BlackBerry Priv Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The BlackBerry Priv was a significant departure from what BlackBerry was previously known for, primarily its own operating system. Released in November 2015, the Priv was BlackBerry's first device running the Android operating system, specifically Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, upgradeable to 6.0.1 Marshmallow. This phone was designed to merge BlackBerry's security and productivity features with the expansive ecosystem of Android apps.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Priv showcased a unique blend of both modern and classic BlackBerry design aesthetics. It sported a 5.4-inch display with curved edges, reminiscent of Samsung's Galaxy S6 Edge, providing a sleek, modern look. Beneath the display, however, lay a full QWERTY keyboard that slid out, a nod to BlackBerry's legacy devices.

The device's dimensions stood at 147 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm, and it weighed about 192 grams, offering a sturdy presence in the hand. It came with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, a plastic back, and a plastic frame, ensuring durability coupled with a lightweight design.

Display

The Priv featured a 5.4-inch AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 540 ppi. This high-resolution screen provided vivid colors and deep blacks, making multimedia consumption a pleasure. The AMOLED technology also allowed for more battery-efficient operation, especially with the dark-themed UI elements that BlackBerry software often employed.

Performance

Under the hood, the BlackBerry Priv was powered by a Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 chipset, housing a hexa-core CPU (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) and an Adreno 418 GPU. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, this configuration provided a smooth user experience for both everyday operations and more demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking.

Internal storage was limited to 32GB, which could be expanded via a microSDXC card slot, accommodating users with extensive storage needs.

Camera Capabilities

The BlackBerry Priv came equipped with an 18 MP primary camera featuring an f/2.2 aperture, 27mm focal length, and advanced features such as Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It utilized Schneider-Kreuznach optics, known for their excellent quality. The camera was capable of capturing 4K videos at 30fps and full HD 1080p videos at 60fps, making it a strong contender for photography enthusiasts at the time.

On the front, a 2 MP selfie camera supported video recording at 720p resolution. While not the most powerful selfie camera, it sufficed for video calls and basic self-portraits.

Battery Life

The Priv's battery life was supported by a non-removable 3410 mAh Li-Ion battery. Users could expect up to 24 hours of talk time and an impressive stand-by time of up to 420 hours on 3G. The device supported quick charging with a wired 18W charger and offered both Qi and PMA wireless charging options, depending on the market.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Priv supported a comprehensive range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP, EDR, and LE, and NFC for mobile payments and connections. The positioning technologies included GPS and GLONASS. Unfortunately, a traditional radio was not included, but the device came with a microUSB 2.0 port with SlimPort 4K capabilities.

In terms of sensors, the Priv featured an accelerometer, altimeter, gyroscope, Time of Flight (ToF) proximity sensor, and compass, providing a plethora of functionalities for apps and services.

Software and Security

BlackBerry's hallmark has always been security, and the Priv was no exception. The device incorporated BlackBerry's DTEK security software, which provided real-time protection of the operating system and apps from unauthorized access and cyber threats. This was a unique feature that distinguished the Priv from other Android devices.

Market Performance and Legacy

The BlackBerry Priv was priced around 270 EUR, targeting users who valued security and productivity alongside the need for Android apps. It marked a crucial moment in BlackBerry's history as it adapted to changing market dynamics. While it wasn't enough to restore BlackBerry's former glory in the smartphone market, the Priv paved the way for future Android-powered BlackBerry devices and underscored the importance of software security in a competitive landscape.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Priv remains a memorable, albeit niche, device in the lineage of BlackBerry smartphones. With its blend of Android's functionality and BlackBerry's signature security features, it offered a unique value proposition in the smartphone market. Despite BlackBerry's subsequent decline in hardware manufacturing, the Priv symbolized adaptability in an ever-evolving tech landscape.