It really comes down to $$$ on this one. In North America where carriers will subsidize the cost of your phone purchase by signing a contract, we'd go for the Torch 9860 over the Curve 9380 every day of the week. The Torch 9860 gains a faster processor, higher resolution display, HD video recording and autofocus (it doesn't have NFC though), and while the 9380's navigation buttons look better, the 9860's work better. Comparing specs, it's no contest.

That said, the Curve 9380 is a capable touchscreen BlackBerry and if you're in a prepaid market where you have to buy the phone outright, the Curve 9380's lower cost may well be worth the trade off. The phone is quite a bit smaller than the Torch 9860, making it more friendly to those with small hands, and it takes up less space in your pocket or purse.

Within RIM's current BlackBerry family it makes sense for them to release this phone. With the introduction of the Curve 9380, there is now a touchscreen option available in all of the BlackBerry 7 product families. Is this the touchscreen BlackBerry for you though? You'll really have to be the one to decide that one.

-crackberry