Light Phone III challenges what it means to have a smartphone

The irony underlying this article is that I learned about the Light Phone III while endlessly scrolling through articles on my iPhone, something the Light Phone III absolutely cannot do.

And that’s the point.

The Light Phone III is Light’s latest consumer-focused attempt to disconnect us from the blaring distractors that seem permanently attached to our hands.

Don’t call it an upgrade

The Light Phone III is a slightly larger, squarer 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 (taking advantage of the current revival of the point-and-shoot camera). It also adds 5G connectivity, noise-canceling microphones, and a fingerprint ID sensor.

So if the company doesn’t believe in planned obsolescence, why create a new model at all? The Light Phone III is the result of targeted customer feedback, creating a device optimized for the few tasks you’ll use it for. The more rectangular form factor is better for text input and the screen is more responsive than the e-ink screen on the Light II.

The camera is included because, I think, that is a major limiting factor when throwing away your current smartphone. Once you get used to always having a camera with you, it’s hard to give that up.

All in all, it’s a significant change from Light’s previous devices (the first of which could only make calls, set an alarm, and store ten numbers), but it’s still a far cry from any other smartphone on the market. And the things Light Phone III can potentially do, like contactless payments via the included (but currently unused) NFC chip, may be a bridge too far for truly minimalist phone users. For them, the Light II’s slow e-Ink refresh rate and limited functionality still make the most sense.

Basic hardware, but with style

What strikes me about the Light Phone III is how striking it is. This is a purpose built device and it shows. From the spare case with the carefully thought out buttons to the minimalist operating system (built on Android but clearly its own), Light Phone III may be functional, but it certainly isn’t. boring.

It’s the matte AMOLED screen that puts it over the top for me. Ever since I came across the matte screen of the latest iPad Pro, I’ve been a little obsessed with gadgets that incorporate them. It brings an understated luxury (and helps with fingerprints). I’m curious to see how well the new camera’s 50 megapixel images display (even though the interface is black and white, the images are displayed in color). There’s also an 8-meter front camera… which will undoubtedly lead to better selfies than you can get with your standard point-and-shoot.

The buttons are also impressive with a well-knurled, clicky dial (which controls brightness, volume and flashlight) and chunky metal action buttons, including the purpose-built point-and-shoot camera button that is functional in hardware and software (it launches the images- app). This is a device that should last a long time.

This also applies to the inside. Although it is not an endlessly expandable smartphone (that is something, but only if you’re in the EU), Light Phone III has a customer-replaceable battery, screen, and USB-C port to ensure it lasts as long as you need it.

Basic software, but with a purpose

There’s no endless customization and customization 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 that supports it. You can make calls, send texts, take photos, get directions, listen to music (and podcasts), view your calendar, take notes, set an alarm, and view images and videos taken with the camera.

What can’t you do? Something else. And even that extra feature set is completely optional. Light doesn’t push new apps to your phone. The company lets you decide how much, or how little, you want the device to do. So if you don’t want to use the NFC chip for future payment options? That’s not necessary. 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 excited for our phones to play Snake. Light is here to save you from yourself.

A tool, not an obsession

Who is this thing for?

I stare at my phone. A lot of. For work, for fun, just to manage my home. It’s safe to say that I’m struggling with the concept of how a minimalist phone could fit into my daily life, when I’ve built my entire life around connection through my phone.

My iPhone is the center of an expansive, curated digital universe. Not only is it how I stay in touch with friends, family and work, it’s also my metabolic data compiler, trip computer, media hub, news aggregator and smart home brain.

That’s also why the idea of ​​a device that brings all that back is so attractive. For all the importance I’ve placed on it, my iPhone is a distraction. It constantly grabs my attention throughout the day to respond to alerts, lure me down rabbit holes into pointless research, keep me swiping through news and stories on social media and tapping games.

What if I could turn all that back for a day or two and my phone was just… a phone? But a modern one where I could also text (because no one calls anymore) and check directions and make sure I was on time for appointments. For someone who’s plugged in 24/7 (just ask my Oura ring), it’s a blissful oasis from disconnected connectivity.

The big limitation is travel. When traveling, I fundamentally rely on my phone to get where I’m going. It stores my various documents and passes and gives me the tools to find information about where I am. I’m old enough to remember the bad old days of losing your paper tickets and having to use AAA’s TripTiks to get anywhere.

But there was also a simplicity in that. You relied more on others. You found books or other tasks to keep yourself busy that didn’t involve digital connectivity. You were bored (which isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds, some of my best ideas come from boredom). You have left work and obligations behind you. You prepared as best you could and you didn’t work yourself into an anxious lather checking your digital preparations over and over again.

Viva la Revolucion

There is wisdom in the current movement to take back control of our mindshare from our smartphones. Especially now that disinformation is everywhere, whether it’s from bad actors or poorly tuned AI, it’s more important than ever to take in the real world around us and connect with each other.

And you just can’t do that if you’re panicking about your Duo Lingo streak or trying to get three stars in whatever game you’re currently clicking and swiping. Light puts it quite well in their announcement of the Light Phone III: “The Light Phone III is a 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 in touch) appeals to you, you can pre-order the Light Phone III now at 50% off the suggested retail price of $799. Even better, pre-order customers get the chance to get Light to help shape the user experience story as Light Phone III moves closer to launch in January 2025.

I’m looking forward to leaving my carefully curated digital life behind and seeing the difference Light Phone III can make.