Clicks unveils its BlackBerry-style smartphone in a new hands-on preview

Clicks Technology, the startup preparing to introduce its modern interpretation of the iconic BlackBerry smartphone, has released a new hands-on video showcasing its upcoming device. The latest preview offers a closer look at the hardware and software that customers can expect when the phone officially launches later this year.

Known as the Clicks Communicator, the smartphone first debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. The device has been designed for people who spend a significant amount of time working from their smartphones, particularly those who frequently handle emails, messaging, and other productivity tasks. It is especially aimed at users who still appreciate the physical keyboard that made BlackBerry devices famous, with many longtime users arguing that tactile keyboards remain superior for typing-intensive work.

Priced at $499, the Clicks Communicator resembles what a modern BlackBerry smartphone might look like today. It features a touchscreen for viewing and responding to messages. At the same time, a full physical, touch-sensitive keyboard sits beneath the display, offering a familiar typing experience for users who prefer tactile keys over virtual keyboards.

However, the Communicator is more than simply a recreation of a classic BlackBerry. The company has introduced several new features that distinguish the device from earlier smartphones. One of the most notable additions is the “Signal Light,” a customizable illuminated button positioned on the side of the handset. Users can assign different colours and flashing patterns to specific contacts, groups, or applications, allowing them to recognize the importance of incoming notifications without even unlocking the device.

The smartphone also includes interchangeable rear covers that users can easily remove and replace. Other hardware features include a traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack, support for both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, expandable storage via a microSD card slot supporting up to 2TB, and a dedicated physical switch that lets users quickly turn Aeroplane Mode on or off.

The Clicks Communicator could also attract users looking to reduce their dependence on modern smartphones and the endless stream of social media notifications and mobile games that often accompany them. To support this approach, the company has partnered with Niagara Launcher to provide access to Android applications while maintaining a cleaner and more focused user experience. Combined with the Signal Light feature, users can comfortably ignore their phone until an important notification from a selected person or application appears.

In the newly released hands-on video, Clicks Technology demonstrates its pre-production hardware alongside an early version of the internal software, giving potential buyers a preview of the overall experience before commercial shipments begin during the fourth quarter of this year.

The company also confirmed that additional videos will be released over the coming months, each focusing on individual features of the Clicks Communicator. Planned demonstrations will provide more detailed looks at the Signal Light system, Prompt Key functionality, Message Hub, the touch-sensitive physical keyboard, and several other features that will be available when the device officially reaches customers.