Clicks’ $499 Keyboard Phone Is More Than a BlackBerry Throwback

Clicks Technology has unveiled an upgraded version of its Clicks Communicator, a smartphone with a physical keyboard, which is set to launch in December. The device aims to prioritize communication over other features, a departure from the typical smartphone design. Ahead of the launch, Clicks has added 12GB of RAM, a larger 4,350mAh battery, and upgraded the operating system to Android 17, promising five years of security updates.

The physical keyboard is a defining feature, with the spacebar serving as a fingerprint sensor and a dedicated Prompt Key for triggering speech-to-text or Gemini services. The phone also includes a touch-sensitive keyboard, a customizable side indicator for notifications, and support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, eSIM, and a nano SIM slot.

Despite its unique keyboard, the Communicator runs on MediaTek's Dimensity 8300 and includes a 4.03-inch AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera, and a 24MP front camera. It ships with a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports both a 3.5mm headphone jack and a nano SIM slot. The phone was initially priced at $399, but now costs $499 until September 30, after which the price rises to $649.

Existing reservation holders keep their original price and will receive the RAM and battery upgrades for free. The Communicator aims to encourage more typing and communication, potentially reducing screen time and making the device less of a constant distraction. The final product is expected to ship in December, and its success will depend on how well the physical keyboard and redesigned form factor work in real-world use.