BlackBerry Priv Specs, Price & Review: Company's First Android Smartphone Now Available for Pre-Orders, Everything You Need To Know Before Ordering

Blackberry PRIV finally set their first Android-powered smartphone for pre-order in the countries of United States, United Kingdom and Canada starting Oct. 23. After months of speculations and rumors about the handheld device, it will already start to ship out on Nov. 6.

According to TechRadar, interested buyers from the U.K. can get their preorders through Carphone Warehouse and ShopBlackBerry for £559 [VAT inclusive] while; shopper from the U.S. can buy from ShopBlackBerry U.S. for $699 and $899 in Canada.

The price might be higher than expected but Priv is Blackberry's latest flagship so one should understand its higher cost. "We'll continue to update you in real time on your local availability," BlackBerry advises.

"Be sure to register for updates at BlackBerry.com/PrivacyOn, and stay tuned to our official social media channels for the news as it hits." Ubergizmo cited that Blackberry Priv has 5.4 inch, 2,560×1,440 pixel resolution with dual-edge curved AMOLED display.

It is powered by Snapdragon 808 processor with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage that can be expanded by microSD card support. Users will be able to capture their perfect moment with 18MP rear camera and a long lasting battery with 3,410mAh that runs in Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

Blackberry also added their signature QWERTY keyboard on the optional slide-out design. Too, it can be used as a trackpad, the same feature introduced in Blackberry Passport last year.

It also showed a fairly plain black color with a large what seemed to be a large speaker at the bottom of the screen. Its main design centered on its slide-out keyboard with slightly curved edges and display, a sketch knowingly used by Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

Tech Times took note that Blackberry added security integrations for their crown jewel, which is one of the reasons of its higher price. The company also cleared that people who will opt for this device are the ones who are aiming for "security and privacy features."

"I committed that we would release an Android phone only if we could make it, like everything else we produce: secure. We have - and so today is that day," Blackberry CEO John Chen said. He also revealed that the name "Priv" is short for its privacy focus, which replaced its first codename as "Blackberry Venice."

Meanwhile, the Blackberry Canadian website indicated a Nov. 16 release date, TechRadar added. However, it was quickly removed and not yet disclosed if the said day was meant for the official worldwide released or just for Canada.