LAS VEGAS — January 3, 2026 — For nearly a decade, the “dream of the 2000s” has lived in the pockets of tech enthusiasts as a series of failed reboots and nostalgic niche products. But at CES 2026, Clicks Technology—the company that first gained fame for its viral iPhone keyboard cases—has officially stepped out of the accessory shadow to launch its first standalone hardware: the Clicks Communicator.
It is a device that does the unthinkable in the era of the “all-screen” slab. It is small. It has buttons. And it is unabashedly designed to be your second phone.
A Bold Return to Tactile Reality
The Clicks Communicator isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a statement against “doomscrolling.” While the industry has spent the last five years chasing folding screens and 200-megapixel sensors, the Communicator looks backward to move forward. Measuring a compact 130.5mm tall and weighing 170g, it feels more like a precision tool than a media consumption hub.
At its core is a 4.03-inch AMOLED display with a unique 1080 x 1200 resolution. The nearly square aspect ratio is a deliberate design choice meant to prioritize text over video. It’s a screen built for Slack, WhatsApp, and Gmail—not TikTok.
The “Holy Grail” Keyboard
The star of the show is, of course, the physical QWERTY keyboard. Clicks has refined the typing experience far beyond its previous accessory cases. The keys are larger, featuring optimized pressure sensitivity and a satisfying “click” that evokes the legendary BlackBerry Bold 9900.
But this isn’t just a legacy input method. The entire keyboard is touch-sensitive, acting as a massive trackpad. Users can scroll through long email threads or webpages by simply swiping their thumbs across the physical keys, keeping the screen unobstructed. Hidden beneath the spacebar is a modern necessity: a high-speed capacitive fingerprint sensor.
The “Soul” of Productivity: Hardware & Software
Clicks isn’t just selling nostalgia; they are selling focus. The Communicator runs Android 16, but you wouldn’t know it from the home screen. In a strategic partnership, the device ships with a customized version of Niagara Launcher, which organizes apps into a clean, vertical list rather than a distracting grid of icons.
The Features Enthusiasts Craved
In a move that will delight “power users” abandoned by mainstream flagships, Clicks has re-introduced a suite of hardware features that have been missing for years:
- The Prompt Key: A dedicated side button with a customizable Signal LED. It can be programmed to light up in specific colors for different VIP contacts or apps.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: No dongles required for high-fidelity audio or professional headsets.
- MicroSD Expansion: Supporting up to 2TB of additional storage on top of the built-in 256GB.
- Physical Kill Switch: A hardware toggle to instantly enter Airplane Mode or mute all notifications.
- Swappable Backs: The rear casings are interchangeable, allowing for personalization with different textures and materials.
Under the Hood: Modern Performance
Despite its retro aesthetic, the Communicator is a 2026-spec device. It is powered by a 4nm MediaTek 5G IoT chipset, optimized for efficiency rather than raw gaming power. This, paired with a massive 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery, promises multi-day battery life—a rarity in the modern age.
Technical Specifications at a Glance: | Feature | Specification | | :— | :— | | OS | Android 16 (with Niagara Launcher) | | Display | 4.03″ AMOLED (1080 x 1200) | | Memory/Storage | 256GB Onboard + MicroSD (up to 2TB) | | Cameras | 50MP Main (OIS) / 24MP Front | | Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4 | | Battery | 4,000 mAh with Qi2 Wireless Charging | | Audio | 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
The Secondary Phone Strategy
Clicks is marketing the Communicator as the “ultimate companion.” The idea is that your primary phone (the iPhone 17 or Galaxy S26) is for photos and entertainment, while the Communicator is for “getting things done.” By separating communication from consumption, Clicks hopes to help users reclaim their attention.
“Input today is slow and frustrating,” says Kevin Michaluk, President and co-founder of Clicks. “The Communicator brings back purpose and intention to how we interact with our digital lives.”
Pricing and Availability
The Clicks Communicator is available for reservation starting today for a $199 deposit.
- Early Bird Price: $399 (Includes two free back covers)
- Standard Retail Price: $499
- Shipping: Scheduled for late 2026.
The device comes in three launch colors: Onyx, Smoke, and Clover. It is sold factory-unlocked with support for both Physical Nano-SIM and eSIM, ensuring global compatibility with 5G networks.
The Clicks Communicator: Frequently Asked Questions
With the official unveiling of the Clicks Communicator at CES 2026, the tech world is buzzing about the return of the physical keyboard. Moving beyond their roots as an iPhone accessory manufacturer, Clicks has created a standalone device that blends the productivity of a legacy BlackBerry with the power of Android 16. Here are the most frequently asked questions about this new “focus-first” smartphone.
1. Is the Clicks Communicator a replacement for my current smartphone?
While the Communicator is a fully functional 5G Android smartphone, Clicks is marketing it primarily as a companion or “secondary” device. It is designed for “deep work”—emailing, Slack, and professional messaging—allowing users to leave their distracting, large-screen flagship phones aside when they need to be productive or disconnect from social media “doomscrolling.”
2. How does the keyboard differ from the original Clicks iPhone accessory?
The keyboard on the Communicator has been significantly upgraded. The keys are approximately 20% larger than the original accessory, offering better tactile feedback and travel. Most notably, the entire keyboard surface now acts as a capacitive touchpad. This allows you to scroll through lists and webpages by swiping your fingers over the keys, keeping your hand away from the screen to maximize visibility.
3. What makes the software different from a standard Android phone?
The Communicator runs Android 16, but it utilizes a custom-integrated version of Niagara Launcher. Instead of a chaotic grid of icons and widgets that invite distraction, Niagara displays your apps in an efficient, vertical list. The software is optimized for the device’s unique square-ish 1:1.1 aspect ratio, prioritizing text density over video playback.
4. Does it have the “legacy” features that modern phones removed?
Yes! The Communicator is a love letter to power users. It includes:
- A 3.5mm Headphone Jack: For latency-free audio and professional headsets.
- MicroSD Expansion: Supporting cards up to 2TB.
- Notification LED: A customizable “Prompt Key” LED that flashes specific colors for VIP contacts.
- Physical Mute Switch: A dedicated hardware slider to instantly silence the device.
5. Can it handle modern apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Outlook?
Absolutely. Because it runs a full version of Android 16 with Google Play Services, every app available on the Play Store will run on the Communicator. However, due to the square screen, some apps (like TikTok or Netflix) will appear letterboxed. This is an intentional design choice to discourage mindless media consumption.
6. What are the “Swappable Backs”?
Unlike most modern “sealed” glass slabs, the Communicator features a modular rear casing system. Users can snap on different covers made of leather, textured polymer, or wood to change the look and feel of the device without needing a bulky external case.
7. How much does it cost and when can I get it?
The Clicks Communicator is currently available for a $199 deposit via the official website. The full retail price is set at $499, with “Early Bird” backers receiving the device for $399. Shipments are expected to begin in Q4 2026.