No, you’re not seeing things… the new Clicks Communicator device does indeed resemble the iconic BlackBerry of the early 2000s, with tactile plastic buttons and a basic, low-res touchscreen.
Clicks Technology’s new device, showcased at CES this week, is designed to be used in tandem with your smartphone. Instead of competing with next-generation devices and flagship smartphones like the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, Communicator is meant to work alongside them.
It aims to be the go-to for messaging, triage, and responsiveness, while letting primary devices handle content capture and entertainment.
Complementary, but also stands on its own
Clicks Communicator is meant for communication and work, and the device does not come with the bells and whistles of today’s large-screen, social media-focused smartphones. In fact, its tagline is “built for doing, not doomscrolling.”
Clicks said many people are already using a second phone for privacy purposes.
“The two-phone lifestyle is becoming more common. Some people need a second phone for work, others want to be more intentional about how they use technology,” said Michael Fisher, co-founder of Clicks Technology, in a statement. “At a time when everything is fighting for our attention, your phone should excel at helping you take action, not feeding distraction.”
However, Clicks Communicator can also be used as a primary phone “for people who prioritize communication,’’ the company said.
While AI demand is expected to drive up smartphone prices this year, the retro-styled Communicator is priced at $499 and connects to your existing smartphone so you can get emails and texts.
Back to basics
It runs on Android 16 and other specs include a 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a 4.03” AMOLED display, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC with Google Play, and a 50MP main camera with OIS and a 24 MP front camera. It also has 256GB on-board plus expandable MicroSD card storage up to 2 TB.
Jeff Gadway, the company’s chief marketing officer, likened the relationship of the Communicator and a smartphone to that of a Kindle and an iPad.
Clicks Communicator is expected to ship later this year.
Also see our CES 2026 live updates for the latest announcements and new devices unveiled at the show.
