Clicks is pushing a familiar idea back into the spotlight: a smartphone with a physical keyboard and a design that recalls the BlackBerry era, but with modern Android software. Its latest device, the Communicator, is now moving beyond prototype stage and appears closer to launch.
The company first introduced the device at CES 2026, where it was shown as a prototype that was not yet fully functional. A more complete preview has since been shared in an early video on Clicks’ official YouTube channel, giving a clearer look at how the phone is meant to work.
A compact screen built around keyboard-first control
In the preview, Clicks VP Marketing Jeff Gadway demonstrated a custom interface for the Communicator powered by Niagara Launcher. The software keeps the layout simple, with a vertical app list that can be navigated from the right side of the screen.
Because the display is small, the phone can show only up to five app icons at once. Users can also type an app name directly on the physical keyboard instead of scrolling through the screen.
| Key Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display size | 4-inch OLED |
| Keyboard | Physical QWERTY |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor integrated into the space bar |
| Operating system | Android 16 |
Gadway also showed how the phone handles incoming messages, music playback, phone calls, and switching between apps. Message alerts appear beside app icons on the homescreen, reinforcing the idea that the interface is designed for quick communication rather than heavy multitasking.
Hardware that still looks like a full smartphone
Even with its retro-inspired approach, the Communicator is not stripped down on hardware. It includes a 50 MP rear camera, a 24 MP front camera, a 4,000 mAh battery, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD support, NFC, Bluetooth, and WiFi.
The fingerprint reader sits inside the physical space bar, a placement Clicks says is comfortable from an ergonomic standpoint. That detail helps the device feel closer to old BlackBerry-style hardware while still fitting into a modern Android phone format.
Clicks is positioning the Communicator as a second device centered on communication rather than as a replacement for a primary smartphone. The company also says more feature demonstrations are coming soon, suggesting the software and experience are still being refined ahead of release.
According to KompasTekno, citing Engadget, the Communicator is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026 with a price of US$499. That pricing places it firmly in the niche category, aimed at users who want a physical keyboard without giving up current Android capabilities.
The broader takeaway is that demand for keyboard phones has not disappeared entirely. With a BlackBerry-like layout, Android 16, and a compact 4-inch OLED screen, the Communicator is shaping up as one of the few modern smartphones trying to revive that style in a serious way.
