With the new "murcury" still ways away from final release after watching a video from that kinda made me want to go to a blackberry phone again. I am on Verizon and thinking of purchasing a blackberry priv through Verizon. As the title States is anybody still using this device til this day? If so has the phone gotten better since release? Has it aged since it's been about 2 years since release.slow downs,battery issues,screen burn ins ?
I bought the Priv on the black friday deal. I really love it. But still will buy the Mercury immediately on release date!
new owner
I just bought a new one, manufacturing data goes back to 2016-08-15. It is now on a good price and I think it totally worth it.
Yep, also, I just bought a new one.
+1 Nothing available yet is inspiring enough to make me want to move on
I've bought mine two months ago and i love it.
One day, a reseller wanted to show me how his phone is good (testoteron thing i think) and he showed me a Huwai with an awful 6' screen.
He cried when he saw a F1-2016 on my Priv.........
I loved his "you have a interesting phone" when i leaved him
Hi, I was thinking about buying a new one. But is it worth today? I mean: the phone has (and is) exactly what I need. But, if I undestrand well, I can't put in it Android 8.0 or later, nor even Android 7. I am not the one who love to have always the latest OS, but I use apps (for work) that are barely compatible with Android 6.
Thank you so much.
RE:
If the word, 'nifty*' describes a bit of you, the Blackberry Priv is totally your phone if you're willing to dive in and harness all its functions (which is necessary, as it is unrootable).
Honestly, the Blackberry Priv is seriously underrated.
Does it have flaws? Sure:
its stuck on MM6.0, can't be rooted (serious bummer if you're someone who peruses XDA), you can't* really change the Launcher (unless you're okay with losing out of the entire keyboard becoming individual easy-launch shortcuts), the build quality is flimsy (gone is the comeback solidity that was the Bold 9900; although the Q10 had solid sides to it), the SD808 heats up and eats battery ... but really, for ~$199-279, its a seriously nifty phone.
The touchpad-doubleduty keyboard function was awesome on the Q10, Q5, Classic, Passport--its awesome here (if you're used to browsing with touchpads)--thumb scrolling through webpages, logs, ~70% of apps being compatible (some apps work no problem, some apps won't let you touchpad scroll unless you initially start scrolling via touchscreen, some apps won't let you touchpad scroll at all) ; you can keep your thumb at the keyboard, read, and scroll--its a more natural, less jarring experience imo---and if you disagree, just fold in the keyboard and scroll the usual touchscreen way, no biggie.
The extra mute/convenience button in between the two volume buttons can be mapped if you use Button Mapper (even without root), and this can game-change your workload if you're willing to sacrifice the volume buttons haha: you can map it to flip back and forth between apps, with your thumbs kept on the keyboard, so you can, ehh, write your to-do list, while answering your messages, etc.
Swipe-based-text-selection + Cut/copy/paste button-mapping capability on the keyboard (no additional app needed)-----if you have to deal with text in any form, its difficult to go back to any other phone after being spoiled here.
Although the keyboard on the Priv isn't the best physical phone keyboard (price tag of being a slider and needing to keep it thin), its still doable, and its not the worst--not everyone may agree, but there's an unexplainable magic behind typing out something versus touchscreen typing. Unless you're a hardcore Swyper, in which case the physical keyboard probably isn't gonna be your style.
But still, at this price range, there are competitive options...a global Xiaomi would probably be competitive strictly in comparison of build quality ('cuz the Priv in no way feels like the $699 MSRP)
Hope this helps
When was the last updated received and what is the last security update is it on?
/root said:
When was the last updated received and what is the last security update is it on?
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Up until now, it has received every monthly security patch since its initial release. It currently has the October 2017 security patch. However, it has not (so far) received anything for November 2017.
It also happens to be approaching its 2nd birthday; I've never seen any official statement about Blackberry's planned support life-cycle for the Priv, but 2 years of security patches is a pretty good run for comparable phones of its era.
Just switched from Motorola Droid 4 -> big relieve in terms of performance. But I'm missing tab and cursor keys (despite there is a dedicated cursor navigation mode on double-tapping).
Flaws:
- battery lasts 3...4 days for me but there is occasional high battery drain due to not entering deep sleep - can be worked around via reboot
- no more monthly updates (stated officially a couple of days ago)
- no root (using adguard as rootless ad blocker)
I have my own for 6 month and love it for screen and keyboard. This is cheapest phone wih qhd amoled screen and keyboard is sweet bonus. One only thing i miss is RAW support for camera.
I just got mine...and I love it!
Windows 11 said:
I just got mine...and I love it!
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how much u got it ?
any custom roms ?
Philosophi said:
how much u got it ?
any custom roms ?
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Click to collapse
Custom Roms are not possible due to a locked bootloader, I don't remember the price though...
Just picked one up as well att beautiful phone! Had to disable all the blackberry apps due to random reboots and over heating but after disabling all the bb stuff it works great! Android 6 not the best but it gets the job done. Got it for $40 shipped! Haha
Related
Pre 3 seems great, the keyboard looks solid, screen is gorilla glass, 3.6" is way better than 3.1" curved pebble shape means it will feel great in hand and while 1250 mAH seems low this is a 2nd gen snapdragon so it does require lower power to operate.
what you think its chances of success ?
masker said:
Pre 3 seems great, the keyboard looks solid, screen is gorilla glass, 3.6" is way better than 3.1" curved pebble shape means it will feel great in hand and while 1250 mAH seems low this is a 2nd gen snapdragon so it does require lower power to operate.
what you think its chances of success ?
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Click to collapse
I would buy it.. but it should've come out last year
I am waiting for it. I'm currently using a Pre-, have used other phones but keep coming back to webOS
I kind of want to jump from a nexus one to a pre3; however, it needs to have T-mobile 3g. :/
i'm currently on the Evo and debating between getting the Xoom(Wi-Fi Only) or the Pre3 and the Touchpad. Just waiting for some more details
hakuchi18v said:
I would buy it.. but it should've come out last year
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The processor its using wasn't out last year.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
contradude said:
The processor its using wasn't out last year.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
No, but i meant the phone in general, even with a decent processor from last year... The overall phone being released early last year or even in the middle it would've been good for HP.. My opinion
I just ordered an unlocked GSM Pre2 for use on AT&T (freebie, zip, zero, nada). Why? Because it's free, and because I can deal with it until something better than the Pre3 hits the market.
Even though I actually *WORK* for HP, I don't have a whole lot of faith in the Pre3's chances at success...Now, if HP can manage to get a BETTER mobile device out by Q4 '11/Q1 '12, then there may be hope.
Notably missing from Pre3: 4G (at least HSPA+ support on GSM, or some sort of LTE on other carriers). It's shameful for a new phone to launch in Summer '11, and it's NOT 4G. *EFFING SHAMEFUL*
I personally would also prefer a landscape slider, but that's only because I've never had a Palm, and have had two Touch Pros (TP1, and TP2) for the last two years. I've gotten used to the larger keyboards. If they do it, I WILL buy it. Plain and simple.
BTW - I watched the Feb 9 event. I was excited waiting for the Pre3 to blow my socks off, only to be underwhelmed. I DO really like the TouchPad, which is the one thing I wasn't expecting to get excited about. Go figure.
Honestly, I have tried a Pre...for 30 days. I liked it, but it wasn't tempting enough for me to switch from Nexus One to it. I received a Pre2 from a good friend (who got two for free), and I have used it extensively for about a month now.
However, I still use my Optimus 7 (WP7 device) for daily use, and despite all of WP7's shortcomings, I would not recommend Pre2 over a WP7 device.
Pre3 could have been a success if and only if HP delivered like Apple; Introduce the product, then release it within one month.
Of course, mobile landscape is FAR from being decided. Android's rise was surprising in 2010. WP7 might pull off something similar (now with Nokia on board as well), and you never know, HP might just sell a lot of WebOS devices. However, Pre3 is not going to be a great success. WebOS, since HP will put it in EVERYTHING, will be a success and an appealing platform for developers, but not so much when it comes to smartphones.
Hi,
I have Pre and will buy Pre 3. I had few Android phones (HTC Desire, SE X10 and Moto Milestone (Droid in US) and Windows mobile (SE X1 and TP2) and i must say that Android doesn't come nowhere near the effortless usability of WebOS out-of-the-box and with few apps.
I am using it for managing tasks, calendars, contacts and notes (private and business with Exchange) and I must say it is working without any problems. Unlike Androids, especially with Exchange. I am not a FB or Twitter user so I won't comment on that.
I don't need mega screens (I had them and I would trade it for physical keyboard any time) or black slabs since I want the phone to be pocketable. I actually really like the Pre's form factor, small and convenient. And Pre 3 will have better build quality, higher resolution, better keyboard, better screen and faster speed. It will also feature new WebOS - the OS that I like most.
I tried the WP7 and frankly, I don't want to go to old Palm OS functionality (single tasking) just for the sake of looks, which I also get tired with fast (I have been testing the Omnia 7 for two weeks and returned it back). MS can pull it off but I think that in this incarnation it is just not worth it. Beside i have the same restrictions on the marketplace as I do with Palm on both Android and WP7 (only free apps, no paid ones).
So, yes, I will buy it when the time comes. My wife already put a reservation on my Pre which she also prefers over her current SE X8.
Marijan
If Sprint sells it, I will probably buy it. I love Web OS and it's multitasking capabilities, just can't stand that small screen with no flash 10.1
I'm super excited about it. I just got a pre- to play with because my G2 won't sync with my work Exchange calendar and I need to send it off for repair. I'm so impressed by the pre- I might sell the G2 when it gets back. There's only 2 things I don't like about the pre- hardware, and pre3 addresses both those things. Processor speed is the first, which I can forgive because it's a 2009 phone. Resolution is the second, although I like the 3.1 inch size. My G2's screen looks much better because of the higher res, but I wish the phone wasn't so big and it's battery life is terrible which I think the screen is a large contributor to battery drain.
Pre3 is looking like the perfect phone for me
auTONYmous said:
Notably missing from Pre3: 4G (at least HSPA+ support on GSM, or some sort of LTE on other carriers). It's shameful for a new phone to launch in Summer '11, and it's NOT 4G. *EFFING SHAMEFUL*
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I hope this doesn't offend you, but you sound like a spoilt brat. 4G isn't available everywhere yet. Some countries don't have it at all. I'm sure it's very nice, but for many it's not "notably missing", it's an unnecessary (unusable even) luxury.
auTONYmous said:
I personally would also prefer a landscape slider, but that's only because I've never had a Palm, and have had two Touch Pros (TP1, and TP2) for the last two years. I've gotten used to the larger keyboards. If they do it, I WILL buy it. Plain and simple.
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I just got a pre- to use while my G2 is being repaired. I agree with you that large landscape keyboards are awesome, but I wouldn't dismiss the smaller portrait keyboard if I were you. I think the pre- keyboard is just as good as the G2's. I was quite surprised actually because it looks so small. I think it's the fact that I don't have to turn my phone that makes up for it's size.
Shouldn't this be in the General section, rather than Software Development?
Had a Pre- from launch day and *loved* it. However, it kept breaking and O2 refused to repair it any longer and gave me a Galaxy S. Lovely handset but I miss WebOS. I can't wait for the Pre3 to hit the UK and I'll buy on launch day. However, they're shooting themselves in the foot be announcing it without a release date. Specs look great by today's standard, but it needs to hit soon. Maybe launch with the Touchpad and do an offer on buying both? I'd be all over that like a rash!
WebOS is SOOOO superior to Android and iOS its beyond belief. I just have little faith in HP's ability to execute!
LDJ said:
Had a Pre- from launch day and *loved* it. However, it kept breaking and O2 refused to repair it any longer and gave me a Galaxy S. Lovely handset but I miss WebOS. I can't wait for the Pre3 to hit the UK and I'll buy on launch day. However, they're shooting themselves in the foot be announcing it without a release date. Specs look great by today's standard, but it needs to hit soon. Maybe launch with the Touchpad and do an offer on buying both? I'd be all over that like a rash!
WebOS is SOOOO superior to Android and iOS its beyond belief. I just have little faith in HP's ability to execute!
Click to expand...
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oh god...eeww lmao
Can't say anything about Pre3's chances of success but when it's out I'll be replacing my Pre+ with one. I've used all the major mobile OS's (except BB) and WebOS is the one that I feel most comfortable on. After using iOS and WP7 and Android I kept coming back to my Pre+. Once you've used WebOS, Android feels clunky and iOS feels like a toy. I've been using WebOS as my everyday OS for 9 months now and occasionally I switch to my HD2 (running either Android or WP7) and I just hate it! Sure Android's come a long way since I got my HTC Hero GSM, (then switched to Moto Milestone) but there's just too many keypresses involved to get stuff done! It's how I felt about Symbian S60 (used it for 5 years before switching to Android) and now WebOS makes me feel that way about Android!
The only things that have been bugging me about my Pre+ is the lack of some apps I like to use on iOS/Android and the low screen res. The Pre3 resolves my screen woes with that 3.6" 800x480 screen (which I know will make the OS even more beautiful) and the apps, well hopefully as time goes by and HP pushes WebOS onto millions of devices that will solve itself.
Another thing is the portrait keyboard, landscape keyboards just don't do it for me. The Pre keyboard is a love or hate item. I love it, and if what the early reviewers are saying about how good the Pre3 keyboard is then bring it on!
What do people here think the battery life will be like on this device?
personally I will be jumping from samsung epic to pre 3
webos is best for my usage and needs
Ive used a pre - and plussed one able to oc to 1.2. I also created over 20 patches (some of you might know who I am) so I do love WebOs. I love the elegance of WebOs but until there are real apps (really how many twitter apps do we need) Ill have to wait. The pre3 looks great but if it suffers from the slow app opening syndrome like the Pre-,+, and 2. i will definitely have to pass. Maybe by pre4 hp will get their **** together.
I've been waiting for a good slider for a long time and the Priv was pretty much it. Sadly, it's not to be. I went to the store yesterday to try it out. Within seconds I realized this phone wasn't for me. The keyboard is tiny. It is usable but very small, I typed 3 sentences and my thumbs started hurting. 10 minutes after I was done typing the thumbs continued to hurt. I realized this is for the diehard blackberry users, not for us who've been using sliders with a bigger, more comfortable keyboard.
I understand with every new keyboard there's a learning curve. Hell, even between laptops there's a learning curve, but with this phone there may be way too much, and long messages will be pretty uncomfortable.
The other issue is the actual placement of the keyboard. The phone is too big and heavy. This is essentially the same size as the Blue Angel, just not as heavy. However that keyboard was, for some reason, easier to use than this one. Being that the BA was thicker, it had good grip. The Priv doesn't. I felt it was going to slide out of my hands, which added to the stress of holding it, which added to the uncomfortable typing. All in all I played with it for a good 20 minutes, and I just am not convinced. I may have to bite the bullet and get a non keyboard phone...
devis said:
I've been waiting for a good slider for a long time and the Priv was pretty much it. Sadly, it's not to be. I went to the store yesterday to try it out. Within seconds I realized this phone wasn't for me. The keyboard is tiny. It is usable but very small, I typed 3 sentences and my thumbs started hurting. 10 minutes after I was done typing the thumbs continued to hurt. I realized this is for the diehard blackberry users, not for us who've been using sliders with a bigger, more comfortable keyboard.
I understand with every new keyboard there's a learning curve. Hell, even between laptops there's a learning curve, but with this phone there may be way too much, and long messages will be pretty uncomfortable.
The other issue is the actual placement of the keyboard. The phone is too big and heavy. This is essentially the same size as the Blue Angel, just not as heavy. However that keyboard was, for some reason, easier to use than this one. Being that the BA was thicker, it had good grip. The Priv doesn't. I felt it was going to slide out of my hands, which added to the stress of holding it, which added to the uncomfortable typing. All in all I played with it for a good 20 minutes, and I just am not convinced. I may have to bite the bullet and get a non keyboard phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I moved away from a BlackBerry with a physical keyboard a few years ago, and then had to use one with a physical keyboard again, it usually makes ones thumbs hurt since on a screen you're tapping, on a physical keyboard you tap the button, but have to press down as well.
I'm interested in actually feeling what the Priv feels like, I don't think I'll be able to get it in my country for another month or so, but I thought the Priv might be heavy, BlackBerry phones usually feel heavier.
I have the phone and it's great so far. Yes typing on keyboard may seem tiresome and slow but once you get used to it, u will ove the fact that u have the whole screen estate to type long emails chats etc. The phone build quality is pretty good too and slim bezels considering front speakers.
varun.gid said:
I have the phone and it's great so far. Yes typing on keyboard may seem tiresome and slow but once you get used to it, u will ove the fact that u have the whole screen estate to type long emails chats etc. The phone build quality is pretty good too and slim bezels considering front speakers.
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Don't forget you can set keys as short cuts and the keyboard is capacitative so can be used like a limited track pad. Unique features for productivity.
And, of course, you do not even have to use the physical keyboard.
Im not sure how the Priv could be seen as slippery. I've played with a couple now, and also own a Z30 with the same back material. The glass weave is an extremely grippy material. I can hold my Z30 at probably a 60 or 75 degree angle with only three fingers flat on the back
Damn, it's been a while I'm waiting for it, I loved my htc desire Z (2009).
But no manufacturer tried to do a physical keyboard since then...
But what the hell BB?!?
Most providers will sell it almost at the same price as an iphone 6s.
Even the note 5 is half cheaper!
BB was know for replaceable battery and FM radio, which was I small difference compared to others. Anddd they get rid of it .
What's their marketing goal?
BB have hard time : Lets sell it at way higher price than most of flash ship phones, remove some nice features and let the rooting difficult.
( I believe rooting not necessary equal to security flaws )
oVeRdOsE. said:
Damn, it's been a while I'm waiting for it, I loved my htc desire Z (2009).
But no manufacturer tried to do a physical keyboard since then...
But what the hell BB?!?
Most providers will sell it almost at the same price as an iphone 6s.
Even the note 5 is half cheaper!
BB was know for replaceable battery and FM radio, which was I small difference compared to others. Anddd they get rid of it .
What's their marketing goal?
BB have hard time : Lets sell it at way higher price than most of flash ship phones, remove some nice features and let the rooting difficult.
( I believe rooting not necessary equal to security flaws )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motorola Photon Q (XT897) 5 row keyboard slider - last best qwerty phone FYI.
I also have 2x G2's/DZ's, and the original G1/Dream.
The Photon Q design with the side (landscape) slider 5 row (similar to the G1) is probably the best layout, just needs to be built again with update specs.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
varun.gid said:
I have the phone and it's great so far. Yes typing on keyboard may seem tiresome and slow but once you get used to it, u will ove the fact that u have the whole screen estate to type long emails chats etc. The phone build quality is pretty good too and slim bezels considering front speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue I had when I tried it out at the store was that i didn't think i could get used to it. I've used sliders for nearly 10 years now, and never had an issue getting used to a physical keyboard, including the BB 7390 or the 8200 which i used myself or the other models which I supported in my job. This one just doesn't seem to do it... and i was so looking forward to having an high specs phone. Oh well...
The other issue is that ATT wants a 35 dollar restocking fee if I return it, and since this phone is nowhere else but ATT, I just don't feel I should shell out 35 dollars so that i can try it out for 2 weeks.
devis said:
The issue I had when I tried it out at the store was that i didn't think i could get used to it. I've used sliders for nearly 10 years now, and never had an issue getting used to a physical keyboard, including the BB 7390 or the 8200 which i used myself or the other models which I supported in my job. This one just doesn't seem to do it... and i was so looking forward to having an high specs phone. Oh well...
The other issue is that ATT wants a 35 dollar restocking fee if I return it, and since this phone is nowhere else but ATT, I just don't feel I should shell out 35 dollars so that i can try it out for 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always buy the unlocked version for a whopping $700 and return it, free of charge.
Since the keyboard looks mediocre at best, and that's the only reason I want this phone, I'll pass.
I'm getting the unlocked model and will use it on T-Mobile. I'm sure the keyboard leaves much to be desired but I'm sure this will be the " last of the Mohicans " as far as keyboard sliders go. Especially if it flops. It's been said marshmallow will come to the priv. So the only other chance could possibly be project Ara, but I haven't heard anything about that in quite some time.
I'm not surprised, to be honest at the price point there are far better Android devices out there. And I know may BB users are convinced it'll be a game changer but I'm not.
The starting price is insanez and the build quality isn't anything particularly good.
Ok phone, but not for me. On screen keyboards are so good now that they are even much better and faster than real physical BlackBerry keyboard. Maybe if they got into Android few years earlier. How can they move on if they can't let go?
I've had mine for two days.... it runs REALLY hot. Just browsing, it gets warm instantly. Battery life is great when you're not actually using the thing. I lost something like 2 percent overnight. But as soon as you pick it up and start using it, it heats up a lot. I've been running android on my s5 for years so I know I don't have anything particularly nasty running in the background. I had a little reddit browse for half an hour in bed after waking up, and the battery went from 99 down to 85 in that short time.
The keyboard is good, but it lags. If you double type a letter, it doesn't keep up. Typing google gives me 'gole' sometimes, for example. Also, you can type from the home screen to universal search. However, because the process isn't killed upon exit, i search for 'google' the first time, and then later in the day i'm after 'spotify'. The problem is, the new search is 'googlespotify' which obviously brings up nothing.
There's also movement in the screen when the slider is closed, i can tap on the left half and feel the whole screen move.
Overall I think it could be a great phone but the software is very slow, and just very inefficient. Lags all over the place, and the physical keybaord just can't be missing inputs like that. I've got a few days left to decide if I can make it work. If not I will return it. It's too much money to be 'sort of happy'
Dejan92 said:
Ok phone, but not for me. On screen keyboards are so good now that they are even much better and faster than real physical BlackBerry keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better than a blackberry keyboard? Maybe. Better than my Samsung Relay keyboard? Not a chance. I find it rare to see a touch keyboard user able to walk and type without looking at their screen. I do it flawlessly on my 5-row relay keyboard.
Picked this lovely device up last night, and have been putting it through its paces. Thus far, here is my analysis of things, which hopefully will answer some concerns users have had.
The heat/battery issue: I believe the causes here are largely related to apps, though reception may also be a factor. As noted in another thread, the core system apps in the phone do not immediately inform you that they require updating, and you will only know to update them by accessing the app's page on the Play Store. I've seen this with other Android 5.0 devices, though, so I suspect it might not be unique to the Priv. Once I updated all the core BB apps, the phone was significantly more stable and have had less heat and drain issues on that front.
I mention reception, as there appears to be a flaw with LTE reception. Whether it is hardware or software, I'm not certain, though I have a hard time believing it would be software, but when running the phone on LTE, I am lucky to get more than 1 bar of service anywhere in the city of Toronto, which has excellent coverage. My former device, the LG F3Q, was able to get 5 bars of LTE practically everywhere in the city, and most certainly did at my office. Right now, my Priv is seeing 0~1 bars of LTE coverage at the office. Forcing the phone to 4G/HSPA+ helps things a bit, I get 3-4 bars, but that's not really a solution. On crackberry, a lot of users are reporting the same problems with reception, so it appears to be a device-wide problem, and I'm certain BB will address it however they need to.
So, between those two factors, I believe that is the source of the heat/battery drain.
In terms of build quality otherwise, the phone is quite excellent. I don't understand the upset about the keyboard, I find it very excellent, and it's certainly more finger-friendly than pre-10 BB devices, which is all that I've used.
My only complaints on the build quality are somewhat minor nitpicks, such as placement of the power/volume buttons (I'd have preferred them reversed), the placement of the 3.5" jack (why the bottom?! even the holster case doesn't account for the placement!), and the size of the camera bezel. It sticks out so far that I'm slightly paranoid to set the device down on flat surfaces.
All-in-all, for me, this device is as close to perfection as I could have ever hoped in a device. Once the antenna problem is resolved (which I can't see not being resolved, otherwise it'll be a massive failure for the company), I'll be extremely satisfied. It may not be the device for everyone, but it is the device for me.
TPMJB said:
Better than a blackberry keyboard? Maybe. Better than my Samsung Relay keyboard? Not a chance. I find it rare to see a touch keyboard user able to walk and type without looking at their screen. I do it flawlessly on my 5-row relay keyboard.
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Click to collapse
Well yeah, i was thinking about typing when you looking at keyboard... Typing without looking at screen will never be flawless. :fingers-crossed:
Dejan92 said:
Well yeah, i was thinking about typing when you looking at keyboard... Typing without looking at screen will never be flawless. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've known people who claim they can do it, but I haven't seen it. I'm frequently on the go. I walk and text all the time. Walking and texting is such a problem that the last company I worked for would escort you off the campus for attempting it.
Meanwhile I'm looking straight ahead while doing it and don't understand it at all lol
schmandroid said:
Motorola Photon Q (XT897) 5 row keyboard slider - last best qwerty phone FYI.
I also have 2x G2's/DZ's, and the original G1/Dream.
The Photon Q design with the side (landscape) slider 5 row (similar to the G1) is probably the best layout, just needs to be built again with update specs.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moto wasn't a flagship. Development was dead even at the beginning. Most north america carrier don't sell it or even advertise it.
So, imho, that wasn't the ''last good'' physic keyboard device.
The desire Z had pretty impressive performances when rooted. 800mzh stock, and 1.8ghz stable OC.
oVeRdOsE. said:
The moto wasn't a flagship. Development was dead even at the beginning. Most north america carrier don't sell it or even advertise it.
So, imho, that wasn't the ''last good'' physic keyboard device.
The desire Z had pretty impressive performances when rooted. 800mzh stock, and 1.8ghz stable OC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DZ had a 4 row keyboard, unlike the G1, which had a 5 row, so I consider that a step backwards.
The Priv also has a 4 row, so entering numerical data will require holding or double tapping a function key mid sentence.
Photon Q has 5 row.
Whether it is/was sold at a convenient store to you is irrelevant - with a sim mod, it is usable everywhere around the world. I guess you've missed out.
Compared to the G2/DZ, the PQ is a much more powerful & up to date device - if it wasn't, I wouldn't be using it.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the BlackBerry Priv (Venice), all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the BlackBerry Priv (Venice) is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Overall I give this phone a four out of five. Im probably not the best judge however due to the fact I'm coming from a three year old device in the Samsung Galaxy relay 4g. After having said that though, battery life is great. I can get through a full day without charging. And that's moderate to heavy use with GPS. Virtual keyboard is awesome. I miss swpe but don't want to switch and lose predictive text functionality with hw keyboard. The hw keyboard is pretty small. I knew this going in but was still she'll shocked about it at first. I'm slowly getting used to it though. I like the scrolling functionality but the fact it doesn't work on every app and not in the same way is a deterrent. The buttons have a decent feel but I guess if they couldn't be any bigger I would of liked a spacing around them. But overall not horrible. I haven't used the camera much, but from what I've seen its lightyears ahead of what I'm used to. Even the crappie 2mp front facing camera is an upgrade from the relays 1.5(I think)mp. Anyhow, the priv seem like a pretty good next gen phone. I do agree that the price is way too high, however, especially without marshmallow.
5/5 … as a former Nexus 5 user, I wasn't aware how I missed an AMOLED screen and MicroSD support until I got the PRIV. The physical keyboard was the main reason (was curious, and I never had the G1), but the rest of the package is better than I hoped for. The OS is mostly stock with useful additions by BlackBerry. The January security update came a day before Google even announced it here. (And BBRY promised to keep delivering updates ASAP.) It's just the perfect device for me. The only thing I was missing in the beginning was wireless charging (I got the European model) … but I bought 2 original desktop stands (for the price of 1 noname wireless one!) and now this isn't a problem anymore. I'm looking forward to more awesome devices from BlackBerry running Android already…
Absolutely a joy to own! It has everything I ever wanted in a smartphone and feels amazing to type on a hardware keyboard again!
I just got this phone yesterday and was disappointed at first. I guess using a Passport and Note 4 I was expecting more. However, I am enjoying this phone now! I do find the form factor to be great for my hands, which are small, because it is lightweight but sturdy. App download and install is a bit slow but I only got the update one day ago so maybe once it settles it'll get better. I really wish it had the Hub with swipe right and peek by swiping up slightly. That's all I have for now!
I love this phone.... My previous phone (Xperia Z) started failing so I searched all around my city until I was informed a local T-Mobile store had 1 in stock. I rushed to get it and I have to say it is epically legendary. I do however wish we could root it because I could use some of those extra features.
Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk
not having root it's a no no for me, and no Roms also...
but if bb keep the device updated, i'm sort of interested now...
i'm dying to own a hardware keyboard again, was so stupid to sell my D4.
+Keyboard
+More Apps than my beloved Q5 and Passport.
+Secure
-Tends to fall from my hands to the desk in a hurry if not carefull due to size and weight when handling fast onehanded.
-Sometimes lag* without multitasking on latest MM Update (example: downloading Spotify on Wifi with 16mbps)
*=yes i used Android before... since 1.x on the first galaxy from samsung in 2009 so i guess i know how to manage apps and what to not install and i'm a *NIX system architect at work - but this phone is sometimes lagging without the cooling-down notification, without cpu's above 75%, on highest cpufreq, with and w/o AC, with and w/o sdcard and a lot of free RAM, and even after fastboot'ing and fullwipe before setting up most stuff, so i guess it could be the throughput of the internal flash or some missing optimizations...
silence8787 said:
+Keyboard
+More Apps than my beloved Q5 and Passport.
+Secure
-Tends to fall from my hands to the desk in a hurry if not carefull due to size and weight when handling fast onehanded.
-Sometimes lag* without multitasking on latest MM Update (example: downloading Spotify on Wifi with 16mbps)
*=yes i used Android before... since 1.x on the first galaxy from samsung in 2009 so i guess i know how to manage apps and what to not install and i'm a *NIX system architect at work - but this phone is sometimes lagging without the cooling-down notification, without cpu's above 75%, on highest cpufreq, with and w/o AC, with and w/o sdcard and a lot of free RAM, and even after fastboot'ing and fullwipe before setting up most stuff, so i guess it could be the throughput of the internal flash or some missing optimizations...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does hang/lag. It heats up when we try to multitask. Else The phone is good. One more thing that is not upto mark> is the front camera.
** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Shifters123 said:
"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I do love Android. I love the freedom.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
markthomson1404 said:
Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm on Google Launcher at the moment. I really like Microsoft Arrow launcher in a way but it needs more customisation options.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Simone98RC said:
Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the hardware is important camp and just wipe the software but with Android Pay launching and requiring you to be unrooted, I need the software to be as perfect as possible stock.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Amazon should hopefully deliver it in a few hours so I'll report back later
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
superawesomeme said:
** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that totally sucks! I want iPhone users to see what's so great with Androids. I would actually recommend the G3 to any iPhone user trying to switch to Android. It blows you didn't have a good experience as I love the phone so much I won't upgrade because this phone is a beast. With fulmics 4.2 MM, xposed and G3 tweaksbox your phone would have been a better experience. I myself want to try an iPhone but I just can't let this phone go lol. Well I hope this bad experience didn't want to make you go back as the new G5 might change your mind :fingers-crossed:
GTRanushka said:
that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried official Marshmallow for a few weeks, the battery life was incredible and it was so smooth. I think that's what I find so frustrating, LG make some amazing tech, the specs are top notch and they don't age/slowdown as fast as others but there are so many proprietary modifications to the OS that it's put me off LG.
It's obviously just a personal preference but I just find their design aesthetic unpleasing, like a hybrid of Kit Kat (the dull colours and oversized status/nav icons) and Lollipop (material design, but poorly executed in this case).
The heavy skinning was the reason I avoided Samsung too. Again incredible hardware. These companies seem to take the same half-assed approach to UI design as Microsoft. A jumble of different styles, moving forwards with good ideas but poorly executed with remnants of the past hanging about.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omg it's amazing. I few things I miss from the LG...
- Power button position (I'll get used to it)
- Double tap to wake
- Wireless charging
Other than that it's practically perfect (so far)...
- The display is incredible. I'm on about 15-20% brightness and it's so vivid and clear. I had to have the LG between 50-60%.
- Snapchat video filters work, inc slow-mo, fast, reverse (these didn't work on LG)
- Moto display for alerts, you just wave your hand over the front for a power friendly notification screen.
- Pure Android experience so no ugly status bar.
- Super fast burst mode on camera (plus improved low light mode)
- Front flash
- Beautiful shape and rear texture
- Gestures such as double twist for camera mode, karate chop for flashlight, etc
This is the droid I was looking for!
Sent from my XT1572 using Tapatalk
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for feedback preferably from ex Photon Q users:
I'm currently running my stripped & tweaked stock ROM XT897, as I love the slider 5 row keyboard.
Battery life is OK to good considering the age, esp after locking down system & user apps that like to run free in the background.
It does most of everything I want, but there are more apps that require newer OS, and the browser is a bit outdated for certain sites etc.
Currently I run xposed for add removal & extra functionality over the stock ROM. I can't access 4G data speeds with the PQ either.
I've been considering the Priv since it was announced, and there are 3x things that have delayed the move for me:
1) candy bar slider - this results in a narrower keyboard. The narrow keyboard looks as if it may make handling & typing a little bit more difficult, with the screen weight so far from the keyboard. Using a side slider, the weight is a non-issue, and typing is extremely fast using 2x thumbs. Have any side slider users found the transition a bit difficult, or do you find the Priv as quick to use/type, & balanced?
2) 4 row keyboard - this reminds me of the transition from the HTC G1 (dream) 5 row keyboard, to the HTC G2 (vision) 4 row keyboard. It is almost as good, but having to mash a sequence of function buttons regularly during typing to get numbers etc kept me reminiscing about my G1's 5 rows. Other 5 row keyboard users - do you find the narrower 4 row of the Priv to be a nagging reminder of what you left behind also?
3) locked down OS - I'm amazed at how well the PQ runs now that I have gone back to (stripped & system app/process locked) stock Moto OS, esp after trying a number of custom ROM's. I've read that the Priv stock is very clean, & doesn't have anywhere near the bloat of other manufacturers stock ROM's. I am however interested in how current users find the OS's data & battery management is affected by system apps/processes running freely in the background unrestricted. Being able to manually shut these down has made the biggest improvement on my current handset, however if the Priv manages all these well, then this is a non-issue for me. Do current Priv owners find the OS needs tweaking to gain extra battery or data savings/control?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
I made the move. I moved to ATT, so I moved from my Photon Q to an LG F3Q and now the Priv.
To sum it up, I still miss my Photon. The Priv is the only phone on the market that has a QWERTY now, so it was my only option, but I am consistently, daily disappointed with it.
The keys are too small, which could be forgiven if not for the extremely awkward ALT + number shenanigans because of the missing 5th row. It is nearly impossible (for my large thumbs - the reason I stay away from touch keyboards) to type a 7 because of the placement of the ALT key right next to it.
Furthermore, the keyboard is glitchy. When the phone is under stress / high CPU usage, it begins doubling up letters and randomly capitalizing things. Not everyone has this issue, but I'm not the only one.
The phone also overheats like crazy, sometimes being uncomfortably hot in my pocket when updating apps or something.
Phone is laggy in general, feels sluggish. Camera is slow to snap the shot, and only mediocre quality at best.
In terms of battery, I don't really ever expect to get through the day with this thing. I am a decently heavy user, but this phone is the first where I feel the need to always keep a battery pack with me to recharge it. One that front tho, it has QuickCharge 2, so with a quick charger, it charges up pretty quick.
Additionally, coming from only phones with custom roms + root, I had no idea how frustrating a non-rooted phone would be. I miss my xposed modules, I miss being able to change random things to my liking (the entire reason I went with android in the first place).
But mostly, I miss being able to back things up. IOS has a great backup / restore system. Android's is abysmal, but at least with the phone being rooted, I could back up and restore properly. Without root, many Android apps can't be backed up and restored reliably, meaning that I will lose all chat history and etc in some of these apps if I ever need to factory reset my phone or move to another phone. This is my biggest and most unsolvable frustration on this phone and it drives me crazy. Also, not having root means I can't look under the hood to even see what's going on when my CPU is at 100%, the phone is overheating, and there are no apps over.
However, all that said, it's still the best phone on the market for my needs. It has LTE support, a QWERTY keyboard, I do actually LOVE the backberry hub communication center, and has latest version of android so it runs all the apps.
I hate this thing but I will probably continue using it for the next bunch of years seeing as no other QWERTY alternatives are likely to come out.
I really miss the build quality and durability of Photon Q, and definitely consider this phone a downgrade in almost all the ways - except Android 6 and LTE.
You already know you will buy it, so just bite the bullet and make the best of it. Good luck.
Yep - diehard HWKB users know each other too well. I've bought it.
I've been waiting to see if the Moto Z Force will have a HWKB mod, esp as the prototype device was developed with one, inc extended battery.
Looked at NFC keyboards & wondered if it would be easy enough to build a custom handset using this tech also.
A really good solve for the 4 row would be a "touch" 5th row for numbers across the bottom of the screen! I wonder if BB would implement this if they were asked..... My Priv is in the mail, so I have about a week to build up my excitement in time to develop some serious buyer's-remorse......LOL
I expect I will be Ok with it though, I have taken 12 months to assess the forums & +/- of the device, plus I just purchased for ~$520AUD inc shipping for a new STV100-4, so that is not such a hard pill to swallow.
I will be Z Forcing as soon as they (someone) release a KB Mod for that sucker, and I'll fully kit out on extended batteries, speakers, camera, projector, etc etc - as I'll pick one up for the missus also, so the mods will get plenty of use.
P.S. just restored my PQ to an earlier backup after the memory dried up over time - I suspect from ESFM's Trash Can storing all sorts of junk even after disabling it..... ROOT=Bliss.
Hi
I made the move (broke the screen of my photn Q), and got a priv, one year ago..
Great device, but ****ty keyboard. ... 4rows, crazy keys map, small keys... Argh. Makes it quite useless, thoug the slide effect of the KB just rocks ! Great stuff at opening, bad stuff when using it.
I miss the root, too... deeply. :/
Since I live in France, i would not say I totally regret : the photon LTE Bands don't fit here, sadly.
But I often think about rearm my "backup photon Q", in particular for my extra work usage....
[ NB : I bought at the same time a refurbished device to repair my former photon Q...
You know the story, work, work, work, kids, kids kids, girls girls girls, no much time for this kind of amusement... It 's been a ****ing puzzle yet to have my photon Q equipped with a sim card reader, am a bit lazy to do the job atm. ]
I surely will, some day, but I'll surely keep as well my priv : Luv android M, pretty updates rate, Luv the screen, size, quality and design , have no bugs with the keyboard nor overheating issues, battery is fine (I phone all day + GPS , and often re-plug it the day after, and quick charge). To me, the APN is pretty ok (except when lacking luminosity), still greater than the photon's one.
My "photon chéri" happened to be more laggy and overheating than my Priv, got a dead pixel after a month, battery died after 6.
> we ll probably never meet a keyboard as cool as the photon one. It's a pitty BlackBerry did not choose to put the keyboard on the longer side of the phone !