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Dear Kim, here are the best phones to replace your BlackBerry

Kim Kardashian told us (the internet) that her beloved BlackBerry Bold just died. We have a few suggestions on which phone she should buy next.

Xiomara Blanco Associate Editor / Reviews - Tablets and monitors
Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.
Lynn La Senior Editor / Reviews - Phones
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Xiomara Blanco
Lynn La
3 min read
Mike Franklin, FilmMagic

Hi Kim,

Did you lose our number? We only sent you 11 text messages and two snapchats. Just kidding, we never did any of that. But we saw your tweets (and snap) about your broken BlackBerry Bold and how you can't find another on eBay. Bummer!

If we could, we'd ask you what you're looking for in a new backup phone. Assuming your iPhone is your No. 1 (it does take the best selfies after all), what you need is a new sidepiece.

Here at CNET, we've literally reviewed hundreds of phones, and though models with QWERTY keyboards are damn near extinct, here's our expert advice for the best phones to replace your beloved BlackBerry.


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The Classic keeps the keys.

Josh Miller/CNET

BlackBerry Classic

Not ready to let BlackBerry go gently into that good night? We know through your Snapchat that you're considering either the BlackBerry Classic or the Priv. Go for the Classic -- it's not as top heavy as the Priv and it has that familiar keyboard and trackpad you're already used to. Honestly, though, you can't go wrong with either if you want user privacy due to your celebrity status. And unlike BlackBerrys of years past, both support Android apps, meaning you can use it to play Pokemon Go or Kim Kardashian Hollywood.

(We reached out to BB and it said, "If Kim is looking to try something new and innovative, we've got the most secure Android smartphone with DTEK50." We haven't taken a look at it yet though, and we know you wouldn't personally consider any product before CNET covers it, right? Right.)


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The Blackphone 2 keeps security in mind.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Silent Circle Blackphone 2

Like the DTEK50, the Blackphone isn't available to consumers yet. But we got our hands on it a couple of times and if anyone can pull some strings to get one now, it'd be you. The phone heavily focuses on security, and seeing as you have ridiculous paparazzi flying drones over your house just to get photos of your kids, the extra privacy and encryption might be a nice change.


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The Note 7 is also a boss of a phone.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

What the haters don't understand is that you run a media empire. A boss like you needs a phone that can handle business. The Galaxy Note 7 might be that phone. It's not out yet, but in the time we've spent with it, we've determined that it's one of the best phones out there for productivity. Plus, it comes with a stylus and it's waterproof, so you wouldn't have to ugly-cry in case you drop it in the ocean like that time you lost your diamond earrings the same way.

If the 5.7-inch Note 7 is a bit too big for you, you can go for the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge. It's elegantly designed, comes in tons of colors and its contoured edges are only rivaled by your signature contoured makeup technique.


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With the 10's BoomSound, audio sounds great.

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

HTC 10

As you might have noticed, you're married to the greatest living rock star on the planet. And like any supportive spouse, you probably have to listen to his work a lot (even if you'd rather not). With its premium BoomSound technology for both audio speakers and in-ear sound, the HTC 10 has better speakers than most other phones. So whether you're listening to rough cuts or final versions, music (and secretly recorded phone conversations) will sound the best on this handset.


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In addition in silver, the OnePlus 3 comes in gold.

James Martin/CNET

OnePlus 3

We know you're a trendspotter (like that time you jumped on emojis with Kimojis). With that in mind, the OnePlus 3 is so hot right now. That's because the device offers high-end hardware at an affordable price (not like the latter is an issue for you). Though it no longer requires a wait list, the company recently announced it had to halt sales in Europe because demand was so high. It's definitely not a mainstream choice, but you're more of a leader than a follower anyway.


We hope this helped you (and anyone in a similar position) in your search for buying a new phone. Now that we know you'll be having a new phone, we won't be totally offended when you reply to our texts with, "New phone, who dis?" like you did all the other times. Just kidding, you never did any of that.

And seriously, next time you're in SF, hmu.

CNET's Roger Cheng contributed to this report.

Watch this: What to Look for When Buying a Phone