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So far, it appears the only thing I can get if I want a device that's even remotely modern is the Blackberry Priv, but I could be wrong, hence the question.

My hard requirements (it's a dealbreaker without them):

  • The keyboard, as mentioned in the topic.
  • Decent app ecosystem (this eliminates all other BB devices)
  • OS that still gets security updates
  • Good performance (the UI should not hitch and stutter under daily use)
  • Supported on the Verizon network

Secondary concerns (nice to haves):

  • Can be rooted/jailbroken
  • At least a 1080p screen
  • Battery life should last a full day under light use
  • OS still gets feature updates

Price no object; nearly any phone can be had via carrier discounts or secondhand.

JetStream
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Mikey T.K.
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    I don't think you'll find such a thing meeting those requirements. A quick google search gives me this: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-qwerty-phones/ and there isn't much to choose from. –  Jul 07 '16 at 03:49

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The new Blackberry Priv runs Android and has a physical keyboard, 4K display, Snapdragon 808 and 3GB of ram (so it should not be slow).

Its the closest thing from what you are looking for I guess.

comicurus
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  • That's what I was afraid of.. it's a shame that there's only one decent keyboard phone out there right now, and it's created by a company with questionable longevity. Still, thank you for your research. – Mikey T.K. Jul 08 '16 at 17:00
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For a 2018 answer, the BlackBerry KEY2.

Specs

  • A great physical keyboard, which doubles as a trackpad for scrolling, navigation, and text selection, and allows for custom programmable macros to instantly launch anything
  • Android Oreo 8.1
  • SnapDragon 660, Kryo 260 8-Core @ 2.2 GHz x 4 + 1.8GHz x 4 and 6GB RAM

As for your nice-to-haves:

  • Can be rooted (e.g. CyanogenMod)
  • 1080p screen (433 PPI)
  • 3500 mAh of battery (~25 hrs of mixed use)
  • OS will likely get feature updates (KEYone Oreo updates are rolling out at the time of writing)

Unfortuantely it fails your "Supported on the Verizon network" requirement, since it's GSM/GPRS/EDGE, but Verizon only supports CDMA. I hope it's not still a deal-breaker to transfer to a GSM provider like T-Mobile or AT&T.

Ky -
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