> At a Glance
> – The Clicks Communicator pairs with your main phone to cut distractions
> – $499 Android 16 device sports a clicky hardware keyboard and 50 MP camera
> – Early-bird price drops to $399 before launch “later this year”
> > Why it matters: It targets anyone who wants a Kindle-style, focus-first companion to their big-screen smartphone
A BlackBerry-style slab called the Clicks Communicator stole the show at CES 2026. The 131.5 mm, 170 g companion phone runs Android 16 and is built for “doing, not doomscrolling,” according to Clicks Technology.
What It Is and Does
The Communicator links to your primary handset so calls, texts and emails show up on its smaller, keyboard-toting screen. Chief marketing officer Jeff Gadway likens the relationship to “what a Kindle is to an iPad-optimized for a specific purpose.”
Key hardware touches:
- Clicky, touch-sensitive keyboard for scrolling without swiping the display
- 3.5 mm headphone jack, airplane-mode switch and microSD expansion
- Dual SIM (physical + eSIM) and voice-recording support
- Swappable backplates in three muted launch colors, including onyx
Camera, Price and Launch Timing
Photography comes from a 50 MP rear sensor and 24 MP selfie cam. Pre-orders are open at $399, climbing to $499 when the Communicator ships sometime “later this year.”
Power Keyboard Add-On
Clicks also unveiled the Power Keyboard, a $79 MagSafe/Qi2 clip-on keypad that turns any phone into a mini BlackBerry. It fits multiple sizes, rotates for vertical or landscape typing, and pairs with tablets, smart TVs and AR/VR gear. Shipments are slated for spring.
President Kevin Michaluk says:
> “Power Keyboard brings a consistent, confident typing experience to all your smart devices, in a compact keyboard you can take anywhere in your pocket.”
Key Takeaways
- The Communicator isn’t a standalone phone; it requires your existing smartphone to function
- Early backers save $100 before the retail price kicks in
- Clicks sees the device as part of the growing trend of carrying a second phone for focus or privacy
- A clip-on keyboard gives the same tactile typing to devices you already own
