BlackBerry’s Back: The Android-Powered Priv, First Hands-On Impressions

[alex davies]

We've been testing out BlackBerry's first Android phone for the past week, and it hits the mark in so many areas, from its enhanced security to the hardware specs, design and software. In the short time we’ve had it, we’ve been seriously impressed.

BlackBerry’s Back: The Android-Powered Priv, First Hands-On Impressions : Read more

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

The Passport’s 13MP camera was the first that BlackBerry seemed to pay a bit more attention to, having OIS (optical image stabilization) and an f/2.0 lens, and the Priv’s is even better (on paper). It’s certified by Schneider-Kreuznach and has OIS, PDAF (phase detect autofocus), a 6-element f/2.2 lens.....":

f/2.2 lens is not better than f/2.0 - it's quite the opposite.
Lower f-stop number = wider open aperture = more light comes in = Low light ISO could be decreased = The captured photo is less likely to have noise coming from high iso due to sensor limitations.

LG G4 with similar (if not same sensor) but with f-stop of 1.8 can do much better low light images than f2.2

 

[alex davies]

The Passport’s 13MP camera was the first that BlackBerry seemed to pay a bit more attention to, having OIS (optical image stabilization) and an f/2.0 lens, and the Priv’s is even better (on paper). It’s certified by Schneider-Kreuznach and has OIS, PDAF (phase detect autofocus), a 6-element f/2.2 lens.....":

f/2.2 lens is not better than f/2.0 - it's quite the opposite.
Lower f-stop number = wider open aperture = more light comes in = Low light ISO could be decreased = The captured photo is less likely to have noise coming from high iso due to sensor limitations.

LG G4 with similar (if not same sensor) but with f-stop of 1.8 can do much better low light images than f2.2

Yes, you are correct in saying that the aperture on the Passport's camera is better than the Priv's, so we'll add a clarification to that section.

However, due to the Priv's better image sensor we still expect its camera performance in all lighting conditions to be superior to the Passport's.

 

[OMGitsHUGE]

Great review, look forward to a follow up to test everything else. I do believe this is a great device, it might not save Blackberry, but who cares. I know I will be getting one. It might start a trend though with other manufacturers to add a physical keyboard. Look what happened back in 2011 when Samsung introduced the Phablet...

 

[michaelhi]

Re: fingerprint reader--this biometric detracts from security not adds, unless done in a way currently too advanced for this type of device.

 

[qisoed]

Nice review, and over all the priv could be the real new beginning of blackberry. They need to launch several device with different class price to be able make gain in android market battle since there are many players from big to small and from old to new one. And all claim they are the best.

What i like is the security from blackberry, i used to use several blackberry device before swithing to android and know how your data can be safe in your hand, because for now I'm using chinese based android phone, some times i think they are already collecting all my username and password, Lol yea probably. I hope priv really make it in that area. I just hope it will launch in my country or nearby country so i can get 1.

 

[Orumus]

Re: fingerprint reader--this biometric detracts from security not adds, unless done in a way currently too advanced for this type of device.

Yeah fingerprint scanners in mainstream devices is currently a joke. They add a false sense of security because of this "feature" to sell more units. Not to mention the potential security threat of companies and hackers gaining access to your bio metrics.