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The Consumer Electronics Show isn't known to be a big "phone" event. Usually it's about robots and big screen TVs, and weird and wonderful things you've never seen before.
For some reason, this year's CES was rich with exciting and different phone options - something we just don't see too often from this event.
After scouring the show floors at multiple convention centres and halls and some private in-suite visits, these are our picks for the top three standout phones we found at this year's event.
The Clicks Communicator Blackberry Reborn?
At the top of our list as a must-have, can't wait to try fully is the Clicks Communicator.
Clicks launched their iPhone keyboard at CES 2 years ago, but since then, they've secretly been working on imagining what a smartphone of the future would look like if it had a physical keyboard.
They've absolutely nailed the design be incorporating some key elements:
- A premium feeling keyboard
- A "Signal" light differentiating notification types
- A capacitive touch keyboard (for scrolling)
- Expandable Storage
- Headphone jack
The company is positioning this as a secondary device for people who carry a work and personal phone. They used the analogy of a kindle and an iPad. You can read books on both, but one is purpose-built for a specific experience.
Clicks Communicator
The Clicks Communicator was a standout reveal at CES 2026. A full QWERTY keyboard with modern smartphone conveniences seems to have reached everyone from nostalgic techies to young people who never got to experience the joy of phones with "real" buttons.
The Clicks Communicator is purpose built for getting stuff done. They're taking pre-orders now with the device shipping later this year.
Punkt MC03
Punkt. made their first mobile phone just over a decade ago. They focused on a minimalist experience. And while that was a clear draw for many users of these Swiss-designed, German built smartphones, customers wanted something that they could also carry along with them for their work and everyday lives.
Fast forward to 2026 with the reveal of the Punkt MC03. A smartphone with possibly the most secure hardware and software combination ever released.
The big differentiator between punkt. and other smartphone makers is that they prioritize privacy as a paramount feature.
To create a super secure and private smartphone experience (that they could validate themselves), Punkt pairs their hardware with Apostrophy OS. Users pay for the OS (the first year is free with your phone) but this is because, unlike many other companies who mine your data when they give you the software for free) Aphy OS is completely secure.
The phone is separated into two partitions, one is ultra secure (The Vault) which only allows apps validated by the Aphy team and meet the most stringent security measures. And the other side allows you to install apps from the Google Play store.
But even on the Wild West side, app permissions can be dialed in on a clear, easy-to-understand basis, with a series of dials. This means users are always clear with how much data they're sharing with the app maker at any given time.
Punkt. MC03
Punkt. has created the MC03 for people who actual care about their privacy and don't want to be strong-armed into freely giving away valuable digital information. The phone maintains key philosophies of the minimalist punkt. phones but add functionality allowing this to be your primary daily driver.
The punkt. MC03 is available now for pre-order and will be in users' hands in spring of 2026.
Mudita Kompakt
If you've ever felt like your smartphone is using you more than you're using it, the Mudita Kompakt is going to be right up your alley. This minimalist device isn't about doing everything; it's about doing only what you actually need.
The star of the show here is the E-ink screen. It looks like a Kindle display, which means it's super easy on the eyes and emits very little blue light—perfect if you're trying to fix your sleep schedule.
Mudita has packed this phone with some really thoughtful features:
- E-Ink Display: Great for outdoor visibility and eye health.
- Incredible Battery Life: Because the screen only uses power when it refreshes, you can get 6 to 7 days on a single charge.
- Privacy First: It runs Mudita OS (based on Android Open Source), keeping you away from the data-mining giants.
- Intentional Offline Maps: Download your maps ahead of time and navigate without the constant ping of notifications.
- Global Compatibility: They've launched a specific version optimized for North American bands (including Canada!).
The coolest part? While it comes with just the essentials, you can "sideload" apps like Spotify or WhatsApp via their desktop software, Mudita Center. It gives you the flexibility to have the tools you need (like your favourite podcasts for a walk) without the temptation of a TikTok infinite scroll.
The company describes it as a "secondary device"—the phone you take on the weekend when you want to be present with family but still reachable in an emergency.
Mudita Kompakt
For those who are concerned about the negative effects of overstimulating smatphones, the Mudita Kompakt is going to be a welcome oasis. This tranquil devices gives you execellent battery life, essential connectivity, but helps you break up with the noise of a traditional smartphone.
The Mudita Kompakt is available now through their website, following a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that proved just how many of us are ready to touch grass again.
Smartphones Intentional Phones
While CES is a celebration of tech, it's also super refreshing to see companies out there being very thoughtful with how we're using tech. It's taken a hold of our lives in ways that maybe we don't want it to.
With options like the Clicks Communicator, the Punkt. MC03, and the Mudita Kompakt there's now more choices for people who still want to be connected to the outside world, but grounded in their personal lives.
Read more
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