BlackBerry Priv will be pricey when it hits T-Mobile on Jan. 26

BlackBerry Priv is heading to T-Mobile. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

BlackBerry Priv is heading to T-Mobile. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

BlackBerry’s first Android-powered smartphone is coming to T-Mobile on January 26, and it’s going to put a big dent in your wallet. If you want to buy Priv off-contract, you’ll be paying $719.99 upfront.

That’s $70 more than a 16GB iPhone 6s on T-Mobile, $20 more than a 32GB Galaxy Note 5, and a full $140 more than the Galaxy S6. But despite the premium price tag, the Priv is the only device that caters to long-time BlackBerry fans and those who rely on physical keys.

That’s because it’s the only high-end Android handset you can buy today with a real keyboard that slides out when you need it, and slides away again when you don’t.

Couple that with a Quad HD display, a speedy Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a microSD card slot, and an 18-megapixel rear-facing camera and you have a unique smartphone that’s powerful, practical, and incredibly cool.

Whether or not that makes it worth the $719.99 upfront is up to you — but you can soften the blow somewhat by paying for Priv monthly. T-Mobile is offering the device for $34 a month over 18 months, or just $30 a month over 24 months, with nothing to pay upfront.

If you’re interested, you’ll be able to get yours on January 26.