Are you tired of every smartphone looking and feeling the same? Well, the Clicks Communicator is here to shake things up. This BlackBerry-inspired Android phone, unveiled at CES, has just revealed some exciting details that set it apart from the crowd. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world dominated by sleek, all-screen designs, does a physical keyboard still have a place? Let’s dive in.
TL;DR
- The Clicks Communicator is officially powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (M8883) SoC, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
- It’s set to receive updates all the way to Android 20, along with five years of security patches—a significant upgrade from the initial promise of Android 18.
- The early-bird price of $399 has been extended until March 15, and new keyboard layouts like AZERTY, QWERTZ, Korean, and Arabic are now supported.
In today’s smartphone market, innovation often feels limited to foldable screens or minor design tweaks. The Clicks Communicator, however, takes a bold step back to the future with its physical keyboard, reminiscent of the iconic BlackBerry. While it was showcased at CES, key details were still under wraps—until now. Clicks has finally confirmed the device’s SoC and software support, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect.
Under the Hood: Power Meets Efficiency
The Communicator is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC, a 4nm chip launched in late 2023. This powerhouse features a Cortex-A715 prime core, three Cortex-A715 performance cores, and four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores. Paired with 256GB of storage and a microSD card slot (expandable up to 2TB), it’s a solid foundation for productivity and multitasking. The only piece still missing? The RAM configuration—though we’re hopeful it’ll match the phone’s premium ambitions.
Software Support That Stands Out
Here’s where the Communicator truly shines: Clicks has committed to updating the device all the way to Android 20, with five years of security updates. This is a big deal, especially when many flagship phones struggle to offer more than three years of support. It’s a clear nod to long-term users who value reliability and security. And this is the part most people miss: in an era of planned obsolescence, such a commitment is rare and commendable.
Customization for a Global Audience
Clicks isn’t just stopping at software. The Communicator now supports additional keyboard layouts, including AZERTY (French), QWERTZ (German), Korean, and Arabic. This global approach ensures users worldwide can tailor the device to their needs. Plus, customers can customize their phone’s color and back covers before shipping, adding a personal touch to this already unique device.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
If you’re sold on the Communicator, there’s good news: the early-bird pricing of $399 has been extended until March 15. You can either pay a $199 reservation deposit to lock in this price or pay $399 upfront to receive two additional back covers. The phone is expected to ship later this year in Smoke, Clover, and Onyx, with a launch price of $499.
The Bigger Question: Is the Physical Keyboard a Game-Changer?
While the Communicator’s specs and software support are impressive, its physical keyboard is the real talking point. In a world dominated by touchscreens, does this throwback design have a place? Some will argue it’s a niche feature, while others will praise its practicality for typing-heavy tasks. What do you think? Is the physical keyboard a welcome return or a relic of the past?
Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts on whether the Clicks Communicator is a step forward or a nostalgic detour in smartphone evolution.
