Clicks Communicator: Android smartphone with hardware keyboard
The smartphone with a physical keyboard is back. But it's not from BlackBerry, but from Clicks, which has so far been known for cases with keyboards.
Only with QWERTY keyboard: The Clicks Communicator can also be ordered from Germany.
(Image: Clicks)
With its "Communicator", Clicks Technology is reviving the classic BlackBerry feeling. The manufacturer's motto for the product is: "Designed for doing, not doomscrolling." According to Clicks, it is designed as a supplement to the "main smartphone," for example, for writing messages or recording voice memos. However, the device, which is based on Android 16, can also be used as a standalone device.
Android meets BlackBerry
The Clicks Communicator consists of an almost square OLED screen with a diagonal of 4.03 inches and a resolution of 1080 Ă— 1200 pixels. With the QWERTY keyboard underneath, the device is more reminiscent of a BlackBerry or the rather bulky Unihertz Titan 2. A QWERTZ keyboard is not currently planned; it would only be offered if interest in such a model is high enough.
The hardware keyboard also offers features such as a programmable shortcut button and a touch-sensitive surface. This allows text to be scrolled by moving your finger over the keyboard. Clicks has also integrated the fingerprint sensor into the space bar.
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On the right side of the housing, there is also a programmable button with an LED ring. This lights up in a color of your choice when a notification is received from a specific app or contact. According to the manufacturer, the side button is used for recording voice messages, dictating texts, or recording and transcribing meetings. This is somewhat reminiscent of Nothing's Essential button, but apparently with less AI. The user interface adapted for the device is based on Android 16. It features a so-called "Message Hub," where the Communicator collects messages from various apps on the home screen.
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2 years of Android updates
When it comes to software updates, Clicks is a bit stingy: the manufacturer only promises two major Android updates, but at least five years of security patches. This update policy is unlikely to be in line with the new Ecodesign regulation introduced in June 2025, but manufacturers seem to have found a loophole.
Further hardware includes a 50 MP camera on the back and a 24 MP selfie camera. Clicks does not provide specific details about the processor – the manufacturer only states that it is a 4 nm 5G chipset from MediaTek. It could be a chip from the Dimensity 7000 series. A 4000 mAh silicon-carbon battery is installed as the power source, which can be recharged either wired or wirelessly. According to the manufacturer, the device also supports Qi2 and is likely to be one of the few Android devices with this charging standard, along with HMD's Skyline and Google's Pixel 10 series.
3.5mm headphone jack
Another special feature: headphones can be connected to the Communicator either via Bluetooth, as is now common, or via a 3.5mm jack. The device also supports Nano-SIM and/or an eSIM. The 256 GB storage can be expanded with a microSD card. Clicks does not mention the RAM – given the memory crisis, the company might not be able to install more than 6 or 8 GB of RAM.
(Image:Â Clicks)
For more color, the Clicks Communicator can be fitted with different colored backs. The device is also said to be available in three colors: olive green, cream, and a shade of black.
The Clicks Communicator can be pre-ordered until February 27, 2026. Interested parties can either make a deposit of $199 or pay the full early bird price of $399 directly. The final retail price is expected to be $499. In addition to the stated purchase price, import sales tax, customs duties, and $30 shipping will be added. Delivery is expected to take place during the year.
Battery pack with QWERTY keyboard
In addition to the smartphone, Clicks has also announced a magnetic battery pack with a pull-out QWERTY keyboard. The so-called Power Keyboard can be attached to the back of a compatible smartphone using Magsafe or Qi2.
(Image:Â Clicks)
The battery, with its rated capacity of 2150 mAh, is not particularly large, but it can at least provide a boost in an emergency. The keyboard is connected to the smartphone or other devices via Bluetooth and can be used in portrait or landscape mode, as well as freely in hand – for example, with a smart TV. The manufacturer is charging $100 for the accessory.
heise online is a media partner of CES 2026.
(afl)
