Bold no direct iPhone rival, suffers 3G flaw

The BlackBerry Bold and iPhone 3G share similar traits but ultimately apply to entirely different markets, Citigroup investment analyst Jim Suva says in a research note issued today. In a hands-on test of the Bold shortly before its launch, Suva notes that the Bold touts both 3G and a significantly improved web browser versus earlier BlackBerries but that its design is still ultimately suited to work versus Apple's offering. This is particularly acute with the Bold potentially costing as much as $399 on contract.

The Bold is a "strong product but not a game changer," Suva says. "We believe it will appeal to business users who travel internationally, but less so to consumers given its likely high price."

The analyst also notes that the BlackBerry suffers from the same problems of the iPhone, including 3G connection problems; the device will frequently drop 3G in favor of a slower, 2G EDGE link when downtown. Suva speculates that the flaw may likewise stem from rough software and that AT&T may have delayed its launch primarily to stabilize 3G performance.

Its two-megapixel camera is also sub-par versus those from other phones, he adds.