BlackBerry Priv review: Privilege granted

09 December, 2015
A curved screen QWERTY slider by BlackBerry that runs Android, are we getting this right? We double checked and the Priv is just as exciting as it is unique. Honestly, it is one of those things many may’ve fantasized about but nobody actually believed would happen. It’s also probably the last chance for BlackBerry to try and turn things around.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • NR2
  • 10 Dec 2015

Can't type in landscape mode.

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • pv@
    • 10 Dec 2015

    the tech nerd, 10 Dec 2015It's open source os and that's why they went for it, yo... moreCould've just used Windows instead of Android. Faster, better UI, secure and smooth.

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • T4j
      • 10 Dec 2015

      I had the phone before the update (decided to return it) and the main thing that bothered me was the build quality - really creaky on the back! Read somewhere it was the Wireless charger coil being left out of the version we have in the UK (not sure how true this is) but it was horrible to hear creaking even when I just picked the phone up in my hand. Could have just been my unit but I read a few complaints similar to mine.

      I liked the keyboard and the software was OK - I guess it will keep getting better with updates. But build quality can't be fixed through updates.

      It's a shame because BB have a history of solid well built phones. Given the price paid, just not acceptable. Hope the phone is a success though - I would be interested in any future generations they make to improve on this version.

        • E
        • Eske Rahn
        • 3ii
        • 10 Dec 2015

        Jkz, 10 Dec 2015Looks like they didn't update the device. After the update ... moreDid you read the review?
        ".....Core app updates were constantly flying in during the review process, so, hopefully, all of these will be fixed in a timely manner."

          • D
          • AnonD-145833
          • nGc
          • 10 Dec 2015

          It's encrypted out of the box at hardware level. You have to factor that into any discussion about the device and how fast it operates compared to other expensive high end handsets. Those other premium devices if they too had taken similar choices would have a slight hit on performance. Blackberry is trying to give some control back to the user. I know that the next version of Android will address it also at software level.

            • o
            • out of eggz
            • gC1
            • 10 Dec 2015

            B-utiful...magical. superb. if I needed the qwerty keyboard I wouldn't mind getting this one :)

              • J
              • Jkz
              • ixa
              • 10 Dec 2015

              AnonD-70078, 10 Dec 2015did they review this after the update , because the ringing... moreLooks like they didn't update the device. After the update many of their issues were vastly improved or solved.

                • D
                • Dr Danger
                • uuu
                • 10 Dec 2015

                Anonymous, 10 Dec 2015I am very shocked to see performance of the Priv. Its reall... moreI am sure they will improve many things by giving update after update as the ringing volume and camera performance is improved after update

                  • k
                  • khan 27
                  • p}a
                  • 10 Dec 2015

                  its a shemale of phones "blackberry passport" the original edition is the best of the best from blackberry had the display been amoled on that.

                    Anonymous, 10 Dec 2015Nice hardware, nice design, fail OS. They just went for the... moreIt's open source os and that's why they went for it, you can't customise windows, can't even touch ios(apple won't give them), android is open source and a very good os

                      • ?
                      • Anonymous
                      • 7XN
                      • 10 Dec 2015

                      I am very shocked to see performance of the Priv. Its really very disappointing for such a expensive phone. Priv is touching the dust in benchmark. I hope it may improve through updates especially when Marshmallow update will hit next year.

                        • D
                        • AnonD-234961
                        • 95j
                        • 10 Dec 2015

                        Blackberry did the right thing with Android, but it didn't with the price tag. I can agree that you get a lot of hardware, including the keyboard, but these days the pricing pressure is so high from the Chinese (even Samsung is rumored to sell the upcoming S7 10% cheaper) that Blackberry is likely to suffer another big failure unless they lower the price by at least $150/150EUR. And they just cannot afford another failure.

                          • S
                          • SDKforLumia
                          • KI3
                          • 10 Dec 2015

                          Hey GSMArena, an off topic request, but can you guys please retest LG G4 battery life after Marshmallow update?

                            • ?
                            • Anonymous
                            • pv@
                            • 10 Dec 2015

                            Nice hardware, nice design, fail OS. They just went for the worst OS out of the big three out there. (Android, iOS, Windows)

                              • D
                              • AnonD-70078
                              • mx}
                              • 10 Dec 2015

                              did they review this after the update , because the ringing volume is very good on my device. camera is way better than it was with another update on 14th. gsm arena should have held back on the review for another couple of weeks .

                                • D
                                • AnonD-251110
                                • nx6
                                • 10 Dec 2015

                                Battery is only bad sector but they will fix it . They new on android and with time,will fiind out how to manage that sector. Sound and audio reproduction are good i don't know why people complain. In a future update they will,put and aptx.

                                I hate android I was close to buy this but i will buy a passport till Microsoft will have Surface Phone on the table or who knows maybe New iPhone will be fantastic. #Passport SE here I come.

                                  • D
                                  • AnonD-173154
                                  • nF9
                                  • 10 Dec 2015

                                  Great review.

                                  I will take your advice. I want this phone, but there's one thing wrong with it. The price. If/when it gets €400 or so its a dead cert.

                                    • M
                                    • Milo
                                    • tCQ
                                    • 10 Dec 2015

                                    Maybe this phone is not the best of starts, but it's still better than nothing. At least we can be more optimistic about BB - it's gonna get better along the way. They just need more time and practice.

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-459976
                                      • LbH
                                      • 10 Dec 2015

                                      The device is wider than the Classic , and has the same keyboard size , why are you saying it has a bad keyboard ? it is OK !

                                      the Price is the bad thing , IMO thi phone with the 808 chip is worth only $450

                                      BB , sell it for $450-$500 and it will be a best seller in no time.

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-459976
                                        • LbH
                                        • 10 Dec 2015

                                        Too expensive !

                                        BB should sell this for $450 max . and it will become a bestseller.