Review: BlackBerry Priv for AT&T
The Priv is perhaps BlackBerry's most well-rounded handset. It isn't a perfect fit for everyone, but it covers many of the bases that BlackBerry fans need while opening up the brand to the apps everyone wants (Android, FTW!)
BlackBerry designed an attractive and usable smartphone in the Priv. The materials and manufacturing quality are top notch in a handset that balances form and function. The Priv is impressively thin for a slider hiding a keyboard. I wish the keyboard were a little bigger, but at this point beggars can't be choosers. The screen is good, and performance in core areas such as call quality and battery life are on point.
The stock Android user interface performs well, and BlackBerry's customizations add real value for hard-working people. The core communications Tab and BlackBerry Hub let mobile pros triage and fully manage their key accounts in a way that rivals what's possible on BlackBerry's old smartphones. Toss in BBM for secure messaging and DTEK for gauging overall handset security, and you have a smartphone that enterprise customers can get behind.
At $699, the Priv is pricey. There are plenty of handsets that offer a better overall experience for hundreds less; but they don't have keyboards. As solid as the Priv is, I'd only recommend it to business users who need the security tools or people who simply need a physical keyboard.
Our Ratings
Hands On with the BlackBerry Priv
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BlackBerry Priv (GSM)
