The Blackberry Priv is a late arrival to the Google Android party and is the company’s first offering that brings incredible new features to the Android operating system (OS). Connecting and sharing is easier than it has ever been. The trusted business tool the Blackberry has always been is now better, faster and powered by Android.

In fact, the team at Blackberry are confident that this unit will be the first to overcome security issues in the Android platform. The claim is that malware and data leakage are not risks that owners of the Priv will face. The company has pledged to keep the smartphone secure by encrypting files and sensitive information that, once encrypted, never leave the device.

Sporting an impressive 5.4-inch screen, this device falls within the big smartphone category, but while it is an attractive device, it can feel bulky in the palm due to its width. If you reluctantly made the shift to the touch screen genre, the Priv is going to bring you back to a better time in your typing life, with the inclusion of a physical QWERTY keyboard.

The next standout feature is the device’s 1440 x 2560 pixel, curved super-high-resolution AMOLED screen, much like the Samsung Galaxy S Edge series. The Priv also has a very capable 18-mega-pixel rear camera, but has been paired with the more basic 2MP front camera.

The Android OS 5.1.1 (Lollipop) comes standard with the smartphone. However, it is fully upgradeable to the 6.0 Marshmallow. There was also a very kind expansion of memory as Blackberry did away with the initial 16GB version and opened the floor with 32GB of internal memory and external storage up to 200GB and a sprightly 3GB RAM.

Handheld devices have grown leaps and bounds in terms of functionality, and that is due to the placement of game-changing processors in small units. To compete in this regard, the Priv was outfitted with a dual-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A57 & Quad-core 1.44 GHz Cortex-A53.

The curved screen acts as a notification panel that allows you to see snippets of the activities happening on your device. You can change the size of the tab, its location on the display, or get rid of it altogether. Swipe it towards the centre of the display and an overlay will appear, giving you a quick look at unread messages, your calendar, unfinished tasks, emails, and your frequent contacts. Once you try to get more details on a specific item it brings you to the full app.

The BlackBerry Hub is one of the strengths of this device that helps keep everything organised and accessible in one place. Anything ranging from calls, texts, emails and social media notifications are found here. It comes with a wide variety of customisable options and Blackberry has finally opened the door to endless apps. All users can choose from any available app in the Google Play Store.

A notable contender has arrived in the market; the device is now available with the option of SmartProtect phone insurance at Smart Mobile Solutions.

BONUS TIP: Always protect your Smartphone with accessories that aid in the longevity of the device. Getting a case and tempered glass can go a long way in extending life and usage.