The BlackBerry Priv, released in November 2015, marked a significant shift for BlackBerry as it adopted the Android operating system while retaining the classic QWERTY keyboard. With a 5.4-inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset, and a 18 MP Schneider-Kreuznach camera, the Priv offers a blend of productivity and entertainment features. It was designed for business professionals who require the versatility of Android with the privacy-focused features BlackBerry is known for. Supporting multiple LTE bands, the Priv is compatible with carriers across the USA and Europe, making it an ideal phone for both business and leisure.
BlackBerry Priv Specifications
Here’s a detailed responsive table highlighting the key specifications of the BlackBerry Priv:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 (USA, STV100-1) HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 (Europe, STV100-4) |
| 4G Bands | USA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, 29, 30 Europe: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Dimensions | 147 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm |
| Weight | 192 g |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 4 front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Keyboard | Capacitive touch 4-row BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard |
| Display Type | AMOLED, 1440 x 2560 pixels (~540 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4, Curved edge screen |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 |
| Internal Memory | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 18 MP, f/2.2, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, 4K@30fps video |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, 720p |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3410 mAh, 18W fast charging (Quick Charge 2.0) |
| Colors | Black |
| Price | About 270 EUR |
BlackBerry Priv Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Priv combines a sleek and modern design with the iconic QWERTY keyboard, offering users the best of both worlds. The phone’s curved AMOLED display is one of its standout features, giving it a premium look and feel. At 192 grams, the Priv feels substantial in the hand, but not overly bulky. The build includes Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for the front display, providing durability and scratch resistance. The curved edges give the phone a contemporary design, while the plastic back and frame make it lightweight. The sliding keyboard is a welcome feature for BlackBerry loyalists who prefer tactile typing.
Display Quality
The 5.4-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and sharp, with a 1440 x 2560 resolution and an impressive ~540 ppi pixel density. The display offers deep blacks and vivid colors, making it ideal for media consumption, web browsing, and document reading. The curved edges of the screen not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve the usability of the phone, making swiping gestures more fluid.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset, the Priv delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The hexa-core processor (4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) ensures smooth multitasking, while the Adreno 418 GPU handles graphic-intensive apps and games with ease. Running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the phone offers a familiar Android experience with access to Google Play services. The integration of BlackBerry’s DTEK security suite ensures that the phone remains secure, notifying users of any privacy risks.
Keyboard and Usability
The physical QWERTY keyboard is a signature feature of the BlackBerry Priv, offering a tactile typing experience that many users still prefer. The 4-row capacitive touch keyboard can also be used for gestures, such as scrolling through apps or webpages. While the on-screen keyboard is available, the physical keyboard offers greater precision for typing long emails or documents.
Camera Quality
The 18 MP Schneider-Kreuznach rear camera on the Priv is one of its standout features, capable of capturing high-quality images with vibrant colors and good detail. The camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, making it a solid choice for both photos and videos. The dual-LED dual-tone flash enhances low-light performance, while additional features like HDR and panorama add versatility. The 2 MP front camera, while not exceptional, performs adequately for video calls and selfies, though it lacks the quality seen in modern smartphones.
Battery Life
The 3410 mAh battery offers decent endurance, providing up to 24 hours of talk time and up to 420 hours of stand-by time on 3G. The phone also supports Quick Charge 2.0, allowing users to charge the battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Priv supports wireless charging (market dependent), making it convenient for users who prefer a cable-free charging experience.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Priv supports a wide range of LTE bands, ensuring compatibility with carriers in both the USA and Europe. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, and microUSB 2.0 with SlimPort 4K support for video output. The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it compatible with wired headphones. While it lacks a fingerprint sensor, the DTEK security suite ensures privacy and protection for sensitive data.
Storage and Expansion
The Priv comes with 32GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. For those who require more space, the microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage, supporting up to 256GB of additional storage.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Priv is a unique smartphone that offers a mix of productivity, security, and Android features. Its QWERTY keyboard, combined with a high-resolution AMOLED display and solid performance, makes it a great choice for business professionals who value privacy and efficiency. While the phone is now discontinued, it remains a reliable option for users who prefer the traditional BlackBerry experience in a modern Android environment.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
