With mobile web access, email, and document editing, RIM's BlackBerry line started as very business-minded smartphones. The Pearl series seeks to integrate entertainment and multimedia into the list of existing business functions as well. Multimedia highlights for the original Pearl model, the 8100, included a music player and organizer, a video player, and a camera.

At 50mm wide, the Pearl 8120 has a more slender form factor than most of the other BlackBerry models, but all can fit relatively easily in a pocket. The 2.25-inch, 64,000 color, 240 x 260 pixel screen is identical to that of its predecessors. The now-standard tiny trackball also returns to assist navigation of the BlackBerry Handheld Software operating system, which has changed little in this device. A unique, space-saving feature to the Pearl line (and the 8120 is no exception) is the SureType QWERTY keyboard, which packs two letters and a number onto most keys, and comes with predictive software to assist text entry. As for internet capability, Wi-Fi supports the 8120's new web functions, such as an updated browser and T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home VoIP service (if the user chooses that carrier) as long as the user can find a wireless hotspot. In the absence of one, the Pearl 8120 supports EDGE for internet usage. Notably absent for the 8120 is any GPS capability; both the 8110 and the 8120 included it.