For those who miss the satisfying click of physical keys, a new smartphone is set to bring back a classic experience. Clicks Technology, the firm famous for its iPhone keyboards, has officially announced its first Android device, the Clicks Communicator. Designed to evoke the spirit of iconic BlackBerry phones, this handset prioritises messaging and communication over media consumption.
A Modern Take on a Classic Design
The newly unveiled Clicks Communicator bears a strong resemblance to the beloved BlackBerry phones of the past, but with modern specifications. It features a compact 4-inch OLED display and is powered by the latest Android 16 operating system straight out of the box. The device is positioned as a secondary phone, ideal for users who want a dedicated tool for messaging and productivity.
On the hardware front, the phone includes features often missing from modern flagships: a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot that supports storage expansion of up to a massive 2TB. For photography, it is equipped with a 50MP rear camera and a 24MP front-facing selfie shooter. It comes with 256GB of internal storage and is backed by a substantial 4,000mAh battery that supports Qi wireless charging. Connectivity options are robust, offering support for both 4G and 5G networks, along with dual physical and eSIM capabilities.
The Keyboard is the Star
The centrepiece of the Clicks Communicator is, without a doubt, its physical QWERTY keyboard. This isn't just a simple button array; it's a multi-functional input device. The keyboard is touch-sensitive, allowing users to scroll through inboxes, messages, and web pages directly from the keys. For security, a fingerprint sensor is cleverly integrated into the spacebar. Clicks has also revived another beloved feature: a customisable notification LED that can be set to light up for specific contacts or apps.
A unique addition is the dedicated "Prompt key" on the side of the device. This button is designed to boost productivity by enabling quick voice-to-text conversion, starting voice recordings, or transcribing meetings with a single press.
Availability and Pricing
The Clicks Communicator will make its public debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas next week. The company plans to start shipping the device sometime later this year. Initially, it will be available in the United States in three colour options: Smoke, Clover, and Onyx.
The smartphone carries an introductory price tag of $499 (approximately Rs 45,000). However, the company is offering an early bird discount: customers who book the device before February 27 will receive a $100 discount, bringing the effective price down. This move is likely to attract early adopters and keyboard enthusiasts who have longed for a return to tactile typing on a mobile device.
The launch of the Clicks Communicator taps into a niche but passionate market of users who value productivity and the tactile feedback of physical keyboards. It represents a bold step away from the all-screen smartphone trend, offering a specialised tool for communication in an era dominated by content consumption.
