Hands-on With a Prototype of Clicks’ Communicator, a New BlackBerry-Like Smartphone
Clicks Communicator merges BlackBerry nostalgia with Android 16—hands-on with the new keyboard smartphone.
Matilda
Hands-on With a Prototype of Clicks’ Communicator, a New BlackBerry-Like Smartphone
Is the BlackBerry Making a Comeback in 2026? Rumors of the physical keyboard’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. At CES 2026, Clicks Technology unveiled its new $499 Communicator—a smartphone that channels classic BlackBerry design while running the latest Android 16. Designed for messaging purists, tactile typists, and productivity-focused users, the Communicator isn’t just a throwback—it’s a modern rethink of mobile interaction. Early buzz suggests it’s already resonating: according to Clicks, a sale is happening every 6.5 seconds across its new devices. Credit: Google What Is the Clicks Communicator, Exactly? The Clicks Communicator is a full Android smartphone wrapped in a retro-futuristic shell. It features a bold orange chassis (though other colors are expected at launch), a crisp touchscreen, and—most notably—a tactile, BlackBerry-style physical keyboard built right into the front. Unlike foldable or sliding concepts of the past, Clicks opted for a fixed layout that priorit…
