Why BlackBerry-style keyboard smartphones are making a surprise comeback.

After years of competing with the Android and iPhone ecosystems, BlackBerry withdrew from the smartphone hardware market nearly a decade ago.

The primary reason for its failure was users' preference for touchscreen phones with stable software and a richer app store compared to devices with physical QWERTY keyboards. But in 2026, the smartphone market witnessed a surprising resurgence of the BlackBerry-style phone experience.

Clicks Communicator is sold for $499.

PHOTO: CLICKS

BlackBerry doesn't currently manufacture its own smartphones; however, users can find two options that utilize a QWERTY keyboard. The first is the Clicks keyboard accessory, compatible with some Android and iPhone devices. Secondly, many smartphone manufacturers are releasing Android models with integrated BlackBerry-style keyboards, such as the Clicks Communicator, which was introduced at CES earlier this year.

The resurgence in popularity of QWERTY keyboards can be explained by several factors. Many users feel nostalgic for the BlackBerrys they once owned, while those who frequently type may appreciate physical keyboards over virtual ones due to fewer software errors. Additionally, phones with QWERTY keyboards offer a unique feature in an increasingly homogeneous smartphone world , where models like the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S26 all have similar designs.

Many BlackBerry-style device options

Currently, users have many options for BlackBerry-style devices, offered at various price points. Notable examples include the Minimal Phone, priced at $449.99, with an e-paper screen and Android 14 experience, or the Zinwa Q25, priced at around $400, which has a design based on the BlackBerry Classic and runs Android 13. Unihertz also launched the Titan 2 via Kickstarter, attracting over 7,000 backers and raising over $2 million in revenue. The Titan 2 is priced at $229, supports 5G, and runs Android 15.

The Clicks Power Keyboard is an accessory currently available for pre-order.

PHOTO: CLICKS

The Clicks Communicator is priced at $499. This device boasts similar specifications to the Titan 2 Elite Pro, including a 4.03-inch OLED screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. The phone runs on Android 16 and comes with a 5-year software update guarantee.

Additionally, those who don't want to buy a BlackBerry-style phone but still want to experience a QWERTY keyboard can choose from a variety of accessories. Clicks launched the Clicks Keyboard for some iPhone models in 2024, priced from $139, while the Clicks Power Keyboard is a $99 pre-order accessory designed to attach to smartphones via MagSafe or Qi2.

The return of the BlackBerry-style QWERTY keyboard is not just a new trend, but also reflects users' demand for variety and individuality in their mobile devices.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ly-do-smartphone-ban-phim-kieu-blackberry-bat-ngo-tro-lai-185260528001918471.htm