BlackBerry unveils Android-powered Priv smartphone in India at Rs 62,990

BlackBerry launched the anticipated Priv smartphone today in India today. The new Android smartphone by BlackBerry will be available in stores across India from January 30 with a price tag of Rs 62,990. The device will also be available via BlackBerry authorised partners and resellers, and from online partner Amazon India as well. In terms of specifications, the smartphone has a 5.4-inch dual-curved WQHD Plastic AMOLED display similar to the Samsung Galaxy Edge series. The display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels with a density of 540 dpi. In addition, the device is powered by  a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Hexa-Core, 64-bit processor with an Adreno 418, 600MHz GPU. An 18 MP dual-flash Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera is expected to deliver crisp images. The device has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card slot. A 3410 mAh battery on the Priv gives up to 22.5 hours of battery life according to BlackBerry.  The device also pairs its hardware with a tweaked version of Android, to make it a secure Android phone. The company also stated that it will push a software patch every month to fight against malware on Android. The company’s Pop-up widgets offers users quick function apps right from the homescreen without launching them. (Also Read:  BlackBerry Priv: Here’s why I have mixed emotions as someone who has switched from BlackBerry to Android ) The Priv also comes with the BlackBerry keyboard. This physical keyboard gives a full screen content along with touch capacitive features, such as, a trackpad. During the launch, the company also previewed a live demo of the DTEK app by BlackBerry. DTEK by BlackBerry basically keeps track of all your apps installed on the smartphone to keep data secure and enhance a user’s privacy. It is also said to prevent iCloud-like hacks. The device, which will run Android 6.0 Marshmallow, will also enhance DTEK capabilities and security as well. [caption id=“attachment_297119” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Left to Right - Narendra Nayak, MD, BlackBerry India and Damian Tay, Senior Director- Product Manager, APAC, BlackBerry, showcasing the BlackBerry PRIV.[/caption] Prive can also be integrated with the EMM solution, BES 12, which offers cross-platform management of Priv and other devices; providing end security solution and secure collaboration applications for business users. It also comes with speakers and a three-microphone system for a high-quality listening experience. BlackBerry Natural Sound Technology is built in to adapt WiFi and cellular call sound depending upon phone position and background noise, automatically adjusting volume so users don’t have to.