Clicks has introduced the Communicator, a standalone mobile device with a built-in QWERTY keyboard and Android 16, evoking the look and feel of classic BlackBerry-style phones while serving as a second phone option for users focused on communication. The device was unveiled ahead of CES 2026, with an emphasis on tactile typing and minimal distraction
Summary
The Clicks Communicator combines a physical keyboard with essential smartphone features, offering users an alternative to touchscreen-centric devices. Priced at $499 with early reservation discounts, the device runs Android 16 and includes modern connectivity and productivity tools.
Design and Core Features
According to reports, the Clicks Communicator features a full QWERTY keyboard built into the body, larger and more tactile than the earlier Clicks keyboard accessory. The keyboard also doubles as a touch-sensitive trackpad for navigating apps and menus
Other hardware features include:
- A 4.03-inch OLED display
- Front and rear cameras
- 4,000 mAh battery with strong endurance
- Headphone jack and physical mute switch
- Interchangeable rear panels for customization
- USB-C charging and microSD expandable storage
- Global 5G and LTE support
These elements give the Communicator a nostalgic BlackBerry vibe while maintaining modern smartphone capabilities.
Software and User Experience
The Communicator runs Android 16, with support for a broad range of apps. It uses a custom launcher designed to prioritize messaging and essential communication tools over social media or distracting content, creating a more focused user experience
A customizable LED notification key on the side allows users to assign colors for different contacts or app notifications. Meanwhile, a “Prompt Key” is designed to assist with voice-to-text dictation and shortcuts.
Pricing and Availability
In the United States, the standard retail price of the Communicator is $499. However, early reservations with a $199 deposit can reduce the effective price to $399 before a promotional deadline. Shipments are expected to begin later in 2026
The phone will be offered in multiple color options, including Smoke, Clover, and Onyx. archive.vn
Positioning and Target Audience
Unlike mainstream smartphones, the Clicks Communicator is positioned as a purpose-built communication device, intended to serve as a secondary phone for heavy messaging, emails, and productivity tasks rather than a primary content-consumption device. Its design harks back to the BlackBerry era of tactile keyboards, appealing to users who value physical typing and focused interaction
The device has drawn comparisons to classic BlackBerry phones due to its keyboard and compact form factor, but it maintains modern smartphone functionality with 5G connectivity and expanded app support.
Conclusion
The Clicks Communicator represents a unique entrant in the smartphone market, blending a physical keyboard with contemporary features and mobile connectivity. Its design and focus on communication may attract users nostalgic for BlackBerry-style devices or those who want a distraction-free companion phone. Whether it will find a broad audience remains to be seen, but it clearly revives the concept of tactile typing within a modern mobile ecosystem.
