UPDATE: We’ve had word from BlackBerry that models of the Storm 2 on sale are slightly different to the version we reviewed. We’ve taken a look at a second handset, and the in-screen buttons are indeed easier to press than our review model, while the software inside also seems nippier. Good news all-round, so we’ve amended the review below! Let us know you you’re getting on with your own BlackBerry Storm 2 in the comments section.
The original BlackBerry Storm arrived on a wave of hype, only to crash when complaints about laggy software, that infamous touchscreen and the lack of Wi-Fi were exposed. But now the BlackBerry Storm 2 is here and out to right the wrongs of its predecessor. Is it a winner? Read our BlackBerry Storm 2 review now and we’ll tell all.
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Pick up the BlackBerry Storm 2 and you’ll see there’s one big difference from last time out. The buttons down the bottom have been merged into the touch panel. Other tweaks, however, are more subtle, but go towards making it a far sharper device than the original.
This time round, RIM has ensured Wi–Fi has been included. This was a huge miss on the BlackBerry Storm and aside from niggles with the SurePress touchscreen, was perhaps its biggest flaw. The BlackBerry Storm 2 has Wi–Fi and you can use it just as you would on any of its multiple multimedia rivals. Hooking up to wireless networks is a cinch and it means you’re no longer reliant on 3G for browsing.
But the biggest change to the BlackBerry Storm 2 comes on the touchscreen. SurePress is still present and correct, but RIM has made sure to give it a tickle in order to fix the biggest quibbles. That means the clickable screen no longer moves once you turn the cell off, meaning dirt and grime can’t make their way down the sides as easy as on the older model. It’s a cool move, but one which throws up its own quirks.
Read our BlackBerry Storm review now
See, if an app crashes, the whole screen stops moving. And that includes the buttons on the bottom of the device.
However, when everything’s tickety-boo with the BlackBerry Storm 2′s SurePress screen, it works a treat. It didn’t take us long to get our thumbs sending out emails faster than British banks lose money. And naturally the messaging software is peerless, as you’d expect from a BlackBerry.
In terms of the fun stuff, RIM has kept iTunes support through its own software, so adding your tunes and video to the SD card couldn’t be easier. Watching video on the 360×480, 3.25-inch panel is fine, but with big screen rivals like the HTC HD2 on the scene, it’s not the best we’ve played with.
The 3.2 megapixel camera is more than ample for quick snaps, but again could be better. The BlackBerry Storm 2 isn’t lacking features. And it’s certainly better than the original. But with so many smartphones packing similar skills, it’s not the best multi-tasking mobile out there.
