10 Alternatives to Your Orphaned BlackBerry Classic | eWeek

10 Alternatives to Your Orphaned BlackBerry Classic

BlackBerry Passport
Written By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Jul 8, 2016
4 minute read
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10 Alternatives to Your Orphaned BlackBerry Classic

1 - 10 Alternatives to Your Orphaned BlackBerry Classic

If your BlackBerry Classic is biting the dust, you won’t be able to buy a new one. Here are some alternatives to consider come replacement time.


Stick With BlackBerry by Going With the Priv Handset

2 - Stick With BlackBerry by Going With the Priv Handset

If it’s security one is after, the BlackBerry Priv might be a nice alternative to the Classic. The device has a slide-out physical keyboard, as well as a 5.4-inch touch-screen for virtual interaction. The handset comes with hardware-based security features, as well as a software-tracking tool to ensure users aren’t being tracked. The smartphone runs on Android and can last up to 22.5 hours on a single charge.


There’s Always Apple’s iPhone 6s Line

3 - There's Always Apple's iPhone 6s Line

Those looking to get away from the BlackBerry world may want to consider the iPhone 6s line. The iPhone 6s comes with a 4.7-inch screen to complement the 5.5-inch display in the iPhone 6s Plus. Apple’s handset has a 3D Touch feature so users can apply varying amounts of pressure on the screen to create different software effects. The smartphone has up to 128GB of on-board storage and, unlike every other device in this roundup, is running Apple’s iOS.


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Here’s the BlackBerry Passport for Keyboard Lovers

4 - Here's the BlackBerry Passport for Keyboard Lovers

Keyboard lovers aren’t totally out of luck with BlackBerry. The company also sells a device called the Passport, which, like the Classic, has a physical keyboard under its 4.5-inch square touch display. Users will also find 32GB of storage, a 13-megapixel camera and up to 30 hours of battery life. It’s one of the closest comparisons to the Classic in this roundup.


Go With the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Windows Phone

5 - Go With the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Windows Phone

For many enterprise users, Windows 10-based smartphones can be an appealing option. After all, the smartphones can interact with Windows 10 computers with ease, and the operating system is widely viewed as one of the better options for sophisticated use. Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL is arguably the best Windows 10-based smartphone, offering a 5.7-inch screen, a 20-megapixel camera and 32GB of storage. Its Windows 10 and integration of Office might make it appealing to former BlackBerry Classic owners.


BlackBerry Porsche Design Goes for Elegance

6 - BlackBerry Porsche Design Goes for Elegance

The BlackBerry Porsche Design is supposed to be the company’s answer to some of the more elegantly designed handsets. The device runs on BlackBerry 10 and supports a feature called Blend that allows users to access a wide array of content on the handset, tablets or computers. Since it’s running BlackBerry 10, the device, which has a 3.1-inch touch-screen, offers access to Android apps via Amazon’s Appstore.


OnePlus 3 Is for the Budget-Conscious Shopper

7 - OnePlus 3 Is for the Budget-Conscious Shopper

OnePlus is the sole startup in this roundup, but its OnePlus 3 is arguably one of the most secure and reliable devices in the bunch. The smartphone is running a forked version of Android called OxygenOS that gives users far more control over software features built into the operating system. OnePlus 3 is also a powerful smartphone, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820. Add that to a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, 6GB of memory and a fast-charging feature, and it’s a nice BlackBerry Classic alternative.


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The G5 Might Be the Slickest LG Smartphone Yet

8 - The G5 Might Be the Slickest LG Smartphone Yet

LG’s G5 hasn’t received much attention since it launched earlier this year, but it’s still one of the better Android-based smartphones on the market. The G5 has a modular design that allows users to swap out components. In addition, the device has a removable battery—an appealing feature for many enterprise users—and comes with a 5.3-inch screen. Users will also find 32GB of storage and the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 under the hood.


Galaxy Note 5 Designed for Business Users

9 - Galaxy Note 5 Designed for Business Users

The Galaxy Note 5 from Samsung is designed with enterprise users in mind. The device has a 5.7-inch screen and runs Android, but its top feature is support for Samsung’s S pen, a stylus that allows users to write on the screen, tap around the software and more. The Galaxy Note 5 also supports mobile-payment service Samsung Pay and has 32GB of storage.


Don’t Forget About the High-End Nexus 6P

10 - Don't Forget About the High-End Nexus 6P

Google’s Nexus line always has been synonymous with power, and the 6P—built by Huawei and sold by the search giant—is no different. The Nexus 6P has a 5.7-inch screen and comes with a fingerprint sensor for additional security. Users will also find support for 4K video capture and fast-charging, courtesy of a USB Type-C port. The Nexus 6P runs on Google’s Android Marshmallow, the most secure version of the company’s mobile operating system.


Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge Has That Curved Screen

11 - Samsung's Galaxy S7 Edge Has That Curved Screen

The Galaxy S7 Edge is one of the more popular smartphones in this roundup—and for good reason. The smartphone has a curved screen that allows for extra functionality, including quick access to apps. In addition, the smartphone is water-resistant and its camera comes with what Samsung calls an “advanced sensor” that helps it capture content in low-light conditions. The Galaxy S7 Edge can last up to 15 hours before its battery dies.

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