Apart from the fact that one runs on both CDMA and GSM, and the other only on GSM networks, what are the differences between the two? For instance, I stumbled on this interesting discussion here regarding the new.428 leak: Vodafone apparently uses DRM of some sort, therefore making it impossible/harder to install leaked firmware on the Storm2 that is 'nodrm'.

It's a great phone. If the BlackBerry 6 OS r. Blackberry Storm 2 9520 was not the only choice I had, but I considered my basic needs (communication.

Reading this blog post () hints that OpenGL ES support is thanks to the Qualcomm chipset used on the Storm2 9550. To my understanding the Storm2 9520 does not have a Qualcomm, but still seems to support OpenGL ES software. Is this correct or is the implementation different on the GSM only Storm2, perhaps non-existent? If there is any truth to Bajanbastard's words () both Storm2 variants are actually the same, the other with software locking CDMA capability and possibly adding the DRM discussed above. What I find interesting is that both Storm2 9550 and 9520 have the same reported weight on the BlackBerry USA/UK website: + Is there anything else I should know? I am getting a Storm2, doesn't really matter which as it will primarily run on GSM and as I'm not a Vodafone customer, unlocked.

Therefore all that matters are hardware and software differences. Thank you very much! Well i have used bothversionsand IMO9550 OS is optimized for CDMA network use, having used the GSM version as well, i can tell you there are issues to be faced using the 9550 on GSM.

There are allot of small network related issues the most unusual one i am facing so far is i can not make conference calls as yet on the GSM network. Some related options that i was used to seeing on the GSM version are not even there in the menu.

When in call instead of hold button i see a flash button which does nothing on a GSM call. This is where the hold call button would be. Pressing add participants in the middle of the call also does not accomplish anything. There are several other gripes but this this is the biggest one so far that i havent been able to get around yet. Thank you all for the replies. Didn't really get the answers I was looking for, but let's put all pieces together: a) Many have pointed out that on their Storm2 9520 the bottom piece reads ' Qualcomm 3G CDMA'.

B) According to this blog post () it is truly the Qualcomm, which makes OpenGL ES possible. C) As I pointed out in my first post, both device variants have the same reported weight. If the above assumptions are any indication, both the Storm2 9550 and 9520 are one and the same. Should CDMA functionality on the Storm2 9520 be hidden using purely a software solution, maybe it could be possible to 'restore' this functionality through the Engineering Screen and a hybrid firmware. Can anyone with a Storm2 9520 test this () out and see what happens? Something else I found regarding the Storm2 9550 and GSM that I find quite interesting (). Realbasic Serial Communication. It seems that even if the Verizon Storm2 is unlocked using the traditional MEPD route, the carrier name is not read and instead shows ' Activation Required'.

CDMA programming is required to fix this. Why this is beyond me, anyone mind to lighten this up? It is of course understandable that the Storm2 9550 is more optimized for CDMA and the Storm2 9520 for GSM, but I never had an idea of how problematic a device th eStorm2 9550 could be when used only on GSM. Unknown Number, is that issue known? Also, what's up with the Vodafone DRM? Is this restricting only the installation of leaked firmware or is there more to it?

Can a simple deletion of the Vendor.xml file not resolve the issue? Thank you all very much for your time and help! As it seems now I'm leaning towards the Storm2 9520. - shinkodachi Last edited by shinkodachi; 12-28-09 at 12:02 PM.

Hahah, have a look at what I found! Investigating the BlackBerry UK website further, scroll this page down for the technical specifications of the Storm2: Two options: RIM was lazy or the Storm2 9520 *does* have a CDMA radio.

Look at Wireless Networks on that page at the very bottom. It says ' Dual-band: 800/1900/ MHz CDMA/Ev-DO Rev A networks ' Could RIM really have been that lazy and not manufacture new bottom parts for the Storm2 9520?

Or has anyone here a better explanation why the non-CDMA Storm2 reads ' Qualcomm 3G CDMA' at the bottom? @Joel S.: This I knew, though to find absolute proof for what you are making an assumption of, someone would need to tear apart both variants and find differences at circuit level to find the truth. I know nobody though with the time, resources and guts to do this Bottom line: there is much evidence to support the assumption that both are identical hardware wise, little that says otherwise. Last edited by shinkodachi; 12-28-09 at 12:21 PM. I do believe the printed manual gets more attention than the online website, which is why they got it right there.

I will assume both are identical hardware wise, I can't see how they wouldn't as there is just so much that supports this statement. Now, getting back to the software, many are saying the Verizon Storm2 is horrible as a GSM only device. If this is the case I will go for a Vodafone Storm2 and hope for the best. Thank you all for your help! Edit: A quick question to all those with a Vodafone Storm2 (9520): Did the Storm2 come with a travel charger, if yes did it come only with the UK plug or also with all other ones?

Thank you much! Pray you are able to get a Storm2 which doesn't drop calls or voice loss during connected calls.

Otherwise u got urself a dumb brick! Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.comForgive me for the assumption but isn't Mobilink known for their crappy service? Maybe the dropped calls is a carrier issue and not an S2 one? I used a BB 8830 on their network while visiting home and it did exactly the same thing.I know people using the S2 on UAE's Etisalat GSM network with zero issues.so I'm pretty sure its not a phone issue.

Either you have a lemon or the carrier's penetration is bad.which I know to be true. Hahah, have a look at what I found! Investigating the BlackBerry UK website further, scroll this page down for the technical specifications of the Storm2: Two options: RIM was lazy or the Storm2 9520 *does* have a CDMA radio. Look at Wireless Networks on that page at the very bottom. It says ' Dual-band: 800/1900/ MHz CDMA/Ev-DO Rev A networks ' Could RIM really have been that lazy and not manufacture new bottom parts for the Storm2 9520?

Or has anyone here a better explanation why the non-CDMA Storm2 reads ' Qualcomm 3G CDMA' at the bottom? @Joel S.: This I knew, though to find absolute proof for what you are making an assumption of, someone would need to tear apart both variants and find differences at circuit level to find the truth. I know nobody though with the time, resources and guts to do this Bottom line: there is much evidence to support the assumption that both are identical hardware wise, little that says otherwise.So why exactly are you asking?

If you want to make sure it has the 9520 has OpenGL support, it does. I do believe the printed manual gets more attention than the online website, which is why they got it right there. I will assume both are identical hardware wise, I can't see how they wouldn't as there is just so much that supports this statement. Now, getting back to the software, many are saying the Verizon Storm2 is horrible as a GSM only device. If this is the case I will go for a Vodafone Storm2 and hope for the best. Thank you all for your help!

Edit: A quick question to all those with a Vodafone Storm2 (9520): Did the Storm2 come with a travel charger, if yes did it come only with the UK plug or also with all other ones? Thank you much! Soul Arena Hack Reiatsu Wikipedia. It's worth noting that the people likely having issues are probably using GSM in the US. Either way, the Storm was not designed with US GSM carriers in mind, neither the 9550 nor the 9520 support 3G USDM GSM bands. My Storm 2 came with plugs for US, UK and airplanes.

Another one for BlackBerry Storm 2 users. OS 5.0.0.669 has dropped just a little while ago. This release is a non DRM version so not everyone will be able to make use of it. But, I'm sure some of the hybrid builders out there can pull some of the files and make a version available for all. Remember, back up your data if you load this. * OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software.

It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). Follow the links below for more information and instructions. I agree with some of the comments about why there are more leaks available for the 9520.

The rest of blackberry storm customers are on a GSM network so thus more variants available for leaks. Just as a reminder for all storm 2 people blackberry 6 will be launching in around 2 months so expect a carrier like Verizon to not care about getting anymore versions of 5.0. They are probably hard at work tweaking 6.0 to match their network standards. To be quite honest i, like that better than the incremental releases i have seen here on Vodafone Australia.

Just give me the software that works. Hang tight y'all, if you need any motivation, look at the blackberry 6 video from WES and it will make you, realize that 5.0 leaks are so 2000 and Late!! If only it were believable that verizon's tweaking anything.

It's proabbly sitting somewhere. Honestly, the only thing that keeps me with Verizon is the availability of service, otherwise i would quit them. E.g..607, major failure, it was like they downloaded the leak themselves and then branded it. After asking for fixes for the keyboard etc issues, their response was to downgrade, so why the hell release it as official.

And they never know of any issues. In any case 6.0, would be hott, (i can't wait myself) but i'm gussing a far stretch to say two months. That being after speaking to Verizon, (three diff BB reps) who were not even aware that 6.0 debuted.

Why wait for VZW to release BB6 offically?? When 6 does surface there's going to be a tonne of leaks for any device that is capable of running it.

Just install one of them. Let's be honest, it's a small minority of people that wait for official OS releases. We all use leaks. I'm currently running a leaked OS5 on my Vodafone Ireland 9520 and it's working great and when a BB6 leak appears for my 9520 I'll be on it like lightning. I really hope 6 will bring much needed improvement to the whole BB experience. I've been a BB user for a good few years and love it, but the dare I say it the *Phone has been looking more and more tempting lately.

If it had Push email I probably would have jumped ship but the recent OS6 videos from WES have made me excited about what Lies ahead:). Reason number 5,892 that I will be jumping to the Incredible or the Galaxy S later this summer. When the 9520/9550 were introduced, BB dropped the 9500/9530 like a hot stone. There haven't even been LEAKS for the 9530 since the Storm 2 came out -- which means BB has completely dropped development for that device. Meanwhile, the even Pearl models get updates and leaks every 31 days. You don't want to associate yourself with the lousy device you sold me? I don't want to associate with you, either.