BlackBerry Passport Silver Handset Aims to Lure Back Enterprise Buyers

With its physical keys, square screen and security suite, can the Passport Silver Edition smartphone draw enterprise users back to BlackBerry?

The BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition’s stainless steel frame won’t just make the unit look slick and shiny. It also reinforces the device in the event of a fall. According to BlackBerry, the stainless steel will make the Silver Edition more durable and add strength not found in the company’s other devices.

BlackBerry has used what it’s learned from previous versions of the Passport and added a keyboard that has a little more room than the previous version. According to BlackBerry, the Silver Edition allows for easier typing than its predecessor—a critical feature in a world filled with finicky touch screens.

The Silver Edition’s back plate has a textured finish that will help users get a firmer grip on the handset to perhaps prevent some damaging drops.

The Passport Silver Edition may be different from a hardware perspective, but when it comes to software, you get the same BlackBerry 10 experience. Those who like BlackBerry 10 and want to continue using it will like what they find in the Passport Silver Edition, which optimizes the operating system’s performance on the device.

The first thing one might notice about the Passport is that it comes with a square display, rather than the rectangular screen typical of other devices. If nothing else, the feature gives the handset a unique look and may make it a bit easier to view the screen. In total, the device’s screen measures 4.5 inches.

BlackBerry is all about touting the battery life built into the Passport Silver Edition. According to the company, the device can last for 30 hours on a single charge, giving users ample time to do what they need to do on a business trip without worrying about finding an outlet. Don’t discount the importance of battery life to the enterprise.

Like other BlackBerry devices, the Passport Silver Edition comes with all of BlackBerry’s applications, including Hub, its social and messaging app, as well as access to the company’s app marketplace, Appworld. Interestingly, the device also comes with third-party apps built-in, including Amazon’s Appstore, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

It seems every major smartphone vendor has a virtual personal assistant, and BlackBerry is no different. The company’s option, called BlackBerry Assistant, works with both voice and text commands, and can do everything from search the Web to create a meeting request. BlackBerry Assistant is essentially BlackBerry’s version of Siri and Cortana.

One of the top features built into the BlackBerry is its security suite. From built-in encryption to the ability to set application permissions across the operating system, BlackBerry 10 is arguably one of the most secure operating systems on the market. For IT, having that kind of control in the Passport Silver Edition is extremely appealing.

BlackBerry devices have never been cheap, and the Silver Edition is no different. The device can be ordered directly from BlackBerry for $549 unlocked. While the handset supports FD-LTE and HSPA+, BlackBerry is quick to note that for now it’s not compatible with the Verizon, Sprint or US Cellular networks. So, if you or your company uses AT&T or T-Mobile, you can get a Silver Edition.