Weird Phones at CES 2026: The Search Was Worth It
â–¼ Summary
– At CES, the Clicks Communicator phone was introduced as a companion device with a physical keyboard, designed for focused tasks like email rather than media consumption.
– The MindOne Pro by Ikko is a small, square Android phone with a rotating camera that doubles as a kickstand, offering a compact alternative to typical smartphones.
– Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold is a large foldable phone that unfolds into a tablet-sized device, aiming to replace laptops by offering versatile multitasking in DeX mode.
– These unconventional phones address the limitation of standard “rectangular slabs” by exploring designs with keyboards, smaller forms, or tablet-like versatility.
– While most consumers are content with traditional smartphones, these niche devices show companies are experimenting with different shapes to cater to specific user needs.
January marks the beginning of another year dominated by sleek, rectangular smartphones. Yet, hidden within the sprawling halls of CES, far from the spotlight on malfunctioning laundry robots, a few intriguing alternatives quietly suggested the future of mobile devices might finally embrace some variety. For those tired of the same glass slab, the search through the convention center’s margins revealed a handful of phones daring to be different.
One standout was a phone designed explicitly to accompany your primary smartphone. From Clicks, the company famous for its keyboard cases, came the Communicator. This device leans heavily into a BlackBerry-inspired heritage, featuring a full physical keyboard and a design reminiscent of the Curve. While the prototypes weren’t fully functional, the keyboard itself offered a satisfying tactile experience. The device also includes interchangeable back panels, with a particularly appealing fuzzy optic yellow option that deserves serious consideration. The creators see it not as a replacement, but as a focused companion for tasks like typing emails, ideal for professionals constantly on the move between meetings. Interestingly, Clicks cofounder Jeff Gadway noted significant interest from people who see it as a potential primary device, hinting at a real appetite for this niche form factor.
Another discovery was a compact, square-shaped Android phone that defies current trends. Thanks to a tip, I sought out the MindOne Pro from Ikko, a company previously known for earbuds, tucked away in a remote part of the show floor. This full-featured Android device boasts a unique 4-inch square screen and a clever 50-megapixel rear camera that rotates upward to double as a selfie camera and even acts as a kickstand. After carrying larger phones, its pocket-friendly size and lightweight feel were a revelation. However, caution is warranted with an unknown manufacturer regarding long-term software support and data stewardship. The phone ships with a second, proprietary OS focused on AI apps, which includes free global data for those features. A promising option for potential buyers is the ability to preorder the device with only Android installed, stripping away the extra software for those solely interested in the unique small form factor.
Although not on the main floor, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold made a substantial impact with its massive 10-inch display when fully unfolded. Yes, it begins as a slab, but it transforms into something much larger. Using it primarily in its unfolded state was compelling; multitasking in DeX mode, viewing multiple video feeds simultaneously, and browsing the web on such a expansive screen were surprisingly effective experiences. For someone not typically drawn to tablets, the TriFold’s versatility presents a convincing argument for consolidating devices and potentially leaving a laptop behind more often. It represents a bold reimagining of what a phone can become when screen real estate is paramount.
These three devices each propose a distinct solution to a common dilemma: our powerful smartphones aren’t always the perfect tool for every situation. What if a device was less intrusive, or came with a dedicated keyboard for real work? What if it could seamlessly expand into a tablet or even a computer replacement? The standard rectangular phone is a technological marvel that satisfies most, but for those craving innovation in form and function, it’s encouraging to see companies exploring these differently shaped possibilities.
(Source: The Verge)