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Update: BlackBerry Priv is now available on T-Mobile
Update, January 26: The BlackBerry Priv is now on sale on T-Mobile. Going for a full retail price of $720, the Android-powered slider can be purchased for $30/month with no down payment. Are you buying?
Original post, January 19: Fans of physical keyboards and the ‘Uncarrier’ can celebrate, because T-Mobile announced that the BlackBerry Priv will be available on their network starting Tuesday, January 26th. You’ll be able to get the device for $0 down on the JUMP! On Demand program for $30 or $34 per month (depending on your plan) until the $720 handset is paid off.
The Priv is noteworthy for bringing a slide-down physical keyboard back to the Android ecosystem, although it has a virtual on-screen keyboard as well. Blackberry boasts that this device is one of the most secure smartphones on the market, saying that its name comes from both the words “privilege” and “privacy.” It’s also got a pretty stellar battery to boot.
This isn’t the only perk BlackBerry Priv owners will be receiving in early 2016. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is also slated to arrive on the device sometime before March. If you’re a T-Mobile user with any interest in swapping to BlackBerry’s Android flagship, the deal looks like it’s only going to get sweeter.
However, if you’re thinking of swapping to T-Mobile, you should be aware of all the drama going on regarding the network’s Binge On program, which is opt-out, not opt-in. Those who go on the Binge On program reportedly get throttled on video streaming services across the board in an effort to conserve data. T-Mobile’s CEO John Legere compares this to an automobile’s economy mode, but if you want full-definition video on the Priv’s gorgeous 5.4-inch, Quad HD AMOLED display, you might want to carefully consider your service options.
What are your thoughts regarding the Priv’s arrival to T-Mobile? Worth picking up, or are there better options on the self-described Uncarrier in 2016? Let us know in the comments below!