BlackBerry PRIV (32GB) Verizon Factory Unlocked Phone (GSM + CDMA) - U.S. Version STV100-2 (Black)

This phone is as good as any Samsung Android phone on the market.This is BlackBerry's first attempt into the Android world. This is a great phone, with a nice, clear, curved screen. The phone has a slide out keyboard.As far as cell phones go, I would recommend this phone over anything else on the market. You have access to anything Android puts out (Google Play, Apps, Podcasts, Microsoft Word, etc). The camera on this phone is incredible. This is an incredible phone for an undervalued price.As far as BlackBerry phones go, this is a good phone but I like the Passport better. I find that I use the flip-out keyboard less because I have to flip it out. The onscreen keyboard is very well laid out. Also, the physical keyboard is slightly smaller than the Passport, so it doesn't fit my fingers as well. One other downside, because it is an Android phone, some of the BlackBerry programs and the Android programs conflict. If you prefer BlackBerry programs over Android, you have to give the BlackBerry programs preference in Settings, or download the BlackBerry programs from Google Play.Conclusion: A success for BlackBerry using Android. I think BlackBerry will cancel the Priv line after this phone because of the flip-out keyboard. I hope BlackBerry comes out with another version of the Passport; I like the wider keyboard, and wider screen. Taking all things into consideration, I would not hesitate to buy this phone again if my current phone was lost or stolen.

I really wish I could be fairer in reviewing this phone. The first one I ordered was rock solid and had none of the typical Priv QC issues (flimsy back, screen click etc) there was some heat issues until android was updated and it went away. My problem with the first was a bizarre screen issue. The display board was fine but it was like the back layer of the glass was uneven in clarity making the screen appear to always have faint smudge lines in it. Particularly annoying when scrolling. Sent that one back and the one I got in it's place was bonkers junk. Massive screen wobble on 2 corners, back was mushy, constant overheating even after android updated. The hearing during charging was so bad that for a while I placed the phone on a heat sink to keep it from burning. Ultimately I felt it best to return it and sadly move on from what could have been the best phone I ever owned.Pros-Worked on Verizon, and then Ting.-Brilliant slider keyboard.-Felt solid in the hand and was a pleasure to use-Bladkberry software integrated amazingly into android.-Ideal form factorCons-Quality control is negligent at best, non existent at worst.-Overheating issues never really solved-Screen issue from manufacturing defect (made at the very end of the production run 09/2016)-Phone totally bricked during factory reset being done prior to return. Had to reload android from pc.-

Really disappointed that this phone would not work with Verizon. The PRIV is attractive, well constructed, and clearly a step up for Blackberry. The problem I encountered and was unable to counter was the product device number for this phone begins with a "351" versus the Verizon model which begins with a "99000." I believe Verizon gave a good faith effort including installing multiple Verizon approved SIM cards for this BB but to no avail. In fact, my three visits to the Verizon store were attended buy a Verizon tech that owned and loved the PRIV. We even had the East Coast techies for Verizon engaged in it. There may be a manner to get it done but I couldn't find it. BDSJ Tech also made a good faith effort to assist and the company graciously accepted the PRIV back. BDSJ is legitimate and their customer service was very good and responsive. It was believed one method that could work was to find another phone that accepted a similar SIM, replace that existing SIM, activate it through the Verizon network to my account, then transfer that SIM card. Of course, that would have meant a deactivation of the other phones service and then its restoration. Albeit simple but the entire process would have been unusually cumbersome IF one could find another willing to offer their phone. Disappointed but hope a true Verizon compatibles U.S. version can be found that does possess the Verizon product codes required. This is why I rated a "3."

I am a big fan of Blackbery because I love having actual keys. Hate the Android's touch screen but love having access to apps. This phone is the perfect combination! Works great with Verizon which happens to offer excellent service where I live. Decent size and easy to navigate. Only downside is that it tends to overheat and the battery tends to drain faster than my previous, non Android BB. I think this have more to do with all the apps than the phone itself - my BF's Galaxy 7 Edge does the same thing. Overall, I love it!

This isn't a bad phone, but it requires some leg work to get it into a good state. It comes with a lot of bloat and crap running in the background, so you'll have to dig in and do tweaking here and there to get it to a state where it doesn't feel hot all the time and lasts more than two hours idling.I got the battery to last all day and it runs cool now. The keyboard quality is great, the screen is really nice, and the phone feels solid. It's probably the best phone I've ever used, but it took a couple of hours (including some work with ADB) to get it to that state.If you just want a phone you can just buy and use, this is not it. If you are willing to put in some work for a solid and reliable phone, I recommend grabbing this if you find it at a reasonable price.