Grab The Verizon Variant Of The BlackBerry Priv For 259.99 On eBay

Updated on

The Priv, the first Android phone from BlackBerry, was touted as one of the best Android devices when it was launched. Many were not able to buy it then because it was just too expensive. However, now buyers have a chance to get it at the lowest price ever offered for it.

Is the BlackBerry Priv worth $260?

On eBay, you can buy the Verizon model (which comes with GSM compatibility) for just $259.99. The BlackBerry Priv was not the runaway success that the Canadian firm had hoped for, and thus, it was the last smartphone developed in-house. The Priv, which debuted early last year, originally came with a price tag of $699.99.

Though it is not the most recent of models, its hardware is still relevant in 2017. The handset is powered by a Snapdragon 808 processor, and it has a 1440×2560 AMOLED display. It comes with 32GB of storage with microSD expansion and 3GB of RAM. It uses microUSB for charging (not the USB Type-C connector).

Further, the handset comes with a vertically-sliding QWERTY keyboard. The handset’s rear-facing camera is 18MP with an aperture of f/2.2 and OIS, while the front-facing camera is at 2MP. It is powered by a 3410mAh battery.

When it comes to software, there is some disappointment for potential buyers. The Priv came with Android 5.1 and was updated to 6.0 later (and that’s it). Buyers must not expect further updates. Additionally, since this is the Verizon version of the Priv, it does not support all the GSM bands, notes AndroidPolice.

Still, if you want this Android phone, it isn’t a bad choice for $260, but you must hurry, as the seller has limited quantities.

KEYone delayed

Meanwhile, if you are waiting for BlackBerry’s latest smartphone, the KEYone, your wait just got a bit longer. The device, which was expected to come in April, will now be launched in May. CEO John Chen announced the delay during BlackBerry’s fiscal Q4 2017 earnings call.

“I think the first manufacturing production run is at the end of April. So the product looks pretty good, but the worldwide availability is going to be later than May,” Chen said.

However, later. the president and general manager of TCL Communication’s North American division, Steve Cistulli, clarified that the smartphone will launch in the U.S. and Canada in May. TCL is the Chinese firm that partnered with BlackBerry to manufacture and market its phones in most markets worldwide.

The KEYone was initially showcased at CES 2017, and later at the Mobile World Congress, the handset’s details were shared. The smartphone will come with a 4.5-inch 1620 x 1080 display, 3,505 mAh battery, QWERTY keyboard and Snapdragon 625 processor. There is no information on pricing.

BlackBerry, which used to make phones, now only provides end-to-end security and software for the smartphones developed by its partners. However, going forward, we may see it develop software for plenty of additional “Enterprise of Things” devices.

“We have taken a long-term and thoughtful approach to our licensing strategy, which includes an expansive view of the entire Enterprise of Things ecosystem,” Chen said recently.

Leave a Comment