BlackBerry has given no definite sale date for its new Priv QWERTY slider, but it has been taking pre-registrations for the device in an effort to gauge the public’s interest. It was just earlier today in an article where Bell was promoting their LTE-Advanced network in Eastern Canada and in the print ad they used a new BlackBerry Priv smartphone. This certainly indicates that Bell is expecting to sell this ‘national treasure’ on their network, so it comes as no surprise that Rogers announced that they were taking reservations for the BlackBerry Priv on their website.
Our friends at MobileSyrup had a tipster send in the Rogers’ reservation screenshot below. It looks like black is the only available color – which makes sense as it is doubtful BlackBerry is spending the money or time to create fancy colors…they will be happy if it is a sales success as it is. To get on the reservation list it will cost you a $40 deposit, which is totally refundable if you change your mind. The BlackBerry Priv will cost you $799.99 outright or a still hefty $399.99 on a two-year Share Everything Plan.
The BlackBerry Priv – originally code named, BlackBerry Venice, was changed to Priv to indicate BlackBerry’s strong ties to security. CEO John Chen recently stated the Priv represents, “BlackBerry’s heritage and core mission of protecting our customers’ privacy… BlackBerry is making sure that our products invoke this mantra that your privacy is your privilege.” The BlackBerry Priv will be running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, but with BlackBerry’s own UI, just like Samsung uses TouchWiz. They are expected to add a security feature known as DTEK – an app that appears to scan the device for malware and vulnerabilities in security.
The Priv will feature a Quad HD LCD 5.4-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels with both edges curved down ala Galaxy S6 Edge, only not as pronounced. BlackBerry turned to Qualcomm for their 64-bit Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor and added 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It is using a Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera with an 18MP sensor with a dual flash and a 5MP front-facing camera (FFC). Power is supplied by an ample 3410 mAh battery. The QWERTY slider will also have “extraordinary audio quality” and seems to have a large speaker across the bottom front. We should know more in the next two weeks.
