BlackBerry 9670 Style: A Flip Phone With BBM
The BlackBerry 9670 Style evokes a compact alternative for people who relied on BBM while wanting something less substantial than a traditional business handset. It appeared in early-2010s retail discussions as a way to carry conversations, email and social updates in one device.
Its name needs clarification, however. The official BlackBerry 9670 was a touchscreen phone with a virtual keyboard, not a folding handset. Some sellers used “Style” as a marketing label and described the phone as a flip-style model, so buyers should separate the desirable idea from the actual hardware.
Hardware Identity and Main Appeal
Launched in 2010, the BlackBerry 9670 combined a 3.7-inch display with BlackBerry OS 6, an optical trackpad and a 5-megapixel camera. Its main advantage over the Bold and Curve models was touch navigation, including pinch-to-zoom and an onscreen keyboard for reading messages and browsing the web.
The Style wording generally referred to a colour, finish or regional edition rather than a separate mechanism. The 9670 remained a slim touchscreen slab, and it did not fold in half or open like a clamshell phone.
That distinction matters because physical protection, pocketability and battery life were among the main attractions of flip phones. A 9670 offered the stronger BlackBerry platform, but it could not provide the satisfying snap shut of a traditional feature phone. For prolonged typing, some users still preferred the tactile feedback of a BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard.
BBM Messaging in Australian Mobile Use
BBM used PIN-based accounts to deliver messages, group chats, contact updates and file transfers through a mobile data connection. Depending on the carrier and software version, users could also access BBM channels, voice calling and video calling, making the service useful for people coordinating work and family messages throughout the day.
Australian mobile plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone commonly combined local calling, SMS and capped data allowances. A BBM user therefore needed to confirm that the chosen plan supported the service and check whether international roaming or large file transfers created additional charges. Coverage also varied: a handset could use 3G around Sydney and Melbourne while dropping to a slower connection in rural areas.
Organisations using BBM for commercial communication had Australian rules to consider. The Spam Act 2003 required consent and clear identification for many electronic marketing messages, while the Australian Privacy Act 1988 could apply when a business handled customer contact details in a covered activity.
Battery Life and Everyday Digital Use
The 9670’s touchscreen and 3G radio made it more demanding than a basic flip phone. Continuous BBM activity, social networking and browser use could reduce a day’s charge more quickly than frequent voice calls, particularly on an older battery. Australian commuters using trains in Melbourne or Sydney often needed a reliable way to check messages without reaching for a charger at every stop.
Bluetooth could connect the phone to a headset for calls, while email, calendar alerts and BBM notifications remained visible through a pocket or bag. Second-hand buyers should therefore test battery health, charging speed and standby behaviour rather than relying on the model name or display sticker.
Community organisations supporting people with limited digital access can consult nonprofit technology guidance when choosing communication tools. Reliable messaging matters in those settings, but affordability, readable screens and simple charging arrangements can be more valuable than advanced specifications.
Flip Phones and QWERTY Alternatives
A conventional flip phone offered a numeric keypad, dependable standby time and a durable hinge. It worked well for calls, SMS and basic prepaid plans, but most models could not provide the BlackBerry ecosystem or native BBM applications. The 9670 therefore served users who wanted messages and internet access without buying a much larger touchscreen device.
Physical-keyboard handsets provided another compromise. The Samsung Y Pro handset offered a compact QWERTY layout and, on supported versions, dual-SIM capability for separating work and personal calls. Its application support and messaging experience differed from BlackBerry OS, so the choice depended on whether a physical keyboard outweighed access to BBM features.
Smart Buying Checks for Australia
Imported BlackBerry and Nokia models needed to match Australian network bands, SIM formats and carrier rules. The Telecommunications Act 1997 and carrier terms could affect device unlocking, while retailers also needed to comply with Australian consumer law. For another 3G feature phone, the Nokia C2-01 unlocking guide explains why supported bands and carrier freedom should be checked before payment.
Australian buyers should also confirm that the advertised price includes 10% GST and that the seller provides an Australian warranty or clear return policy. A local prepaid voucher, no-contract SIM or postpaid plan may cost less than an imported deal once shipping, roaming and replacement risks are included.
Network and plan checks
- Confirm that the chosen Telstra, Optus or Vodafone service supports BBM.
- Compare prepaid data bundles with no-contract and postpaid allowances.
- Check 3G coverage, roaming charges and the required SIM size.
- Remember that Australian retail prices normally include 10% GST.
Handset and seller checks
- Verify the IMEI, unlock status, network bands and warranty.
- Inspect the screen, touch sensitivity, keys and charging port.
- Confirm that the correct charger, cable and documentation are included.
- Test calls, SMS, internet access and BBM before completing the handover.
A side-by-side comparison highlights the main differences:
| Device | Form factor | Messaging strengths | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackBerry 9670 | Touchscreen slab with virtual keyboard | BBM, email, apps and browser | No physical keyboard or folding hinge |
| BlackBerry Bold or Curve | Compact QWERTY handset | Excellent email and BBM typing | Older hardware and limited battery life |
| Feature flip phone | Clamshell with numeric keypad | Reliable calls and simple SMS | Usually no native BBM or advanced apps |
| Samsung Y Pro | Compact QWERTY handset with dual-SIM support | Physical typing and separate work lines | App support and BBM experience vary |
Make a Smarter Mobile Choice
Choose the BlackBerry 9670 when BBM, email and internet access are essential, accepting that the device is a touchscreen phone rather than a true flip. Choose a feature flip phone when standby time, affordable calls and straightforward SMS matter more. A QWERTY BlackBerry or dual-SIM handset may suit users who need physical keys and separate lines.
Start with your daily message volume, data allowance and local carrier, then inspect the exact model before paying. Buy from a reputable Australian seller, test every essential function and keep the boxed charger, warranty details and IMEI record.