Did you miss Blackberry? The smartphone with the physical keyboard is back

The device, whose price is expected to be around $499, runs on Android 16 and can run any application available in the Android Store. The company also offers a complementary solution in the form of a removable physical keyboard, at a price of about $79, which fits almost every existing smartphone, a move that suggests an attempt to appeal to users who are not ready to replace an entire device.

In terms of design, the Clicks Communicator is reminiscent of classic BlackBerry devices at first glance, but it is thicker and more rounded, with a curved back designed to improve grip. According to company officials, the launch was preceded by dozens of 3D prints until the most convenient form was found. The weight of the device is about 170 grams, and it includes a 4000 mAh battery with silicon carbon technology, a figure that is considered advanced relative to the size of the device.

The screen is a 4.03-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1200 pixels. Below it is integrated the physical keyboard, with the keys and the screen being at the same vertical height, so that you can switch between them smoothly. One of the unique elements is an illuminated side button, known as Signal Light that can be configured to light up in different colors and patterns depending on notifications from certain people or apps. The idea is to enable smart filtering of notifications even when the device is placed on the table.

The aforementioned company also offers a separate keyboard that slides into the back of any cell phone, including an iPhone. The keyboard itself is still in the prototype stage, and according to reports there is a lively internal debate within the company about the ideal level of key pressure. Users who type quickly tend to prefer firmer keys, which provide clear feedback, while new users may prefer a softer feel. The final decision has not yet been made, but the company promises a thorough typing experience.

In terms of hardware, the new cell phone is equipped with a MediaTek processor in a 4 nm manufacturing process, supports the fifth generation, includes 8 gigabytes of working memory and 256 gigabytes of internal storage, with the possibility of expansion using a microSD card up to 2 terabytes. In the field of photography, the front selfie camera offers 24 megapixels, and the rear camera shoots with a resolution of 50 megapixels with optical and electronic stabilization.

The Clicks Communicator supports wired charging up to 18 watts and wireless charging up to 15 watts, including compatibility with the Qi standard. It also includes GPS, NFC and advanced security features such as Android Strongbox alongside a commitment to five years of security updates and system updates up to Android 20, an exceptional figure for the good in devices of this category.

The commercial launch is planned for the second half of 2026. The big question is whether this is a nostalgic gimmick or the beginning of a renewed trend. In a world where most smartphones look and feel similar, a return to keys may have a place, at least for a niche of users who prefer precision, control and fewer typing errors.