Less is more: the "Light Phone III" dispenses with the superfluous

Smartphones are virtually irreplaceable in everyday life and on the go thanks to their useful functions. But there are also downsides: With its notifications and social media feeds, the smartphone can quickly become a time waster. Instead of providing help, it then offers constant distraction and frustration. Wouldn't it be great to have a device that is simply useful without being a distraction?

That's exactly what two developers had in mind when they founded the start-up "Light" in 2014. In 2015, the two launched a Kickstarter campaign to realise a smartphone that only masters the really important functions: the "Light Phone". And the concept seems to have met with interest. In the meantime, the company has already announced the third version, the "Light Phone III". It is due to be released in January 2025. Incidentally, the "Light" in the product name does not stand for light, but for light or simple - in other words, smartphone light.

While the basic idea remains the same, the latest offshoot will also have a front and main camera. Their features are not yet known, but according to "Light", the camera is not there for glossy photos anyway. It's more about snapshots and scanning QR codes. Video telephony may still be possible after the device is released.

What functions do you really need?

The introductory video for the "Light Phone III" begins by explaining what the device can't do: surf the internet, use social media, email or news feeds. The manufacturer also promises that the device does not collect any data that is passed on to third-party providers. Instead, it will have all the useful features that are supposed to make life easier. Included are an alarm clock and timer, a calculator, a navigation function, note management, a calendar and a messenger. It is also possible to make calls and listen to music and podcasts.

Like its predecessors, the "Light Phone III" has a monochrome display that can only show shades of grey in various gradations. While the earlier models were still equipped with an e-ink display - as you may recognise from your e-reader - the third version has an OLED display.

Functional instead of fancy

The appearance of the device is also functional. It looks chunkier, has a wider frame around the display and a different format to current smartphones. There are also more physical buttons, including a rotary knob protruding from the side. This allows you to adjust the display brightness and switch on the torch if required. The "Light Phone III" is obviously not intended for showing off. But the device can be repaired. The battery, display and USB-C port can be replaced.

The connectivity options of the device are also impressive. It supports the 5G and 4G/LTE mobile phone standards, can use Bluetooth and has an NFC chip. A fingerprint scanner is also on board. You can also use the "Light Phone III" as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 1800 mAh battery can be recharged using a USB-C cable. The company has not provided any information on the usage time with this battery. The predecessor model with a battery half the size, but an energy-saving e-ink display, should be able to last one to two days. The internal memory offers 128 gigabytes of space.

So far, the phone is only available in English. Other languages may be delivered later.

The "Light Phone III" currently costs 399 US dollars, which is around 372 euros or 354 francs. The price is set to rise to 799 US dollars by the time it is launched. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether we will be able to offer the "Light Phone III" in our shop in 2025.

What do you think of the "Light Phone" approach? Could you imagine using it to replace your smartphone or would you miss the browser, for example?