First BlackBerry Experience:
That when I purchased my very first BlackBerry Bold 9700. And I was a solid and beautifully crafted device, that just offered a premium experience I couldn’t get with Apple or Android! So from there, have come to use several BB devices such as the Bold 9930, Curve, then once OS10 was born, owned the Z10, Q10, Passport, Passport Silver Edition(BEST BB10 experience currently available)
And Now! BlackBerry PRIV First Impressions:
When, the device came in, I was observing the build quality, and it feels like such a premium device. It has that hardware build quality, I have always felt with BlackBerry devices. This was a bit of a challenge too. Not only do you have a sliding mechanism, that is constantly you have this physical keyboard hidden underneath, that ALSO functions as a touch-sensitive trackpad, so you can scroll, left/right/up down by swiping across the keyboard! Just wonderfully crafted and it still holds up after a year!
Software, Camera and Battery Life:
It took some getting use to Android, coming from BlackBerry 10. BlackBerry 10 is incredible, but I just came out too late to get traction, and not having access to the app world the way Apple and Android does. really held BB10 back. My Android arrived with Lollipop installed, and it was pretty blazing fast! I also liked BlackBerry’s Launcher on the device. It just allows you to still have the Hub where everything you need is all in one section. And its so nice to know you can go into the Google Play App Store, and install any app and know it will work. No sideloading or hoping the app works, because its for a BB10 device. Now the battery life at first wasnt good. It maybe lasted a good 6 HRS with occasional use, but once updated to Marshmallow, the battery life got significantly better! I could go 12 hours, and still, have 50% when id get home. This device also rarely, RARELY freezes up or lags, like previous Android device experiences. The camera is also very quick and clear! No issues here.
Phone Call Quality and Messaging Experience
GREAT Phone call quality! Clear and crisp. The slideout Physical keyboard is beautiful! I bit small for me however, but the keyboard’s keys are solid and are constant everytime! I do sometimes type on the virtual BB keyboard which is also brilliant and responsive! But its really nice having those options depending on my mood/preference at the time.