The Clicks Communicator's first working unit is here and reveals more than we expected
There's more to it than we thought, starting with what hides in the spacebar.
A working Clicks Communicator running Niagara Launcher in the First Look video. | Image by Clicks
The folks over at Clicks decided to surprise us by dropping a First Look video last night, showing a working Clicks Communicator unit for the first time. This keyboard-first phone is one of the few compact phones built as a companion to slabs like the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it looks on track to ship in Q4.
For months the Communicator had only appeared as a non-working dummy, leaving some pre-order holders doubtful about that 2026 Q4 launch promise. However, Clicks answered this week with its First Look video, the first real look at a working unit in action.
In the video, the Clicks Communicator is shown performing several tasks such as typing a note, navigating with Maps in a car, replying to a WhatsApp message and its general usage running Niagara Launcher.
If you put money down for this device, the takeaway is simple: the hardware is real and moving. We flagged that working units were due in June, and Clicks hit that window, reassuring buyers who were beginning to get a bit anxious about their investment in the highly awaited, but also elusive, smartphone.
It also squares with what designer Joseph Hofer told us about building these keys to last, since that spacebar and the roomy pill keys are clearly here on real hardware.
This is also the first time that we get to see a working UI, as that had never been shown before. From the demo, we can clearly see it running the Niagara Launcher, which isn't much different from how the Unihertz Titan 2 Elite currently functions should you choose to install that launcher on it. However, there are features on the Communicator that set it apart, such as its headphone jack, its physical dimensions and its unique keyboard.
The Clicks Communicator was from the beginning touted as a companion phone, not really meant to replace your main phone. Its main focus is to be a tool for those who fire off many messages and would rather skip straight to productivity.
The spec sheet hasn't shifted lately, so what won me over was watching it work. After having used the competing Unihertz Titan 2 Elite as my own communicator, I know these phones live or die on the small stuff, and a working unit tells me more than any render.
I'm still curious how the spread-out keys compare to the Titan's clicky ones. For now, seeing a working unit is enough to keep me hopeful, and I can't wait to get one in hand.
A working unit, at last
For months the Communicator had only appeared as a non-working dummy, leaving some pre-order holders doubtful about that 2026 Q4 launch promise. However, Clicks answered this week with its First Look video, the first real look at a working unit in action.
Clicks walks through a working Communicator unit in its 'First Look' video. | Images by Clicks
In the video, the Clicks Communicator is shown performing several tasks such as typing a note, navigating with Maps in a car, replying to a WhatsApp message and its general usage running Niagara Launcher.
Which part of the Clicks Communicator are you most interested in?
What it means if you've been waiting
If you put money down for this device, the takeaway is simple: the hardware is real and moving. We flagged that working units were due in June, and Clicks hit that window, reassuring buyers who were beginning to get a bit anxious about their investment in the highly awaited, but also elusive, smartphone.
It also squares with what designer Joseph Hofer told us about building these keys to last, since that spacebar and the roomy pill keys are clearly here on real hardware.
Clicks runs the Communicator through everyday tasks in its First Look video. | Video by Clicks
This is also the first time that we get to see a working UI, as that had never been shown before. From the demo, we can clearly see it running the Niagara Launcher, which isn't much different from how the Unihertz Titan 2 Elite currently functions should you choose to install that launcher on it. However, there are features on the Communicator that set it apart, such as its headphone jack, its physical dimensions and its unique keyboard.
Who the Communicator is really for
The Clicks Communicator was from the beginning touted as a companion phone, not really meant to replace your main phone. Its main focus is to be a tool for those who fire off many messages and would rather skip straight to productivity.
That said, the phone can absolutely be a standalone device if having a compact focus-first tool is your preference.
What the Clicks Communicator's First Look revealed
- A fingerprint sensor in the spacebar, so your thumb unlocks without leaving the keys
- A trio of microphones (top, bottom and back) for clearer calls
- A barometric pressure sensor for sharper GPS and weather data
- A 3.5mm headphone jack and a pop-off back hiding the SIM and microSD (up to 2TB)
- Teased extras like a kill switch, signal light, message hub and prompt key
Why seeing it move is enough for me
The spec sheet hasn't shifted lately, so what won me over was watching it work. After having used the competing Unihertz Titan 2 Elite as my own communicator, I know these phones live or die on the small stuff, and a working unit tells me more than any render.
I'm still curious how the spread-out keys compare to the Titan's clicky ones. For now, seeing a working unit is enough to keep me hopeful, and I can't wait to get one in hand.
A few more keyboard reads before you go:
- Why so many of us still want a BlackBerry back
- The real reason keyboard phones are surging in 2026
- The BlackBerry phones still worth tracking down
- Find me @jojothetechie on X and Threads for hot takes and gadget looks
Popular stories
Latest News
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: