The BlackBerry Priv launches on AT&T’s network in the U.S. today, and just in time, the embargo from its reviews have been lifted as well. So, how good is the Priv? Will the handset be able to save BlackBerry or is the company doomed for good? We roundup some of the reviews of the handset to see how good the phone really is. Engadget
The publication calls the Priv the “best-looking BlackBerry device ever.” It also praises the build quality of the handset and says that it can easily last two years of heavy usage. It notes that the AMOLED display is not accurate, but it is sufficiently bright and warm with plenty of contrast. As for the keyboard — which is likely why many people will buy the Priv — Engadget says that it is decent, though people with fat fingers are going to take sometime to get used to it. Like almost any other Android OEM, BlackBerry has also not left Android untouched on the Priv. The company has customised the OS to make it more secure, while also ditching some usual Android’s navigation system in favor of one that is reminiscent of BlackBerry OS 10. The 18MP shooter on the BlackBerry Priv is surprisingly very capable, though it can be inconsistent. The publication also noted that the Priv’s 3410mAh battery is not sufficient for the phone to last a day, and its call quality is tinny and choked-off. In the end, Engadget says that the handset is tough to be recommended to anyone, except for people who are die-hard keyboard lovers.
Gizmodo
The publication’s review of the Priv is fairly negative. It notes that the slight curve on the Quad HD 5.4-inch AMOLED display of the handset adds nothing to the experience, and instead just makes the text on the edges hard to read. The site was also not impressed with the Priv’s keyboard with the device becoming top heavy when the keyboard is slide out. Sadly, BlackBerry’s security app DTEK failed to impress the reviewer, and it does seem to be not-that-secure. In the end, Gizmodo’s reviewer says that the handset is not worth recommending even to their worst enemy. In the end, it looks like the BlackBerry Priv is simply not worth the $699 that BlackBerry is asking for it. Until and unless you are really a die-hard keyboard lover, the Priv makes little sense for anyone.
