Light Phone III: Minimalist Phone for a Distraction-Free Life

03/27/2025 Mobile Technology

Light, known for its minimalist phones, has unveiled the Light Phone III, a perfect antidote to today's overwhelming smartphones. If you're yearning for a break from endless scrolling and intrusive AI, this phone might be your answer.

The Light Phone III boasts a sleek black-and-white OLED display, a departure from the e-paper screens of its predecessors. Its core appeal lies in what it lacks: no third-party apps, social media, internet access, or email. It's designed to be a phone, first and foremost.

Features (and Lack Thereof)

While minimalist, the Light Phone III isn't entirely bare. It includes NFC for payments, a basic music player, a podcast player, a messaging app, a flashlight, voice notes, a calendar, a timer, and an alarm. The camera system, inspired by point-and-shoot models, features a two-step shutter button with center focus and fixed focal length, promising a "genuinely fun" experience.

Navigation with Privacy

Recognizing the utility of navigation apps, the Light Phone III includes one, but with a privacy-focused twist. The company uses Here for mapping, ensuring that your location data and searches remain private.

Under the Hood

The Light Phone III features upgraded specs, including 6GB of RAM, 128GB of memory, and a newer Qualcomm chip. It also includes a fingerprint ID on the power button, a USB-C port, loudspeakers, and a user-replaceable battery. Its size, similar to a modern iPhone in width but shorter, is designed for comfortable one-handed texting.

The Price of Simplicity

The Light Phone III comes with a price tag of $799, a significant jump from the Light Phone II. However, a pre-order price of $599 is currently available.