Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Light Phone 3 Review: Can This Minimalist Mobile Replace Your Smartphone?
The Light Phone 3 enters the market as a fascinating, yet potentially frustrating, option for those seeking a simpler mobile experience. This minimalist mobile phone aims to help users disconnect from the constant distractions of modern smartphones, but its high price tag raises the question: Is it worth the investment? This Light Phone 3 review dives deep into whether this ‘dumbphone’ can genuinely replace your smartphone.
What We Appreciate
- Opportunity to truly disconnect
- Attractive hardware design
- Reliable battery performance
- The inclusion of a camera
What Could Be Improved
- Significant level of disconnection
- Considerable expense
- Not all advertised features are currently functional
The allure of abandoning my smartphone is undeniable. As a tech journalist constantly reviewing devices, phones often feel like a burden. A barrage of notifications, app alerts, and health reminders flood my day, paradoxically diverting me from the very writing I need to accomplish.
This anticipation led me to test the Light Phone 3, the latest offering from New York-based Light. However, after a month of exclusive use, I’m not ready to permanently revert to this pared-down device.
The Light Phone 3 presents a utilitarian design, featuring a black exterior, OLED screen, and a streamlined operating system focused on displaying simple black-and-white text. It facilitates calls and texts over 4G or 5G networks, depending on your SIM plan. Notably, the Light Phone 3 introduces a camera, which is the only feature using full color on the display. Similar to the E Ink Light Phone 2, first released in 2019, Light provides a selection of customizable apps accessible via an online browser-based dashboard.
Price Point: A Major Consideration
Price remains a significant factor. While the Light Phone 2 is priced at $299, the Light Phone 3 launched at $599, and subsequently rose to $699, with plans to eventually reach $799. This price aligns with flagship smartphones like the iPhone 16. In this case, reduced distractions come at a premium.
Forget app stores—no WhatsApp, Google Maps, or Uber available. Functionality includes an alarm, calculator, calendar, camera, directions, directory, hotspot, music player, notes, podcasts, and a timer.
The direction tool leverages Here Maps, while the directory assists in finding nearby businesses and amenities. Music requires local files (no Spotify), implying an existing MP3 collection. Podcasts can be integrated via the dashboard, pulling in your favorite shows.
For a device promoting minimalism, this feature set is substantial. The original Light Phone, resembling a credit card, solely offered phone calls.
Unfulfilled Promises?
This model incorporates NFC and a fingerprint sensor within the power button, features yet to be activated at launch. Light commits to regular software updates, a pledge supported by their continued support for the Light Phone 2, but understand that the device arrives in an unfinished state.
Light challenges the “dumbphone” label, arguing that simplicity doesn’t equate to reduced intelligence. However, the continuous addition of functionalities raises the question of where the line is drawn.
A Month with the Light Phone 3: A Mixed Experience
After four weeks with the Light Phone 3, I experienced moments of liberation and frustration.
Often, the frustration stemmed not from the phone’s performance, but rather from my own dependence on ubiquitous tech services. While not the Light Phone’s failing, it underscores how much we rely on smartphones – as tools and social shields.
Social Interactions and Commuting: Highlights of the Experience
The most positive experiences occurred during social gatherings and commutes. Without a smartphone, I became acutely aware of how many people are glued to their screens. Smartphones can be time-consuming doomscroll devices that impede social interaction. While initial adjustment was difficult, the absence of constant notifications was refreshing.
Replacing mindless scrolling with reading or engaging in conversation proved beneficial. Reactions to the Light Phone 3 were polarized: disbelief and mockery, or genuine interest. However, most agreed on the high price.
The WhatsApp Dilemma
Moving away from WhatsApp posed a challenge, because many rely on it. Switching to the Light Phone meant a decline in messages. This issue is less significant in the US, where iMessage and SMS are more widely used.
Informing contacts of my WhatsApp absence became a chore. I maintained WhatsApp access on my laptop, treating it like an email inbox for responding to messages and requesting SMS communication. Despite the inconvenience, the change was manageable. Group chats are enjoyable, but rarely urgent. Those who value the change will adapt.
Texting, Camera, and Multimedia Capabilities
Texting on the Light Phone 3 is somewhat slow. The virtual keyboard functions adequately, but lacks autocorrect, and there’s no browser to open links. Links are forwarded to your email instead.
The camera is a pleasant surprise. With a dedicated shutter button, the screen comes alive with color, evoking a classic compact camera. Shots have a retro feel, and the video recording is decent. It’s a step down from smartphone photography, but a welcome feature on a minimalist device.
Light Phone 3 Camera Samples
Sending and receiving picture messages (MMS) proved problematic due to my plan’s MMS incompatibility. Even when functional, picture quality is compromised due to the lack of rich communication services (RCS) support.
The key is embracing the limitations of modern messaging features. Increased phone calls led to more engaging conversations. Call quality was generally good, though some reported muffled sound on my end.
The directions tool, powered by GPS, offers accurate navigation with pinch-to-zoom functionality and options for walking, driving, and public transportation. Connecting wireless earbuds enabled seamless podcast listening. Users can remove the podcast app for reduced distractions.
The alarm app worked fine, but limited music access was a drawback. Embracing the Light Phone lifestyle necessitates purchasing music from platforms like Bandcamp, supporting artists and promoting mindful listening. Essentially, the Light Phone 3 encourages mindfulness, stripping away distractions and prioritizing essential communication tools.
Daily Life Adjustments
The absence of banking apps was inconvenient, potentially requiring a smartphone for essential tasks, somewhat undermining the purpose. However, the Light Phone’s hotspot functionality provides internet access to your smartphone when necessary.
A dial on the side adjusts screen brightness; pressing it toggles the camera flash for use as a flashlight. The Light Phone may expand the dial’s functions later.
Charging is via USB-C (great), with battery life lasting two days, or one with heavy use of calls and the hotspot. A cable is required for photo export.
Final Verdict: Is the Light Phone 3 Worth It?
After a month with the Light Phone 3, reverting to a simpler phone long-term remains a challenge.
The Light Phone 3 caters to those seeking a lifestyle change and digital detox. However, its substantial price increase raises concern as cheaper handsets offer similar benefits.
While Light is a small company with its own costs, and the Light Phone 3 is a niche product, the $799 price tag may deter curious buyers. Ultimately, this is a luxury purchase for individuals committed to replacing their smartphones, but who are willing to spend flagship smartphone money to do so.
You can buy the Light Phone 3 from Light.