Fed up with the endless pings and notifications from your smartphone? The new Light Phone III might be the break you’re looking for.
The Light Phone III is not your typical smartphone. It harkens back to simpler times, focusing on core functionalities like making calls and sending text messages while ditching the apps and extras that often lead to tech addiction. This minimalist approach offers a digital detox for those who need it.
The story of Light Phone began in 2015 with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Its first two models, launched in 2015 and 2018 respectively, were lauded for their simplicity, featuring black-and-white displays and no cameras. However, the Light Phone III marks a departure from this trend by including both front and rear cameras—a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera. While this might seem counterproductive to some, it does provide the convenience of capturing memories without needing a separate camera.
One quirk of the Light Phone III’s design is its black-and-white display. Although the phone can capture color images, you’ll see them in monochrome until you download them. The device also includes a two-stage physical shutter button, adding to its camera capabilities.
Unlike ultra-cheap dumb phones, the Light Phone III comes with some premium features like NFC, 5G connectivity, and fingerprint ID. It also offers optional tools including an alarm, calendar, turn-by-turn directions, hotspot, music, notes/voice memo, podcast, and a timer. You can choose which features to install, keeping the phone as simple or as functional as you like.
The Light Phone III is built to last, featuring a metal frame and recycled plastic panels. It has an easily accessible battery, and its screen and USB port are more replaceable than those on conventional smartphones.
But here’s the catch: this back-to-basics device comes with a premium price tag. Set to launch in 2025, the Light Phone III will retail for $799. However, if you pre-order before July 16th, you can snag it for a discounted rate of $399. The high cost reflects the absence of bloatware and economies of scale that larger corporations benefit from.
For those seeking a simpler, distraction-free mobile experience, the Light Phone III offers an intriguing alternative. It may not be cheap, but it promises to strip away the noise and bring back the basics.
