BlackBerry PRIV Review

It's a big moment for BlackBerry: for the first time ever, they are going all-Android with the PRIV. This is our review of the new slider smartphone that tries to unite BlackBerry security, Android, a big touchscreen, and a physical QWERTY keyboard all in one.

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[Slash]

People say it is too expensive?! The iPhone is quite more expensive than that. Even if you take the 16GB version - The BlackBerry has 32GB on board and is expandable up to additional 2000GB(!). When it comes to specs. it smokes the iPhone in all points: Perfomance, security (each chip is encrypted), display (quality & resolution), battery (iPhone 6s: 1710mAh & Priv: 3410mAh), glass weaved back (which is strong and offers best reception possible) processor, browser... etc.

[jinarokabue]

I'm still thinking to go for this over an IPhone

The reason for the lack of fingerprint sensor is probably that you risk handing your info over if someone forces you to unlock it. Forcing someone to give up a code is a lot harder. It could also have different legal status in places.

[benrafter]

First flagship of 2015 with very good battery

[simplyeric]

Jesus.. I just switched everything to Apple.. Apple watch, iMac, Macbook, iPhone.... Now I wanna go back.. This is the thing we needed 2 years ago... DDAMNNITT!!

[Pocket-Calculator]

So, it has one of the best CPUs out there, a beastly amount of RAM, a near-stock Android experience, a good camera, a good screen, the BlackBerry apps _and_ a physical keyboard that's one billion times better than the shitty software keyboards that Apple and Google have shoved up everyone's ass with the excuse that it looks futuristic; but it's too expensive at 700 $?

BRB, I'm gonna buy a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. It costs the same (and was released even more expensive) and has half of the features this one has, but it has the ability to put icons in the edges. That's, like, not gimmicky at all.

[CocoRican]

If you can't beat 'em, join' em. This one looks promising, especially those who loved Blackberry security.

[hoangvietle]

wow... I think that is better than samsung galaxy s6 edge I have
Blackberry is coming back :)

[tomielcapodeamnesia]

i'm glad that blackberry has finally desinged a phone with android, this will make it popular again in my opinion!

[amerpapi]

it's true that touchscreen typing can be faster, but a tactile keyboard allows you to type without looking at your phone, so yeah, this thing is perfect for those who like to text while walking

[dqwilli]

Hi, can you quick charge with the Samsung quick charger instead or the included charger?

[braintrain]

watching this one BLACKBERRY PRIV!!!! B-)

[ZacharyBeland]

Wow the camera on the Priv looks fantastic! Hopefully BlackBerry can make a come back.

[Oof-ob]

totally have been looking at this phone for months now and i gotta say im in love with it. it has expandable memory (2000gb) and actually looks simple to to use and with a physical keyboard it just gets better and better.

[AugustoMartorell]

+PhoneArena you should check your mic volume, it's really low

[cococlancey]

Just got mine today. Only problem with it is the camera quality in low light but I have only taken a few shots so I will find out in the next couple days. If the camera fails to meet my hopes I think I'll be switching it out for the Nexus 6P

[TheStoryUp]

Does it have advanced interactions like BB10? if not I hope they bring those features over soon.

[LukianMusic]

Happy about their decision! What a great idea moving on Android! Blackberrg owners are SMART and cool! respect!

[Septfox]

5:10 it's worth noting that while they only include a standard charger, the 808 (and by extension the phone, this isn't LG here) supports Quickcharge 2.0. So that's probably worth a try to see how much improvement you get.

[TMG_INFINITE]

I like how unbiased Phonearenas reviews are, it felt like he was really reviewing just the phone, not how well or how bad it compares to other phones. nice review