Clicks Raises Phone Specs, Holds $499 Price Until September
The Clicks Communicator now features 12GB RAM and Android 17, maintaining its $499 launch price through September 30 before increasing to $649.
Key points
- Clicks upgraded the Communicator to 12GB RAM and a 4,350mAh lithium-ion battery, while retaining the physical keyboard design.
- The phone runs Android 17 with five years of security updates and features a 4.03-inch AMOLED display with 5G support.
- The $499 launch price is valid only until September 30, after which the cost increases to $649 for new buyers.
Clicks has significantly upgraded the specifications of its Communicator smartphone ahead of its December launch. The device, which recently received a new hardware and software package, now includes 12GB of RAM and a larger battery than initially announced. These changes suggest the company is positioning the handset as a fully capable modern device rather than a niche retro gadget.
The phone will ship with Android 17 and a commitment to five years of security updates. While the physical keyboard remains the central design element, TechRepublic notes that the device integrates standard Android apps and modern connectivity features. This approach aims to offer a communication-first experience without sacrificing the functionality users expect from contemporary smartphones.
Hardware upgrades change the power profile
The most notable change is the move from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, which should improve multitasking performance. Clicks also increased the battery capacity from 4,000mAh to 4,350mAh. However, the company swapped the planned silicon-carbon battery for a standard lithium-ion cell. This trade-off prioritizes reliability and manufacturing simplicity over the theoretical density benefits of newer battery chemistry.
The phone runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 8300 processor and includes 256GB of storage with microSD expansion. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The display is a 4.03-inch AMOLED screen, which is smaller than most flagships but complements the physical keyboard layout. Users gain a dedicated Prompt Key that triggers on-device speech-to-text or accesses Gemini, adding AI capabilities to the physical interface.
Keyboard features replace touch navigation
The physical keyboard is not just for typing; it serves as a touch-sensitive surface for scrolling and navigation. The spacebar doubles as a fingerprint sensor, streamlining the unlock process. A customizable side indicator allows users to assign different colors to specific contacts or apps. This feature provides a quick visual cue for notifications, such as distinguishing between work messages and personal calls, without needing to look at the screen.
Pricing structure includes time-based discount
The launch price is set at $499, but this discount is only valid until September 30. After that date, the price will rise to $649. Existing reservation holders keep their original pricing and receive the hardware upgrades at no extra cost. In the U.S. and U.K., buyers can add two months of free mobile data and voice service. An optional two-year care plan is available in the US and Canada for $129.99, including a $49 replacement deductible.
