I can’t remember the last time I was excited about a smartphone announcement like I was for the Clicks Communicator.
I’ve long wanted at least a spiritual successor to my beloved BlackBerry devices, but as time went on, it seemed less likely we’d get a good one.
The Unihertz Titan 2 is a keyboard phone I enjoy quite a bit. The company did an excellent job making the keyboard feel like part of the experience, and not just slapped on as an afterthought.
However, the Clicks Communicator takes things a step further. Replacing a BlackBerry in 2026 is about more than just nostalgia.
And while it’s too early to tell, from what I’ve seen of the device so far, Clicks manages to tap into something that more smartphone manufacturers should take note of.
I want to carry a Clicks Communicator in 2026, and here’s why you should, too.
Software matters most in a keyboard phone
Clicks seems to understand what makes for a solid device
When people remember BlackBerry, they often can’t see beyond the keyboard.
Yes, that was an integral part of the experience, and I do think there are legitimate productivity uses for a physical keyboard in 2026.
However, what made BlackBerry special was its software.
There’s only so much Clicks can do within the confines of Android, but I think teaming up with Niagara Launcher to customize the software heavily is a step in the right direction.
I pine for the days of my BlackBerry because of the hub and how easy it is to find and respond to the messages I need. It was a device with communication at its heart.
If you need an ideal work phone, I’m expecting that the Clicks Communicator will be at the top of my list, and it could even help with your work/life balance.
I’ll talk more about companion mode later, but carrying the Clicks Communicator alongside your primary smartphone isn’t a bad idea.
You can focus on the work and tasks at hand, be more efficient, and then seamlessly switch back to your regular phone with all your social media apps and distractions at day’s end.
Personally, I’m going to use the Clicks Communicator as a standalone device, but it has multiple benefits.
Notifications triage, an emphasis on communication, and a clean software layout make the Clicks Communicator a proper spiritual successor to a BlackBerry.
Clicks got more right than just the keyboard
The Communicator includes legacy features we’ve been missing
I’m excited about the Clicks Communicator for more than just the keyboard, as it includes plenty of features that still have value in 2026 but that Android manufacturers have long forgotten.
I love that the phone features a prominent notification LED on the frame.
Always-on displays are fantastic when done well, but from just a couple of feet away, I can’t tell which apps I have notifications for — and I certainly can’t tell if a specific person is messaging me.
A notification LED helps with that, so I can see which priority apps or people are messaging me.
I approve of the included 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot. There are times when you simply don’t want to fumble with wireless earbuds and headsets; you just want to plug in and go.
And I enjoy the flexibility of carrying large files, such as movies and music collections, without worrying about cloud storage or device storage.
I’m all about giving people more options, not fewer, especially when the alternative is paying for more cloud storage that might not always be available, depending on mobile data connections.
Clicks needs to be ready to face challenges
It’s not a slam dunk for everyone
Marketing a physical keyboard smartphone in 2026 is an uphill battle.
I like that Clicks lets you use the Communicator with another smartphone, but there are some risks.
We all remember the ill-fated Palm phone revival, a companion device through Verizon. It was confusing and complicated to justify spending another $400 when you could just carry your phone.
Clicks at least has tangible benefits and is fully functional as a standalone device, but I hope the company is clear in explaining that.
Yes, you can carry it as a companion to your $1,300 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Still, not everyone is used to carrying multiple phones, so strong marketing outlining the benefits and differences between the two will be vital.
Being a small company works in Clicks’ favor, as its products don’t have to have the mass-market appeal of Samsung’s — but the company still has to sell enough to keep going.
The Clicks Communicator is the right phone at the right time
If you’ve felt smartphones hit a kind of wall last year, you’re not alone.
I’m not someone who thinks devices are boring, but I’m not going to complain about the return of purpose-built technology.
The Clicks Communicator isn’t meant to appeal to everyone, and that’s fine.
More companies need to lean into devices that do certain things well and that provide a bit of flair — it results in more fun for everyone.
