Physical Keyboard Phones: Tech Community Skeptics Debate MediaTek's Future and 'Doomscrolling' Anti-Habits on Clicks Communicator
The focus is on the Clicks Communicator, a forthcoming Android phone featuring a physical keyboard, paired with a MediaTek Dimensity SoC (likely 8883 or 8300).
Niches are divided sharply between keyboard usability and customizability. Some users, like Omega_Jimes, slam the physical keyboard for making standard apps like Instagram an 'infuriating mess' due to excessive scrolling. Conversely, others see positive intent, with Ilandar noting the device's launcher adds 'layers of friction' meant to curb deep app engagement. The core battle rages over support: joelectron heavily prefers Snapdragon due to custom ROM concerns, while xep flags MediaTek specifically because it 'doesn't release kernel sources.' However, LiveLM points to '5 Major Android upgrades' as a draw, suggesting the niche appeal might force developer attention.
The weight of opinion points to a volatile mix. While there is general interest in the physical keyboard gimmick, the skepticism regarding long-term software support and chip vendor choices—specifically MediaTek's source code handling—creates massive fault lines. The market is weighing the utility of the physical hardware against the risk of hardware being locked into unsupported or proprietary software ecosystems.
Key Points
The physical keyboard is praised for content consumption but criticized for standard social media apps.
Omega_Jimes found scrolling on external keyboards an 'infuriating mess,' while the hardware itself generated general interest.
The phone’s software aims to intentionally disrupt user habits.
Ilandar suggests the custom launcher adds 'layers of friction' to combat deep engagement, contrasting with general user skepticism.
MediaTek's lack of kernel source release is a major sticking point for advanced users.
xep explicitly cited that 'MTK doesn't release kernel sources,' which directly hinders custom ROM efforts.
Some users remain optimistic that the device's unique status will attract developer support.
Ilandar and bdonvr suggest the niche nature might force developer attention to create custom ROMs.
Price point and component reliability are questioned against competitors.
exaybachae questioned the $400 value proposition, demanding switchable components compared to cheaper rivals.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.