As I ventured into the CES convention center, I knew I was in for a treat – or maybe just a headache. Amidst the sea of sleek, curved displays and innovative gadgets, I set out to find phones that dared to be different. And boy, did I find them.
At first glance, it seemed like business as usual. The same ol' rectangular slabs, some of which looked suspiciously like their predecessors from last year's show. But then I stumbled upon two companies – Clicks and Ikko – that were shaking things up.
First up was the Communicator from Clicks. This phone is a love letter to BlackBerry fans, with its full keyboard and Curve-inspired design. The prototype units on display looked and felt like something out of a sci-fi movie – I particularly loved the interchangeable back panels and fuzzy tennis ball optic yellow option (yes, that's a thing).
The Communicator isn't trying to replace your daily driver; it's meant to be a companion phone for when you need a bit more typing flair. And honestly, who wouldn't want that? Clicks' co-founder Jeff Gadway mentioned that they've been surprised by the number of people expressing interest in the phone as their primary device – and I have to wonder if those people might just be onto something.
Next up was the MindOne Pro from Ikko. This tiny Android powerhouse has a 4-inch screen, a 50-megapixel rear camera, and a kickstand that doubles as a selfie mode. It's like someone took all the cool features of larger phones and shrunk them down to size – and I have to admit, it feels kind of amazing.
Now, I do have some reservations about Ikko; they're relatively new to the scene and their track record for software updates is unknown. But the MindOne Pro comes with a free global data plan and a second OS that centers around AI apps – and I'm intrigued enough to want to test it out soon.
Finally, there was the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. This phone might not look like much at first glance (it's still just a rectangular slab), but trust me when I say its 10-inch display is everything and more. I spent most of my time with it using it in DeX mode – rearranging windows, displaying multiple feeds, and even scrolling through social media in a way that felt... almost normal.
The TriFold isn't for everyone, I get it. But as someone who's often on the lookout for new ways to use their devices, I have to wonder if this might just be the key to unlocking a whole new world of productivity (and maybe even some old-school tablet bliss).
For those of us who are tired of the same old rectangular slabs, there's hope on the horizon. Clicks, Ikko, and Samsung might not be perfect – but they're pushing boundaries in ways that might just change the game.
So, what does the future hold? I'm still waiting to find out, but one thing's for sure: I'll be keeping an eye on these companies and their innovative creations – because when it comes to phones, it's time to shake things up.
At first glance, it seemed like business as usual. The same ol' rectangular slabs, some of which looked suspiciously like their predecessors from last year's show. But then I stumbled upon two companies – Clicks and Ikko – that were shaking things up.
First up was the Communicator from Clicks. This phone is a love letter to BlackBerry fans, with its full keyboard and Curve-inspired design. The prototype units on display looked and felt like something out of a sci-fi movie – I particularly loved the interchangeable back panels and fuzzy tennis ball optic yellow option (yes, that's a thing).
The Communicator isn't trying to replace your daily driver; it's meant to be a companion phone for when you need a bit more typing flair. And honestly, who wouldn't want that? Clicks' co-founder Jeff Gadway mentioned that they've been surprised by the number of people expressing interest in the phone as their primary device – and I have to wonder if those people might just be onto something.
Next up was the MindOne Pro from Ikko. This tiny Android powerhouse has a 4-inch screen, a 50-megapixel rear camera, and a kickstand that doubles as a selfie mode. It's like someone took all the cool features of larger phones and shrunk them down to size – and I have to admit, it feels kind of amazing.
Now, I do have some reservations about Ikko; they're relatively new to the scene and their track record for software updates is unknown. But the MindOne Pro comes with a free global data plan and a second OS that centers around AI apps – and I'm intrigued enough to want to test it out soon.
Finally, there was the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. This phone might not look like much at first glance (it's still just a rectangular slab), but trust me when I say its 10-inch display is everything and more. I spent most of my time with it using it in DeX mode – rearranging windows, displaying multiple feeds, and even scrolling through social media in a way that felt... almost normal.
The TriFold isn't for everyone, I get it. But as someone who's often on the lookout for new ways to use their devices, I have to wonder if this might just be the key to unlocking a whole new world of productivity (and maybe even some old-school tablet bliss).
For those of us who are tired of the same old rectangular slabs, there's hope on the horizon. Clicks, Ikko, and Samsung might not be perfect – but they're pushing boundaries in ways that might just change the game.
So, what does the future hold? I'm still waiting to find out, but one thing's for sure: I'll be keeping an eye on these companies and their innovative creations – because when it comes to phones, it's time to shake things up.
and they're still using the same old tablet experience. and what's up with the price tag of this thing? $2k is just plain steep, especially when you consider that most people can get a decent phone for under 500 bucks. i need some convincing on why we should be shelling out top dollar for a phone just 'cause it's got a fancy display 
just saw a few companies like Clicks and Ikko trying to break the mold with their unique designs. like, who needs a normal rectangular phone anymore? 
i'm hyped about the Communicator from Clicks, that full keyboard is calling my name! 
and the MindOne Pro from Ikko, 50-megapixel camera on a tiny device? yes please! 
And that tennis ball optic yellow option though 
. Ikko's MindOne Pro is small but packs a big punch 
. Can't wait to see how these newbies shape up in the market 
just got back from CES and OMG the innovations I saw are giving me LIFE!! 
Clicks' Communicator is like a breath of fresh air for BlackBerry fans - who says keyboards are dead? 
Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold is the ultimate productivity powerhouse, and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
like maybe a better camera or longer battery life?
how are they gonna make this thing work with its huge display? and what kind of apps are gonna be available for de x mode? 
... but you can't help but be intrigued! Anyway, I'm loving the fact that there are still people out there making phones with a bit of flair – like, who needs all those fancy AI features when you've got a keyboard and interchangeable back panels? 
and interchangeable panels ?? 
50 megapixel camera and kickstand selfie mode lol what more could u want?! 
The fact that it has a free global data plan and a second OS centered around AI apps just makes it even more appealing.
But from what I've seen so far, it looks like we might be in for a treat. Bring on the innovation! 
! And who wouldn't want a phone with interchangeable back panels? It's like they took all the best parts from old BlackBerry devices and merged them with something modern. The fuzzy tennis ball optic yellow option though, maybe not so much 
.
. I mean, it's still just a phone, you know? And what about the software updates? 
They're new to the scene and all that... 
. And DeX mode is just so cool... I can see how that would be awesome for productivity and stuff 
and i need that in my life too! 
but what really caught my eye was samsung's galaxy z trifold 
. who needs a 10-inch screen on your phone when you can have it as a tablet? 
.
like samsung is trying to distract us from the real issues with 5g 
and how it's being used for mass surveillance 
is it just a gimmick or is there something more sinister at play? 
