Why the BlackBerry Torch 2 has Already Failed Before It's Shipped

A tech-spec leak for the BlackBerry Torch 2 reveals that RIM still doesn't understand that the smartphone has evolved in the face of Android and iOS. Despite having beefier specs, the BlackBerry Torch 2 will fail. Here's why.

RIM's flagship BlackBerry Torch was supposed to directly compete with the iPhone 4, bringing the BlackBerry back into the fighting ring. Instead, it was marred by a low resolution screen, weak processor, little internal storage and a crappy camera.

BGR's exclusive leak for the Torch 2 reveals that the successor will have a 1.2GHz processor (up from 624MHz), 512MB RAM, GPS, NFC, sharper screen resolution at 640 x 480 (up from 480 x 360), 5-megapixel camera with flash and BlackBerry OS 6.1.

Overall, it sounds like the Torch 2 is packing more punch, no? On paper, it sounds good, but where is the front-facing camera for video chat? Almost every new Android smartphone will have a front-facing camera and yet RIM is still not onboard with video chat. There's a front cam on the PlayBook, so why not on a BB smartphone?

The screen resolution is higher, but most Android phones like the Droid X and Xperia Arc have an 854 x 480 resolution screen. The iPhone has a 960 x 640 Retina Display. What's with the last-gen screen tech? 640 x 480 doesn't cut it in 2011.

The Torch 2 does have a 1.2GHz processor, but why is it not dual-core? Motorola's Atrix is going the dual-core route and so is LG's Optimus 2X. The future is dual-core — don't even pretend like it won't be.

A feature like NFC is nice to have, but I don't know a single smartphone user who even cares about it, at least not yet. Hell, most people don't even know what it is.

In conclusion, I predict RIM's BlackBerry Torch 2 will be pretty much dead on arrival, just like the original Torch. I understand that every company has its own production cycles, but one can't help but wonder where RIM's priorities are. Does it want to fall behind ever further and become a follower? I'd like to see RIM fight back and lead the pack once again by making phones that show other companies how a smartphone should be made. Will that day ever come again? It won't come with the Torch 2, that's for sure.

BGR, via Pocket-Lint

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