The Light Phone III challenges what it means to have a smartphone

The irony of this article is that I found out about the Light Phone III while endlessly scrolling through articles on my iPhone, which the Light Phone III absolutely cannot do.

And that’s the point.

The Light Phone III is Light’s latest customer-informed attempt to separate us from the garish distractions that seem permanently attached to our hands.

Don’t call it an upgrade

The Light Phone III is a slightly more rugged, boxier version of their current device, the e-ink screen Light Phone II (which they still sell and support, Light doesn’t believe in planned obsolescence). It has a luxurious matte AMOLED screen, Bluetooth connectivity (no headphone jack on this one), a flashlight, and a fixed-lens camera with a dedicated shutter button (a cash-in on the current resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras). It also adds 5G connectivity, noise-canceling microphones, and a fingerprint sensor.

So if a company doesn’t believe in planned obsolescence, why create a new model at all? Light Phone III is the product of focused customer feedback, creating a device that’s optimized for the few tasks you’ll use it for. The rectangular shape is better for typing and the screen is more responsive than the e-ink display on the Light II.

The camera is included because I think it’s a big limiting factor that limits your current smartphone. Once you get used to having your camera with you all the time, it’s hard to give it up.

Overall, it’s a significant change from previous Light devices (the first of which could only make calls, set alarms, and store 10 numbers), but it’s still a long way from every other smartphone on the market. And the things the Light Phone III can potentially do, such as contactless payments via the included (but currently unused) NFC chip, may be too far for truly minimalist phone users. For them, the slow refresh rate of e-Ink and the limited feature set of Light II still make the most sense.

Basic hardware but with style

What strikes me about the Light Phone III is how engaging it is. This is a purpose built device and it shows. From a spare case with carefully thought-out buttons to a minimalist OS (built on Android but distinctly its own), the Light Phone III may be functional, but it’s definitely not. boring.

It’s the matte AMOLED display that puts it over the top for me. Ever since I was introduced to the matte display of the latest iPad Pro, I’ve been a bit obsessed with gadgets that feature them. It delivers understated luxury (and helps with fingerprints). I’ll be interested to see how well it displays the 50 megapixel images from the new camera (even though the interface is in black and white, the images will be displayed in full color). There’s also an 8-meter front-facing camera…which will undoubtedly lead to better selfies than you can get with your standard focus.

The buttons are impressive too, with a well-knurled, clicky dial (which controls brightness, volume and flashlight) and solid metal action buttons, including a dedicated point-and-shoot camera button that’s functional in terms of hardware and software (launches the Pictures app). This is a device that is meant to last.

This also applies to the insides. While it’s not an infinitely upgradeable smartphone (it Yippee thing, but only if you’re in the EU), the Light Phone III has a customer-replaceable battery, screen and USB-C port to ensure it lasts as long as you need it to.

Basic software, but with a purpose

There’s no endless customization and tweaking of home screens with LightOS, no app store to turn your phone into a smart hub or decibel meter or golf computer. The operating system reflects the hardware it supports. You can call, text, take pictures, get directions, listen to music (and podcasts), check your calendar, take notes, set an alarm, and view pictures and videos you’ve taken with the camera.

What can’t you do? Something else. And even this spare set of features is completely optional. Light doesn’t push new apps onto your phone. The company lets you decide how much or how little you want the device to do. So if not want use an NFC chip for future payment options? You don’t have to. You are in control.

It’s a step back to a much, much simpler time in digital connectivity, the good old ’90s, when we were thrilled that our phones played Snake. The light is here to save you from yourself.

A tool, not an obsession

So who is this thing for?

I stare at my phone. Many. For work, for fun, just for managing my home. It’s safe to say that I’m struggling to imagine how a minimalist phone could fit into my everyday life when I’ve built my entire life around being connected via phone.

My iPhone is the center of a vast, managed digital universe. In addition to keeping up with friends, family, and work, it’s my metabolic data compiler, on-board computer, media center, news aggregator, and smart home brain.

It’s also why the idea of ​​a device that evens it all out is so appealing. For all the importance I’ve given it, my iPhone is a distraction. Throughout the day, it constantly grabs my attention to deal with alerts, drags me down pointless research rabbit holes, keeps me scrolling through social media news and stories, and knocks on games.

What if, just for a day or two, I could get everything back and my phone was just…a phone? But a modern one where I could also text (because no one calls anymore) and check my route and make sure I’m on time for appointments. For someone who is connected 24/7 (ask for my Oura ring), this is a blissful oasis of disconnectedness.

The big limiter is travel. When I travel, I rely heavily on my phone to get me where I’m going. It holds my various documents and IDs and gives me the tools to find out where I am. I’m old enough to remember the bad old days of losing paper tickets and having to use AAA’s TripTiks to get anywhere.

But there was also simplicity in it. You relied more on others. You found books or other tasks to attend to that did not involve a digital connection. You were bored (which isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds, some of my best ideas come from boredom). You left work and responsibilities. You prepared as much as you could and didn’t work yourself into an anxious lather, checking and rechecking your digital preparations.

Viva la Revolution

In today’s movement, it is wise to take back control of mind sharing from our smartphones. Especially now that misinformation is everywhere, whether from bad actors or poorly tuned AI, capturing the real world around us and connecting with each other is more important than ever.

And you just can’t do that if you’re freaking out about your Duo Lingo series or trying to get three stars in whatever game you’re madly clicking and swiping at right now. Light puts it pretty well in its Light Phone III announcement: “Light Phone III is the decision you make when you’re finally ready to say enough is enough.”

If the idea of ​​a digital detox (that still allows you to stay connected) appeals to you, you can pre-order the Light Phone III right now for 50% off its $799 MSRP. Even better, customers who pre-order will have the opportunity to help Light create a user experience story as the Light Phone III nears its launch in January 2025.

I look forward to leaving my carefully curated digital life behind to see the difference the Light Phone III can make.