BlackBerry Priv: release date, price and specifications

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): name change and formalization

It is in these words that John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry, introduced the first BlackBerry smartphone with Android, "Today, I confirm our plans to launch Priv, an Android smartphone called because of the history and heart of BlackBerry business: protecting the privacy of our customers. Priv combines the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the huge ecosystem of mobile apps available on the Android platform. ".

BlackBerry finally renamed its Venice (which was rather cute as name) in Priv. This name wishes to raise a smartphone centered around security / confidentiality. Hence the term / name "Priv" to "Private".

Priv the way for professional users seeking more security on Android. John Chen has even mobile video.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): design and finishing

BlackBerry is certainly the best known brand in the professional world. The presence of physical QWERTY keyboard is one of the strengths of the firm. It allows to respond quickly to emails, send messages and take notes more conveniently. The BlackBerry Priv first BlackBerry smartphone with Android brand, so do not derogate from the rule.

Here are the first official image of the first BlackBerry Android. © BlackBerry

The phone adopts this essential function to enhance productivity. The company proposes a design shaped Slider to hide the keyboard. A decision which does not seem to have a negative effect on the thickness.

The Priv adopts a similar double edge to that of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. In this regard, new pictures published by the US blog of Android Authority had unveiled an interface that always seems under development. That said, we can see the imprint of the firm with some proprietary applications installed.

Although the brand remain impassive face of leaks, other images of the mobile had leaked on the net. The Priv (ex Venice) thus revealed with its sliding keyboard and the Android interface with all the Google applications, including the Play Store.

The BlackBerry Venice has also been seen at the International Festival of Toronto film in the hands of a participant. It also seems that the Blackberry Priv be easily used with one hand.

The Canadian brand has posted on YouTube a video presentation of its new smartphone. Nothing new. It simply noted that BlackBerry has added an own gestures and functions that existed on BlackBerry OS.

Carphone Warehouse, the equivalent of The Phone House stores in England, published a video unpacking (or unboxing for English) of the new BlackBerry Priv. English chain stores has indeed a sales exclusivity for the first terminal BlackBerry Android.
Of course, the video really learn anything new. The content of the box is classic. However, we see mobile in action, including the importance of security in the terminal. The keyboard also appears easy to use. Some shortcuts are revealed and some photos taken by the camera. The photographs appear good.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): screen quality

Rumors speak of an AMOLED display Quad-HD / 2K (1440p) of 5.4 inches with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This could be curved. BlackBerry wants to offer options specific to this feature, as is the case for the S6 edge.

The screen is also bent on both sides, as the edge Galaxy S6 +.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): software interface 

The BlackBerry Priv offer the benefits of open source Android but also more security operating system. Lollipop will of the party and could preinstall its BlackBerry application store.

This is Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and not Android 6.0 Marshmallow which equips the Priv. Below, here are some new photos.

With this second set of leaked photos, we have more or less confirmed that the battery of the BlackBerry Venice will not removable, unless a lure or any prototype that does not offer the feature. Apart from this, we can learn a little about the interface. © Android Authority

This does not stop to think that it could receive the update after its release but does little doubt it will take a wait. BlackBerry offers its users an effective and protected solution. Evidenced by its recent acquisition of both web domains: AndroidSecured.com and AndroidSecured.net. The updates are therefore likely to be delayed compared to other Android phones. The price of the security.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): battery - battery life 

If there is one aspect for this phone where you can be optimistic, it is autonomy. Some rumors evoked a battery with a capacity close to 3850 mAh, but it is ultimately a 3410 mAh battery that has been retained.

BlackBerry smartphones are traditionally known for their spectacular batteries. It would be unfortunate if this feature is cleared with the move to Android.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): Technical characteristics 

BlackBerry Priv offers AMOLED qHD display of 5.4 inches (2560 x1440 pixels), a Snapdragon processor 808 hexa-core clocked at 1.8 GHz, 3GB of RAM, a back camera 18 mégapxiels with image stabilization optics, a battery of 3410 mAh and a possible extension of memory with microSD card.

Priv BlackBerry (Venice): release date and price

The first Android phone made in BlackBerry will land on sale in the month of November in the US, 6 to be exact. Preorders will be possible across the Atlantic on the website of the brand.

The Priv is available at a price of 699 dollars (about 634 euros). But given the euro-dollar conversion companies currently practiced, BlackBerry has decided to sell its new terminal in Europe at a price of 799 euros. The Canadian manufacturer is also optimistic and hopes to sell 5 million of its smartphones.

The Canadian firm also published on its website a page dedicated BlackBerry Priv. It is possible to pre-register to receive the latest information about the first BlackBerry Android.

Do you have a review about this first Android BlackBerry smartphone?