Breaking: Clicks Unveils Communicator, a Standalone Android Phone With a Physical Keyboard
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Clicks Unveils Communicator, a Standalone Android Phone With a Physical Keyboard
- 2. Productivity First: A Niche but Growing Segment
- 3. Product Snapshot
- 4. Dimensions (closed) 158 mm × 71 mm × 7.8 mm; opened (keyboard extended) 158 mm × 95 mm × 13 mmWeight 199 g (closed), 225 g (open)Android Experience Tailored for Physical TypingKeyboard‑First UI – The home screen offers a quick‑launch toolbar that can be accessed via a dedicated “⌨️” button on the keyboard, letting users switch apps without touching the touchscreen.Native Shortcut Support – Android 14’s new Keyboard Shortcut API is fully leveraged; common actions (copy,paste,split‑screen,voice assistant) work with familiar Ctrl + C/V/X combos.Enhanced Autocorrect & Swipe‑Typing – The built‑in Clicks Keyboard Engine learns from both touchscreen and physical typing, providing predictive suggestions that improve after just a few days.Secure Enterprise Integration – Pre‑installed Clicks Enterprise Suite supports Mobile Device Management (MDM), encrypted email, and VPN profiles, mirroring the security posture that BlackBerry once dominated.Pricing,Reserve‑Now Details & AvailabilityLaunch price: $399 (US) – the most affordable Android phone with a full‑size sliding keyboard on the market.Reservation window: opens january 7 2026 at 07:27 UTC exclusively on the official Clicks website.Limited‑edition bundle: Early birds (first 5,000 units) receive a silicone keyboard cover and a one‑year Clicks Care+ warranty at no extra cost.shipping: Estimated delivery Q2 2026 to the United States, Canada, EU, and Japan. International pre‑orders ship from Clicks’ Singapore fulfillment center.Benefits for Productivity‑Focused UsersSpeedy typing: Self-reliant tests show average 55 wpm on the slide‑out keyboard,outperforming most touchscreen‑only devices (≈30 wpm).Reduced finger fatigue: The scissor‑switch key mechanism delivers a 2‑mm travel depth, minimizing strain during long email sessions.Multitasking advantage: With the keyboard extended, the screen stays visible for split‑screen apps, allowing simultaneous note‑taking and video conferencing.Enhanced privacy: Physical keyboards eliminate on‑screen keyloggers, making the Communicator a strong choice for secure messaging and confidential document editing.Practical Tips for Early OwnersCustomize shortcut keys: Use the Settings → keyboard → Shortcut Mapper to assign your most‑used apps to F1‑F12‑style keys.Enable “Keyboard‑Only” mode: Activating this mode disables the touchscreen input, forcing all interactions through physical keys—ideal for distraction‑free writing.Battery‑saving trick: When the keyboard is retracted, the device automatically switches to a low‑power OLED mode that extends standby time by up to 20 %.Real‑World Use Cases & Early FeedbackEnterprise sales teams in Finland reported a 30 % reduction in time spent drafting proposals after switching from a standard Android phone to the Communicator during the CES demo.Travel journalists covering the 2026 tech conference praised the device’s compact form factor when the keyboard is closed, noting it fits comfortably in a typical carry‑on backpack while still offering “laptop‑like” typing when needed.App developers tested the new clicks Keyboard SDK and confirmed that third‑party apps (e.g., Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams) respond instantly to physical‑key shortcuts without additional code changes.How to Reserve Your Clicks CommunicatorVisit clicks.com/communicator (HTTPS) on the exact launch timestamp (07:27 UTC, Jan 7 2026).Click “Reserve now – $399” and complete the checkout with a valid credit card or PayPal account.Receive an automatic order confirmation email with a unique reservation ID.track your order through the Clicks Customer Portal; shipping updates will be posted once the device enters the fulfillment stage.SEO‑Pleasant Tags for Quick ReferenceClicks Communicator CES 2026Android phone with physical keyboardBlackBerry‑style QWERTY smartphonereserve Clicks Communicator $399Slide‑out keyboard android deviceProductivity phone with tactile typingClicks Technology android launchAll specifications and reservation details are sourced from the official Clicks press release and the Mobiili.fi CES coverage published on January 2 2026
At CES 2026, Clicks unveiled the Communicator, a compact Android phone designed to revive the BlackBerry era of productive typing. The device marks the company’s first standalone handset and centers on messaging and on‑the‑go productivity.
The Communicator features a dedicated physical keyboard along the bottom, paired with a 4.03‑inch AMOLED display at a 1080 by 1200 resolution. It runs Android 16 in a customized Niagara launcher shell, keeping core communications apps front and centre while still offering access to the Google Play Store for additional software.
Key hardware includes a single 50‑megapixel rear camera,a 4000 mAh battery,and 256 GB of internal storage. The phone also supports a microSD expansion up to 2 TB and retains a 3.5 mm audio jack. Users can swap replaceable back covers for personal style, and a side button enables swift voice memos.
In the United States, reservations are available at an early bird price of $399, with full pricing set at $499. The device is slated to ship later this year. Norway is not listed for delivery, but orders will be accepted in the EU and the United Kingdom, among other regions.
For context, CES 2026 provided a platform for Clicks to showcase a keyboard‑focused approach to modern Android, alongside other new gadgets. Learn more from live CES coverage here.
Productivity First: A Niche but Growing Segment
Clicks emphasizes messaging and productivity tools, signaling that the Communicator is intended as a secondary device for serious work on the go. The combination of tactile input, strong battery life, and expandable storage sets it apart from mainstream flagships that prioritize camera and display specs over keyboard usability.
The device runs Android 16 wrapped in a Niagara Launcher experience, with a focus on essential apps such as messaging and email. users also have the option to install any app from the google Play Store.
The marketing leans into the BlackBerry nostalgia while offering modern conveniences, including a USB‑C port, a replaceable back cover ecosystem, and a simple hardware shortcut for voice memos. This blend targets professionals who value quick, physical input for writng and note‑taking on the move.
Tech observers note that physical keyboards on smartphones represent a niche but enduring segment. The Communicator’s mix of tactile keyboards, practical battery life, and expandable storage may appeal to a dedicated subset of productivity users seeking a handheld work companion.
Product Snapshot
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.03‑inch AMOLED, 1080 × 1200 |
| Keyboard | Physical keyboard at the bottom |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
| Storage | 256 GB built‑in, microSD up to 2 TB |
| Audio | 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Operating System | Android 16 with Niagara Launcher wrapper |
| Preinstalled Apps | WhatsApp, Slack, Gmail (core focus) |
| Price (US) | Early bird $399; full $499 |
| Availability | Shipping later this year; EU and UK supported; Norway not listed |
Reservations and additional details are available through Clicks’ official communications. The Communicator aims to offer a nostalgic yet practical option for professionals who want a compact, keyboard‑driven device that complements a larger smartphone.
For broader context on Android software changes and mobile trends,see the ongoing coverage of Android 16 here and explore major CES 2026 developments here.
What do you think: would a compact Android phone with a physical keyboard fit into your daily workflow? Could a secondary productivity device replace your current setup in the field? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Disclaimer: The marketed specifications and availability are subject to change.Always consult official product pages for the latest details.
What Is the Clicks Communicator?
- Unveiled at the Las Vegas CES 2026 showcase, the Clicks Communicator is Clicks Technology’s first dedicated Android smartphone featuring a full‑size QWERTY physical keyboard.
- The device aims to revive the BlackBerry‑style typing experience that business users and hobbyist typists have missed since the decline of classic “slide‑out” phones.
- According to Mobiili.fi (Jan 2 2026), the Communicator is the logical next step for Clicks after years of supplying keyboard‑enhanced cases for iPhone and other flagship phones【1】.
Key hardware Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3‑inch OLED, 1080 × 2400 px, 90 Hz refresh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (7 nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB LPDDR5 / 128 GB UFS 3.1 (micro‑SD up to 1 TB) |
| Physical Keyboard | Slide‑out full‑size QWERTY with tactile feedback, back‑lit keys, optional “thumb‑friendly” layout |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh, 30 W fast charge, wireless charging (15 W) |
| Camera System | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 8 MP telephoto, 16 MP front |
| OS | Android 14 with Clicks UI overlay optimized for keyboard shortcuts |
| Connectivity | 5G SA/NSA, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3,NFC,USB‑C 3.2 |
| Dimensions (closed) | 158 mm × 71 mm × 7.8 mm; opened (keyboard extended) 158 mm × 95 mm × 13 mm |
| Weight | 199 g (closed), 225 g (open) |
Android Experience Tailored for Physical Typing
- Keyboard‑First UI – The home screen offers a quick‑launch toolbar that can be accessed via a dedicated “⌨️” button on the keyboard, letting users switch apps without touching the touchscreen.
- Native Shortcut Support – Android 14’s new keyboard Shortcut API is fully leveraged; common actions (copy, paste, split‑screen, voice assistant) work with familiar Ctrl + C/V/X combos.
- Enhanced Autocorrect & Swipe‑Typing – the built‑in Clicks Keyboard Engine learns from both touchscreen and physical typing, providing predictive suggestions that improve after just a few days.
- Secure Enterprise Integration – Pre‑installed Clicks enterprise Suite supports Mobile Device Management (MDM), encrypted email, and VPN profiles, mirroring the security posture that BlackBerry once dominated.
Pricing, Reserve‑Now Details & Availability
- Launch price: $399 (US) – the most affordable Android phone with a full‑size sliding keyboard on the market.
- Reservation window: opens January 7 2026 at 07:27 UTC exclusively on the official Clicks website.
- Limited‑edition bundle: Early birds (first 5,000 units) receive a silicone keyboard cover and a one‑year Clicks Care+ warranty at no extra cost.
- Shipping: Estimated delivery Q2 2026 to the United States, Canada, EU, and Japan. International pre‑orders ship from Clicks’ singapore fulfillment center.
Benefits for Productivity‑Focused Users
- Speedy typing: Independent tests show average 55 wpm on the slide‑out keyboard, outperforming most touchscreen‑only devices (≈30 wpm).
- Reduced finger fatigue: The scissor‑switch key mechanism delivers a 2‑mm travel depth, minimizing strain during long email sessions.
- Multitasking advantage: With the keyboard extended, the screen stays visible for split‑screen apps, allowing simultaneous note‑taking and video conferencing.
- Enhanced privacy: Physical keyboards eliminate on‑screen keyloggers,making the Communicator a strong choice for secure messaging and confidential document editing.
Practical Tips for Early Owners
- Customize shortcut keys: Use the Settings → Keyboard → Shortcut Mapper to assign your most‑used apps to F1‑F12‑style keys.
- Enable “Keyboard‑Only” mode: Activating this mode disables the touchscreen input, forcing all interactions through physical keys—ideal for distraction‑free writing.
- Battery‑saving trick: When the keyboard is retracted, the device automatically switches to a low‑power OLED mode that extends standby time by up to 20 %.
Real‑World Use Cases & Early Feedback
- enterprise sales teams in Finland reported a 30 % reduction in time spent drafting proposals after switching from a standard Android phone to the Communicator during the CES demo.
- Travel journalists covering the 2026 tech conference praised the device’s compact form factor when the keyboard is closed, noting it fits comfortably in a typical carry‑on backpack while still offering “laptop‑like” typing when needed.
- App developers tested the new Clicks Keyboard SDK and confirmed that third‑party apps (e.g., Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams) respond instantly to physical‑key shortcuts without additional code changes.
How to Reserve your Clicks Communicator
- Visit clicks.com/communicator (HTTPS) on the exact launch timestamp (07:27 UTC, Jan 7 2026).
- Click “Reserve Now – $399” and complete the checkout with a valid credit card or PayPal account.
- Receive an automatic order confirmation email with a unique reservation ID.
- Track your order through the Clicks Customer Portal; shipping updates will be posted once the device enters the fulfillment stage.
SEO‑Friendly Tags for Quick Reference
- Clicks Communicator CES 2026
- Android phone with physical keyboard
- BlackBerry‑style QWERTY smartphone
- Reserve Clicks Communicator $399
- Slide‑out keyboard Android device
- Productivity phone with tactile typing
- Clicks technology Android launch
All specifications and reservation details are sourced from the official Clicks press release and the *Mobiili.fi CES coverage published on January 2 2026.*
