Is the BlackBerry Back? The Clicks Communicator, priced at $499, is making waves as the latest attempt to revive the iconic BlackBerry experience. This device, born from the brand behind the Clicks keyboard cases, aims to blend the nostalgia of physical keyboards with the power of a modern smartphone. But does it succeed? Let's dive in.
The Clicks Communicator isn't just another smartphone; it's a statement. It boasts features that are becoming increasingly rare, such as a replaceable back, a notification LED, and, yes, an audio jack! This is a refreshing change in a market that often prioritizes sleekness over functionality.
Clicks, known for its physical keyboard cases for various smartphones from Apple, Google, Motorola, and Samsung, has taken the leap into creating its own device. The Clicks Communicator, powered by Android, is designed to capture the essence of the classic BlackBerry.
A Closer Look at the Specs:
The phone features a 4.03-inch 1080 × 1020 AMOLED touch display with rounded corners and a uniform bezel. The screen has a punch-hole for a 24MP front-facing camera, uniquely positioned in the top left corner.
Inside, you'll find an unspecified 4nm MediaTek processor paired with unspecified RAM, but a generous 256GB of storage. There's also a microSD card slot, allowing for an additional 2TB of storage. The rear houses a single 50MP camera with optical image stabilization, and a 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports Qi2 wireless charging and USB-C charging.
Connectivity and Features:
The Clicks Communicator supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, along with NFC and Wi-Fi 6. It includes an audio jack and a USB-C port. For added security, there's a physical kill switch on the side and a power button at the top.
The right side features a customizable LED side key, allowing users to assign custom colors for specific contacts or apps. Pressing and holding the side key can also record voice notes, transcribe meetings, or convert voice to text.
The keyboard itself is touch-sensitive, enabling scrolling through apps and webpages without touching the screen. A fingerprint scanner is cleverly integrated under the spacebar. Additionally, users can assign custom shortcuts to the red Clicks key on the keyboard.
Design and Software:
Available in three colors, the Clicks Communicator has a flat frame, and the removable back features a dimpled surface for better grip. The phone runs on Android 16 with a custom launcher. Clicks promises two years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Pricing and Availability:
The Clicks Communicator is available for pre-order unlocked. The early bird price is $399, including priority access shipping and two free back covers worth $100. You can also secure this price with a $199 reservation deposit. Once launched, the phone will retail for $499. Shipping is scheduled for later this year, with a specific date to be confirmed when manufacturing is finalized.
But here's where it gets controversial... The reliance on an unspecified processor might raise some eyebrows. Will it be powerful enough to handle modern apps and games? And what about the custom launcher? Will it offer a smooth and intuitive user experience?
And this is the part most people miss... The commitment to security updates is a huge plus. In a world where security is paramount, the promise of five years of updates is a significant selling point.
What do you think? Are you excited about the return of the physical keyboard? Do you think the Clicks Communicator has what it takes to compete in today's smartphone market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
