Light Phone, the maker of minimalist phones, has announced its latest model, the Light Phone III. The new device aims to improve usability and performance by offering a larger OLED display and an NFC chip for future payment tools, as well as a camera. The Light Phone III retains the simplicity of its predecessors, with a black-and-white display and no access to social media, the internet, or email. The phone appeals to those who want to break their smartphone addictions and escape technology they don’t need, such as social media apps and clickbait news.
The Light Phone III is larger than previous models, making it easier to text vertically. The AMOLED screen only lights up the white pixels, creating a matte finish that resembles the older Light Phone II. Light phone owners have the option to use the unlocked device on their own carrier or choose one of Light’s phone plans. The phone has niche appeal among 25- to 40-year-olds who use it as their primary phone alongside other devices for internet access.
Privacy-minded users also gravitate towards the Light Phone due to its focus on protecting user data. When using features like directions and navigation, Light pays to get that information privately for its users, ensuring that tech giants like Google aren’t tracking and sharing their data. The Light Phone III includes a camera that functions as a point-and-shoot, rather than competing with high-end smartphone cameras. It also features a light wheel for adjusting screen brightness and more antenna bands for global compatibility.
The phone’s casing is made of aluminum and recycled plastic, with larger loudspeakers for improved audio quality. The power button now includes a fingerprint ID for easy access. The Light Phone III has more RAM and memory compared to its predecessor and a larger user-replaceable battery. Despite the upgrades, the new device is more expensive at $799 compared to the $299 Light Phone II. However, Light aims to create a more sustainable phone that can last for years, with the option to replace screens and components.
Early adopters of the Light Phone III can preorder the device at a 50% discount. Light plans to begin shipping orders in January 2025 after three production runs. The company has raised around $11 million from various investors and was valued at $24 million in 2022. The Light Phone III’s specifications include a 3.92″ AMOLED display, USB-C port, 50m rear camera, 8m front camera, 128GB memory, and 6GB RAM, among other features.
