackberry which has led to the verdict.
The E71 will outclass the Bold any day...
Apr 10, 2009 17:18
Even I can't agree with the final verdict and I really feel that the judges are "biased" towards the RIM.
There's -
1. lower pricing
2. better voice quality
3. lesser bulk
4. no mandatory contracts
5. wider range of freewares and apps
6. 2nd cam
7. better 3G utilization
riding in favour of the E71.
I think, its just a perceived sense of sophistication around a crackberry which has led to the verdict.
The E71 will outclass the Bold any day...
Apr 10, 2009 17:18
kcslchin says...
Personally, I think the Bold keyboard is better to use than E71. But for other aspects, I would prefer the E71.
Apr 10, 2009 19:03
Personally, I think the Bold keyboard is better to use than E71. But for other aspects, I would prefer the E71.
Apr 10, 2009 19:03
gubbe says...
Question: What's the availability of extra application for BlackBerry Bold vs the E71? Personally I haven't heard about many extra applications for BB, while E71 has - well - a lot!
Comment: To support the claims of this being a biased test When I started reading this article, I thought it was a bit odd that there are no "Nokia" or "E71" tags in the article tag list.
That does make me think this so-called "prizefight" was won by BB before it started. Tags are designed to drive traffic. Is this article designed to take E71 market share rather than to help making a sound decision?
Apr 10, 2009 21:48
Question: What's the availability of extra application for BlackBerry Bold vs the E71? Personally I haven't heard about many extra applications for BB, while E71 has - well - a lot!
Comment: To support the claims of this being a biased test When I started reading this article, I thought it was a bit odd that there are no "Nokia" or "E71" tags in the article tag list.
That does make me think this so-called "prizefight" was won by BB before it started. Tags are designed to drive traffic. Is this article designed to take E71 market share rather than to help making a sound decision?
Apr 10, 2009 21:48
sylclh says...
one very simple i want to add..you can find a charger and bp4L battery for your e71 pratically in every corner of the world, well for the bold..u need to GOOGLE the authorised centre....RIM= Robbing In Motion
Apr 10, 2009 23:00
one very simple i want to add..you can find a charger and bp4L battery for your e71 pratically in every corner of the world, well for the bold..u need to GOOGLE the authorised centre....RIM= Robbing In Motion
Apr 10, 2009 23:00
junhao85 says...
seriously i dun understand how u do tis review...
is there any amt of benefit involve in siding wif BB?
i am blunt and pardon me.. but PLS do a thorough review again..
OH another PT.. PLS GOOGLE! pls read thru e review and c how many is in favour is E71 VS tat overated BB u think is so godlike...
PLS DUN BE BIASED..
Apr 11, 2009 16:40
seriously i dun understand how u do tis review...
is there any amt of benefit involve in siding wif BB?
i am blunt and pardon me.. but PLS do a thorough review again..
OH another PT.. PLS GOOGLE! pls read thru e review and c how many is in favour is E71 VS tat overated BB u think is so godlike...
PLS DUN BE BIASED..
Apr 11, 2009 16:40
isaac976 says...
junhao85, Do you know the amount of ppl carrying E71 as compared to E71? as you can see from sylclh first comment, she already said that the pricing is cheaper than Bold, not any tom dick and harry would be going out just to get connected with the BOLD and paying a premium price for it, you can do it with the E71 but not so efficient, I for one would know, cause I own all two phones and also E63 if you want to know, I am not saying the E71 is a lousy phone, or Bold is way superior. They are not bias towards any product and the review is fair. Trust me they dont get paid to do reviews. As compared to the masses E71, for business connectivity Bold.
Apr 13, 2009 01:31
junhao85, Do you know the amount of ppl carrying E71 as compared to E71? as you can see from sylclh first comment, she already said that the pricing is cheaper than Bold, not any tom dick and harry would be going out just to get connected with the BOLD and paying a premium price for it, you can do it with the E71 but not so efficient, I for one would know, cause I own all two phones and also E63 if you want to know, I am not saying the E71 is a lousy phone, or Bold is way superior. They are not bias towards any product and the review is fair. Trust me they dont get paid to do reviews. As compared to the masses E71, for business connectivity Bold.
Apr 13, 2009 01:31
abhimawa says...
A blackberry is much better built than a nokia. When you drop your phone you will understand
Blackberry is very intuitive to use, too, compared to Nokia (especially those with the complicated UI)
However I dont get much success with the WiFi & Bluetooth on the BB
BB is far more usable
Apr 13, 2009 18:48
A blackberry is much better built than a nokia. When you drop your phone you will understand
Blackberry is very intuitive to use, too, compared to Nokia (especially those with the complicated UI)
However I dont get much success with the WiFi & Bluetooth on the BB
BB is far more usable
Apr 13, 2009 18:48
isaac976 says...
oops my bad !! this is the supposed message across,
junhao85, Do you know the amount of ppl carrying E71 as compared to Bold?
abhimawa: haha .. i dont think any phone will withstand a drop unless its those panasonic tough phone. the Symbian S60 v3 is not all that bad, but I still love the Bold UI better, just plain simple.
The BB you need to search for bt and then pair with them, I had the same thinking before that BB bluetooth is useless and only able to hooked with the earpiece, google for bt transfer, you are able to use it,
before i was using my 8320 and my pearl both did not succed till i change to the Bold, cause i didnt believe that BB would be so stupid ! and I was wrong they can trasnfer file thru BT
Apr 14, 2009 11:44
oops my bad !! this is the supposed message across,
junhao85, Do you know the amount of ppl carrying E71 as compared to Bold?
abhimawa: haha .. i dont think any phone will withstand a drop unless its those panasonic tough phone. the Symbian S60 v3 is not all that bad, but I still love the Bold UI better, just plain simple.
The BB you need to search for bt and then pair with them, I had the same thinking before that BB bluetooth is useless and only able to hooked with the earpiece, google for bt transfer, you are able to use it,
before i was using my 8320 and my pearl both did not succed till i change to the Bold, cause i didnt believe that BB would be so stupid ! and I was wrong they can trasnfer file thru BT
Apr 14, 2009 11:44
manov says...
"@Abhimawa: I see you've never held an E71. I have dropped my E71! numerous times! And all I've gotten on it are few scratches, and that's after I threw the damn thing."
E71, is the best phone I have come across especially for that price bracket. I use to hate Nokia, until the E series came out. Now, I would not hesitate to buy any E series.
I am truly disappointed with this CNET review, normally I find objective results here.
E71 has better cam resolution, video call cam, built quality.
And on top of that, the OS on E71 is also quick, , multi-tasking was a breeze, GPS very good (along with maps), Active Notes is great, quick office easy to use, and shortcuts were helpful.
How cnet missed taking them into consideration is beyond me.
I can't seem to find E71's real weakness in terms of function, except too small qwerty for bigger people and unimpressive multimedia which is not a priority for E series anyways.
Apr 14, 2009 18:51
"@Abhimawa: I see you've never held an E71. I have dropped my E71! numerous times! And all I've gotten on it are few scratches, and that's after I threw the damn thing."
E71, is the best phone I have come across especially for that price bracket. I use to hate Nokia, until the E series came out. Now, I would not hesitate to buy any E series.
I am truly disappointed with this CNET review, normally I find objective results here.
E71 has better cam resolution, video call cam, built quality.
And on top of that, the OS on E71 is also quick, , multi-tasking was a breeze, GPS very good (along with maps), Active Notes is great, quick office easy to use, and shortcuts were helpful.
How cnet missed taking them into consideration is beyond me.
I can't seem to find E71's real weakness in terms of function, except too small qwerty for bigger people and unimpressive multimedia which is not a priority for E series anyways.
Apr 14, 2009 18:51
abhimawa says...
@manov: partly right. partly wrong. I dont use E71 although I sell them. Got E51 instead (same thing; more rugged), and been using nokia/SE the whole time.
Not a BB dealer, though; fair enuff?
Ever got broken screen?
Don't bluff me on this; get a BB and do a dropping contest, you'll know what I mean. and don't read reviews too much.
Apr 15, 2009 02:09
@manov: partly right. partly wrong. I dont use E71 although I sell them. Got E51 instead (same thing; more rugged), and been using nokia/SE the whole time.
Not a BB dealer, though; fair enuff?
Ever got broken screen?
Don't bluff me on this; get a BB and do a dropping contest, you'll know what I mean. and don't read reviews too much.
Apr 15, 2009 02:09
Justanut says...
I have to agree that the review seemed biased... The only thing going for the BBB is it's prettier screen and better keyboard. Still, my E71 is so much more versatile in terms of software options. Been using it to surf ALOT and read eBooks. The screen is fantastic even in bright sunlight. Oh and I threw the phone across the room once (not gonna say why...) and thankfully it survived without any noticeable damage that I could find. I just wish they had an E71 w/o camera option...
Apr 16, 2009 00:02
I have to agree that the review seemed biased... The only thing going for the BBB is it's prettier screen and better keyboard. Still, my E71 is so much more versatile in terms of software options. Been using it to surf ALOT and read eBooks. The screen is fantastic even in bright sunlight. Oh and I threw the phone across the room once (not gonna say why...) and thankfully it survived without any noticeable damage that I could find. I just wish they had an E71 w/o camera option...
Apr 16, 2009 00:02
manov says...
@abhimawa: No broken screen on my E71, after the numerous drops. If you're talking about Nokia in general, then yes, they aren't build that well, but the E71 "is" a tank for it's class.
I've never dropped a BB, although I used some, but I never said they were built poorly, only that I will put money that E71 can match it and then some.
Apr 16, 2009 17:34
@abhimawa: No broken screen on my E71, after the numerous drops. If you're talking about Nokia in general, then yes, they aren't build that well, but the E71 "is" a tank for it's class.
I've never dropped a BB, although I used some, but I never said they were built poorly, only that I will put money that E71 can match it and then some.
Apr 16, 2009 17:34
demonlord says...
E71 rocks anytime from Bold, be it cost effective, wider compatibility application, battery life, second camera, better WIFI...
Apr 23, 2009 20:18
E71 rocks anytime from Bold, be it cost effective, wider compatibility application, battery life, second camera, better WIFI...
Apr 23, 2009 20:18
junhao85 says...
Erm look like almost everyone is in favour of E71 ( majority) and PLS most of us are E 71 users so we know how it fares and function...
though u may not be biased, but i seriously urge u all to compare more fairly in terms of all aspects,
beside even in HWM Singapore, look at the review it get u understand why.
Go www.gsmarena.com and even more, jus google search u know wat i mean Editiors
Apr 24, 2009 00:15
Erm look like almost everyone is in favour of E71 ( majority) and PLS most of us are E 71 users so we know how it fares and function...
though u may not be biased, but i seriously urge u all to compare more fairly in terms of all aspects,
beside even in HWM Singapore, look at the review it get u understand why.
Go www.gsmarena.com and even more, jus google search u know wat i mean Editiors
Apr 24, 2009 00:15
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