Light Phone III Challenges What It Means To Have A Smartphone

The irony at the core of this article is that I learned about the Light Phone III while scrolling endlessly through articles on my iPhone, something that the Light Phone III absolutely can’t do.

And that’s the point.

The Light Phone III is Light’s latest, customer-informed, effort to decouple 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 chunkier, squarer version of their current device, the e-ink screen Light Phone II (which they’re still selling and supporting, Light doesn’t believe in planned obsolescence). It has a luxurious AMOLED matte screen, Bluetooth connectivity (no headphone jack on this one), a flashlight, and a fixed-lens camera with a dedicated shutter button (cashing in on the current point-and-shoot camera revival). It also adds 5G connectivity, noise canceling mics, 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 product of focused customer feedback, creating a device that’s optimized for the few tasks you’ll be using it for. The more rectangular form factor is better for text input and the screen is more responsive than the e-ink display on the Light II.

The camera is included because, I imagine, that’s a big limiting factor to ditching your current smartphone. When you get used to having a camera with you at all times, it’s difficult to give that up.

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

Basic Hardware, but with Style

What strikes me about the Light Phone III is how eye-catching it is. This is a purpose-built device and it shows. From the spare case with its carefully considered buttons to the minimalistic OS (built on Android but distinctly its own), Light Phone III might be functional but it definitely isn’t boring.

It’s the matte AMOLED screen that puts it over the top for me. Ever since I got hands-on with 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’ll be interested in seeing how well it displays the 50 megapixel images from the new camera (even though the interface is in black and white, images will be displayed in full color). There’s a 8m front-facing camera as well…which will indubitably lead to better selfies than you can get with your standard point-and-shoot.

The buttons are impressive as well with a well-knurled, clickable dial (that controls brightness, volume, and the flashlight) and solid metal action buttons, including the purpose-built point and shoot camera button that’s functional in hardware and software (it launches the images app). This is a device that’s meant to last.

That extends to the internals as well. While it’s not an endlessly upgradeable smartphone (that is a thing, but only if you’re in EU), Light Phone III has a customer-replaceable battery, screen, and USB-C port to ensure that it lasts for as long as you need it.

Basic Software, but with 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 look at images and videos you’ve snapped with the camera.

What you can’t do? Anything else. And even that spare feature set is completely optional. Light doesn’t push new apps to your phone. The company lets you decide 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? You don’t have to. You’re in control.

It’s a step back to a much, much simpler time in digital connectivity, the good ol’ 90s when we were excited that our phones played Snake. Light is here to rescue you from yourself.

A Tool Not an Obsession

So just who is this thing for?

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

My iPhone is the center of an expansive, curated digital universe. In addition to being how I keep up with friends, family, and work, it’s my metabolic data compiler, trip computer, media hub, news aggregator, and smart home brain.

It’s also why the idea of a device that pares all that back is so appealing. Despite all the importance I’ve bestowed upon it, my iPhone is a distractor. It pulls my attention constantly throughout the day to address alerts, draw me down pointless research rabbit holes, keep me swiping through news and social media stories, and tap away at games.

What if, just for a day or two, I could pare all that back 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’m on time for appointments. For someone who’s plugged in 24/7 (just ask my Oura ring), it’s a blissful oasis of disconnected connectivity.

The big limiter is travel. I rely on my phone in a fundamental way while traveling to get me where I’m going. It holds my various documents and passes and gives me the tools to find out information about where I am. I’m old enough to remember the bad old days of losing your paper tickets and having to use TripTiks from AAA to get anywhere.

But there was a simplicity in that, too. You relied on others more. You found books or other tasks to occupy yourself that didn’t involve digital connectivity. You got bored (which isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds, some of my best ideas are borne from boredom). You left work and obligations behind. You prepared as well as you could and you didn’t work yourself into an anxious froth, checking and rechecking your digital preparations.

Viva la Revolución

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

And you just can’t do that if you’re freaked out about your Duo Lingo streak or trying to get three stars in whatever game you’re currently madly clicking and swiping at. Light phrases 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 lets you stay in touch) appeals to you, the Light Phone III is up for pre-order right now for 50% off its MSRP of $799. Even better, pre-order customers will have the opportunity to help Light craft the story of the user experience as Light Phone III gets closer to launch in January of 2025.

I look forward to stepping away from my carefully curated digital life to see the difference Light Phone III can make.