Recs.
Updated
Specs
Pros
Pro Slide-out keyboard adds more than just a way to type
Pushing up on the lip (just above the speaker) slides the screen up revealing a touch sensitive backlit keyboard. Obviously you can press the keys down to type, but you can also swipe across the keyboard to type as well (just like on-screen keyboards).
In addition to typing, it also offers other unique features. You can use it as a trackpad to scroll through lists or web pages, and from the homescreen, if you start typing it will initiate a search through either Google Now or BlackBerry Device Search. If you press and hold a key instead, you can set it to quick launch an app.
Pro Software features help make the phone easier to use
BlackBerry has included nice features such as double-tap the screen to wake, and it will also turn the screen on when you pick it up or receive a new notification. Sliding the keyboard out will also turn the phone on.
Pulling out from the tab on the right reveals the "productivity tab" which groups together calendar events, new messages, tasks, and favorite contacts.
BlackBerry Hub brings virtually all notifications together, and helps you deal with all of them from a single app.
Pro Very unique design works well in daily use
The Priv has rounded edges on the display which makes it look very premium, however there are still some bezels so your palm isn't touching the display when making long reaches with your thumb like it does on the Galaxy S7 Edge.
The top and bottom of the phone are perfectly flat (you could stand it up on either end if you wanted to), and the speaker beneath the display is flat while the screen above it is raised to give you a lip to push the screen up.
The Priv is a unique looking phone, but each design decision ends up looking good while still being perfectly functional.
Cons
Con Cheap feeling hardware
All around the phone you can hear it and feel it creak. If you lay in bed and use your phone, when you tap the display you will be able to hear it go 'thud' against the rear casing. The buttons feel mushy, and are nearly flush with the side making them hard to find. The rubbery rear material noticeably flexes when you push on it.