BlackBerry Priv

Photo: Zuofu via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

BlackBerry

BlackBerry Priv

November 6, 2015 7/10 Rating
In brief: The BlackBerry Priv was a groundbreaking slider smartphone released in late 2015, notable for being BlackBerry's first device to run the Android operating system. It combined a large, curved AMOLED touchscreen with a signature physical QWERTY keyboard that slid out from underneath, aiming to offer both modern smartphone functionality and BlackBerry's traditional productivity and security features.
Display5.4-inch QHD AMOLED with curved edges
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 808 Hexa-core
Main Camera18 MP with OIS and PDAF
Battery3410 mAh non-removable
Starting from $130 in International

💰 BlackBerry Priv Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $130, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique physical QWERTY keyboard experience
  • Excellent AMOLED display with high resolution
  • Strong focus on security and privacy features
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Distinctive design and build quality

Cons

  • Heavy and thick design
  • Camera autofocus issues reported
  • Limited software updates (stopped at Android Marshmallow)
  • Performance could be inconsistent for a flagship
  • High launch price
★ Our Verdict

The BlackBerry Priv was an innovative device that successfully brought Android to a BlackBerry form factor with a physical keyboard, but its high price, weight, and eventual lack of software updates limited its broader appeal.

The BlackBerry Priv is now a vintage device, primarily appealing to collectors or those nostalgic for physical keyboards and BlackBerry's unique approach to productivity and security. As a daily driver, its outdated Android version (Marshmallow) means it lacks modern security patches and app compatibility, making it unsuitable for most users. If you're considering it, understand you're buying a piece of smartphone history rather than a competitive modern device, and be prepared for potential battery degradation and limited support. Look for well-preserved units if you intend to use it, but be aware of its limitations.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • BlackBerry Priv Handset
  • USB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety and Warranty Information

Warranty information typically varies by region and retailer, usually covering manufacturing defects for a period of one year.

❓ Questions & Answers

What operating system does the BlackBerry Priv run?

The BlackBerry Priv launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and was upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Does the BlackBerry Priv have a physical keyboard?

Yes, the BlackBerry Priv features a signature physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out from beneath the touchscreen.

When was the BlackBerry Priv released?

The BlackBerry Priv was officially released on November 6, 2015.

Is the BlackBerry Priv still supported with software updates?

Regular security updates for the BlackBerry Priv ended in December 2017, and it did not receive Android 7.0 Nougat or later versions.

What is the screen size and resolution of the BlackBerry Priv?

The BlackBerry Priv features a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.

What was unique about the BlackBerry Priv?

The BlackBerry Priv was unique for being the first BlackBerry smartphone to run Android, combining the popular OS with BlackBerry's renowned physical keyboard, security enhancements, and a distinctive slider design.