Unihertz Titan 2 Elite signals a comeback for physical keyboard smartphones

Unihertz has teased an imminent Titan 2 Elite, sending a clear signal that the era of physical-keyboard phones is nowhere near finished. In the wake of the recent buzz around the Clicks Communicator, it is becoming clear that the buttoned communicator niche is turning back into a real battleground rather than a quiet corner for BlackBerry nostalgia.

Unihertz has long championed QWERTY devices, releasing a string of niche models in recent years, including the rugged Titan, the compact Titan Pocket, and the slimmer Titan Slim. The Titan 2 Elite, judging by the first teaser, marks a decisive shift in design: the chunky, utilitarian shell gives way to a more contemporary silhouette with a physical keyboard neatly tucked beneath the display. At a glance, the device even echoes the look of the Clicks Communicator.

The arrival of the Titan 2 Elite also matters because it underlines a broader revival of the form factor. More manufacturers seem to be concluding that a keyboard phone does not have to feel like a relic from 2008. A modern look can coexist with tactile typing, letting users scroll social feeds and still draft longer texts in comfort. Unlike the Clicks Communicator, which is framed more as an add-on for staying in touch, the Titan 2 Elite is likely conceived as a full-fledged daily smartphone.

Concrete details remain under wraps — no specs, pricing, or launch window — so it is too early to gauge how competitive it will be. The key question, as usual, is software support. Unihertz has faced criticism in the past for infrequent system updates, and if the Titan 2 Elite wants to be taken seriously, the company will need to show it can support the device for at least a couple of years. Otherwise, this revival risks coming across as a stylish gesture rather than a lasting comeback.