With so many Blackberry models in the market, have you ever wondered what the model number stands for?

The four digits of a RIM BlackBerry device actually defines color, screen and frequency.  The following covers 6xxx & 7xxx GSM models only.  It does not cover CDMA or iDen models.

• The First value (X) defines the display capabilities
• "6" defines monochrome screen.
• "7" defines color screen.

• The Second value (Y) defines the form factor respectively
• "1" defines large screen (resolution: 240 x 260).
• "2" defines small screen (resolution: 240 x 160).
• "3" defines wide screen (resolution: 320 x 240).
• "7" defines larger screen (resolution: 240 x 240).
• "8" defines wide screen (resolution: 320 x 240).
  

• The Third and Fourth value (Z & 0) defines the frequency the device will operate on
• "10" defines Dual-band (900/1900 MHz) for 6xxx & 7xxx series.
  
• "20" defines Dual-band (900/1800 MHz) for 6xxx & 7xxx series.
  
• "30" defines Tri-band (900/1800/1900 MHz).
• "80" defines Tri-band (850/1800/1900 MHz).
• "90" defines Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and Bluetooth-Enabled
• "00" defines Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and Bluetooth-Enabled
  

Example: 7290 has a color display with a smaller form factor that will operate on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz networks.

    7 = Color display
    2 = Smaller form
    9 = 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and Bluetooth-Enabled
    0 = 'zero'

General overview of frequencies: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies run mainly in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and Africa.  850 MHz and 1900 MHz frequencies run in North America.

Thanks for reading this guide.