Clicks Communicator Aims to be Dedicated Messaging Device in a Distracted World

Clicks, the company behind those awesome smartphone keyboard cases, just debuted its own phone, and it’s a game changer. Called the Communicator, this Android device was designed primarily to make texting, email, and quick responses easier.

Hold the Communicator in one hand and you can’t help but feel like the designers put some thought into this thing. It’s 131.5 mm tall and weighs a modest 170 grams, so it fits neatly into a pocket, but with a sloping back and some beautiful, sharp edges, it also feels secure in your hand. A removable back panel with a sleek, dimpled finish is available in three colors: Smoke, Clover, and Onyx, and different covers may be swapped out for a fresh new look. Under the 4.03-inch AMOLED screen, you’ll find a complete QWERTY keyboard with lovely huge, illuminated buttons that are actually larger than the ones on Clicks’ previous covers.

When you start pressing those keys, you’ll be surprised at how natural it seems. Each key stroke provides great feedback, and the surface is really responsive, whether you’re scrolling through lists, or just web pages. There’s also a Clicks key, which provides useful shortcuts, and the space bar contains a fingerprint sensor, making unlocking the phone a breeze. Oh, and did we mention that the illumination adjusts automatically, allowing you to send messages in the middle of night without losing sight?

Now, the software side of things becomes really interesting: it runs Android 16 with a custom launcher based on some clever stuff called Niagara. The home page brings everything together with a convenient feed of notifications from WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram, and Gmail all in one location. Clicks has pledged five years of security upgrades and at least two major Android versions. Under the hood, there’s a competent 4nm MediaTek processor that handles all of your duties with ease, as well as 256GB of built-in storage that can be expanded up to 2TB via microSD.

The battery life is also fairly decent, with a 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon cell that supports USB-C charging and, if you’re doing it wirelessly, Qi2. It also has 5G connection, which can be accessed either a physical nano-SIM or an eSIM.

Several other little touches make this phone stand out for the way it handles communication. There’s a Prompt Key on the side that allows you to start voice dictating messages or taking notes that are transcribed when you double press, as well as a small LED ring that lights up in bespoke colours for individual contacts or apps even when the phone is face down on the table. There is also a physical kill switch on the edge that instantly silences everything or allows you to switch to another mode.

The cameras include a 50MP main sensor with stabilization and a 24MP front unit, which is ideal for rapid pictures or video calls. Of course, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC payment support, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4.

The price is $499, but if you act quickly, you can obtain an early bird option for $399; simply pay a $199 deposit first. Shipments begin later in 2026, with a presentation slated for CES in Las Vegas. Clicks is essentially presenting the Communicator as a backup phone that can perform day-to-day tasks like as messages and calls, while your primary phone handles all media and app-related activities.
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