The smartphone arena often sees fierce battles between innovation and established excellence. In one corner, we have the BlackBerry Priv, a device that dared to blend classic BlackBerry functionality with modern Android. In the other, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, a titan of the phablet world, known for its premium build and feature-rich experience.
Both devices aimed to capture the attention of discerning users, but they approached the market from vastly different angles. The Priv offered a physical keyboard, a nod to its heritage, while the Note 5 doubled down on its stylus-driven productivity and multimedia prowess.
If you’re trying to decide between these two distinct powerhouses, or simply curious about how they stacked up, let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see which one might have been the right choice for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | BlackBerry Priv | Note 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.4-inch | 5.7-inch |
| Display Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB (expandable via microSD) | 32GB/64GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 18MP | 16MP |
| Front Camera | 2MP | 5MP |
| Operating System | Android (with BlackBerry enhancements) | Android |
| Battery Capacity | 3410 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 147 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm | 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 192g | 171g |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Blackberry Priv: Features a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The curved edges offer a unique aesthetic and can be used for notifications. While vibrant, some users found the curve distracting for typing.
- Note 5: Boasts a larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It offers excellent color reproduction and brightness. The flat display is generally preferred for productivity and media consumption.
- Winner: note 5
Performance & Processor
- Blackberry Priv: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor with 3GB of RAM. This chipset provides solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. However, it’s not as powerful as flagship processors from the same era, leading to occasional slowdowns in demanding applications.
- Note 5: Equipped with an Exynos 7420 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. This combination delivered top-tier performance for its time, handling multitasking and graphically intensive games with ease. It generally offered a smoother and more responsive experience.
- Winner: note 5
Camera System
- Blackberry Priv: Features a 18MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 2MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of producing decent photos in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance and image processing were not as advanced as competitors.
- Note 5: Sports a 16MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front-facing camera. The Note 5’s camera is widely praised for its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and impressive low-light capabilities. It also offers a wealth of shooting modes and manual controls.
- Winner: note 5
Battery Life
- Blackberry Priv: Comes with a 3410 mAh battery. Battery life was a significant concern for many Priv users, often struggling to last a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The combination of the display and the power-hungry nature of Android on this device contributed to this.
- Note 5: Has a 3000 mAh battery. While smaller in capacity, the Note 5 generally offered better or comparable battery life to the Priv due to more efficient hardware and software optimization. It could typically get through a day of moderate use.
- Winner: note 5
Software & User Experience
- Blackberry Priv: Ran on Android with BlackBerry’s custom software overlay, emphasizing security and productivity features like BlackBerry Hub. The physical keyboard was a standout feature for many, offering tactile feedback. However, the Android experience felt somewhat less refined than on stock or other skinned Android devices.
- Note 5: Ran on Android with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. TouchWiz offered a feature-rich experience with many customization options and multitasking tools. The S Pen integration was a major differentiator, enhancing productivity and creativity.
- Winner: note 5
Unique Features
- Blackberry Priv: The defining feature is its physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a nostalgic and functional element for BlackBerry loyalists. This provided a typing experience unmatched by any touchscreen device. It also included BlackBerry’s renowned security features.
- Note 5: The standout feature is the integrated S Pen stylus, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface. Features like Air Command provided quick access to stylus-related functions. This made it a powerhouse for productivity and creative tasks.
- Winner: note 5
Build Quality & Design
- Blackberry Priv: Featured a premium build with a metal frame and a textured back, giving it a solid feel. The sliding mechanism was well-engineered. The curved display added a unique visual flair.
- Note 5: Utilized a premium glass and metal construction, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The slim profile and edge-to-edge display were hallmarks of Samsung’s design language at the time. It felt very refined in hand.
- Winner: note 5
Storage Options
- Blackberry Priv: Came with 32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expansion. This offered flexibility for users who needed ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Note 5: Was available in 32GB and 64GB internal storage options but notably lacked a microSD card slot. This was a point of contention for some users who preferred expandable storage.
- Winner: blackberry priv
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Physical Keyboard | BlackBerry Priv |
| Stylus Functionality | Note 5 |
| Overall Design | Note 5 |
| Security Features | BlackBerry Priv |
| Camera Versatility | Note 5 |
| Expandable Storage | BlackBerry Priv |
| Battery Life | BlackBerry Priv |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both devices boast stunning QHD (1440p) AMOLED displays, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Performance: Equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM, both the BlackBerry Priv and the Note 5 offer smooth multitasking and handle demanding applications with ease.
- Camera Capabilities: Each phone features a capable rear camera that can capture high-quality photos, and both include front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
- Android Os: Both run on the Android operating system, providing access to the vast Google Play Store and a familiar user interface for most users.
- Premium Build: Both devices utilize premium materials in their construction, offering a sophisticated look and feel in the hand.
- Fast Charging: Both support fast charging technologies, significantly reducing the time it takes to replenish their batteries.
Blackberry Priv Vs Note 5 Buying Guide
Camera Considerations
If photography is your top priority, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 likely edges out the Blackberry Priv. The Note 5 boasts a superior primary camera with a wider aperture and advanced image processing, resulting in sharper, more vibrant photos, especially in low-light conditions. While the Priv’s camera is decent, it doesn’t quite match the Note 5’s ability to capture detail and color accuracy. Consider the Note 5 for everyday snapshots and more serious mobile photography. (See Also: Adobe Pro Vs Docusign )
Performance and Everyday Use
For sheer speed and multitasking prowess, the Galaxy Note 5 generally offers a smoother, more fluid experience. Its Snapdragon 810 processor, while known for some heating issues, is a powerhouse for demanding applications and gaming. The Blackberry Priv, with its Snapdragon 808, is still very capable, but the Note 5 often feels a step ahead in raw performance benchmarks and day-to-day responsiveness. If you’re a heavy app user or gamer, the Note 5 might be the better choice.
Unique Features and Ecosystem
This is where the Blackberry Priv truly shines for a specific niche. Its physical keyboard is unparalleled for tactile typing and productivity, a feature completely absent on the Note 5. If you value the security and efficiency of Blackberry’s software suite, including its secure messaging and productivity tools, the Priv offers a unique proposition. The Note 5, on the other hand, excels with its S Pen stylus for note-taking and drawing, and its integration into the Samsung ecosystem.
Software and Updates
Samsung’s software experience on the Note 5, while feature-rich with TouchWiz, can sometimes feel bloated. Updates are generally reliable but can be slower than stock Android. The Blackberry Priv, running a near-stock Android with Blackberry’s enhancements, offers a cleaner interface and a strong focus on security updates. If you prioritize timely security patches and a less intrusive software experience, the Priv has an advantage. However, long-term software support for both devices might be limited given their age. (See Also: 40 Vs 32 Tv )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy BlackBerry Priv If…
- You crave the tactile experience and productivity of a physical keyboard.
- You prioritize enhanced security features and BlackBerry’s renowned privacy.
- You appreciate a unique design that stands out from the typical slab smartphone.
- You are willing to embrace a slightly more niche but highly functional device.
Buy Note 5 If…
- You want the versatility of the S Pen for note-taking and creative tasks.
- You prefer a larger, immersive display for media consumption and productivity.
- You value a sleek, modern design with a premium feel.
- You want a well-rounded flagship experience with a strong ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 features a slightly larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a higher pixel density and superior color reproduction compared to the Blackberry Priv’s 5.4-inch AMOLED screen. While both offer excellent visuals, the Note 5’s display is generally considered brighter, more vibrant, and better for media consumption.
Is the Blackberry Priv’s keyboard worth the trade-off?
For users who frequently type long emails, messages, or documents, the Blackberry Priv’s physical keyboard is a significant advantage, offering unparalleled tactile feedback and accuracy. However, if you prefer on-screen typing or primarily use voice input, the keyboard might be seen as a bulky addition that compromises the overall design and screen size.
How do the cameras compare for low-light photography?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 generally performs better in low-light conditions. Its camera sensor and image processing are more adept at capturing detail and reducing noise in darker environments. While the Blackberry Priv’s camera is adequate, it struggles more with challenging low-light scenarios, often producing less clear and more grainy images compared to the Note 5. (See Also: Lansky Vs Work Sharp )
Which phone is better for overall productivity?
This depends on your definition of productivity. The Blackberry Priv excels with its physical keyboard and Blackberry’s security-focused software, ideal for prolific texters and those valuing secure communication. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5, with its S Pen stylus and multitasking capabilities, is a productivity powerhouse for digital note-taking, drawing, and managing complex workflows.
Are software updates still available for these phones?
Given the age of both the Blackberry Priv and the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, official software updates from the manufacturers are likely discontinued or very infrequent. While the Blackberry Priv may have received more consistent security patches initially due to its focus on security, neither device should be expected to receive major Android version upgrades at this point.
Final Verdict
The Blackberry Priv and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 represent distinct philosophies. The Priv is a niche device for those who crave a physical keyboard and Blackberry’s security, offering a unique productivity experience. The Note 5 is a multimedia and productivity powerhouse with a stunning display, excellent camera, and the versatile S Pen. For the average user seeking a well-rounded, high-performance smartphone with a great camera and display, the Note 5 is the more compelling choice.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Note 5