Like countless smartphone users around the globe, I found myself grappling with a common issue: an overwhelming reliance on my phone. Despite my efforts to cultivate a more mindful approach to usage, I often reinstall social media apps that I've uninstalled in an attempt to disconnect. I've also removed work-related tools unless necessary while traveling. Although I intentionally avoid mindless gaming and doomscrolling, I still catch myself reaching for my phone during idle moments—a habit I’m not particularly fond of. While my daily Screen Time averages between two to three hours—less than many others post on social media—it's still a significant portion of my day.
Intrigued by the Light Phone III since its previews last year, I discovered it to be the third iteration from Brooklyn-based startup Light. True to its name, the device is designed to minimize distractions, lacking the infinite scroll found in apps like email, social media, and web browsers. Instead, the Light Phone III focuses on quick interactions, allowing users to respond to calls or messages, get directions, or play music before returning to real life. Compared to previous models, this version boasts significant improvements, including a camera, an OLED screen, and a wider, more responsive display that enhances text input.
The design philosophy behind the Light Phone III reminds me of the original iPhone, which offered a limited selection of applications. The modern smartphone, with its myriad of distractions, pales in comparison to the simplified experience of the Light Phone. By providing only essential tools, the Light Phone aims to foster intentional use rather than enabling mindless scrolling. This minimalist approach is evident in its software—LightOS, which features stark white text on a black background, with color appearing only when using the camera or viewing photos. The tools available are limited to:
AlarmAlbumCalculatorCalendarCameraDirectionsDirectoryHotspotMusicNotesPodcastsTimerIn a world where our devices are overloaded with apps and notifications, the Light Phone's simplicity is refreshing, though it may feel sparse by 2025 standards. For example, the Alarm feature lacks a snooze button, requiring users to rise upon its ringing.
Diving into the hardware, the Light Phone III presents a chunky, rectangular design that feels notably thicker and shorter than most devices today. Measuring 12mm thick, it's substantially bulkier than the iPhone 16e or Pixel 9a. With a 3.92-inch AMOLED display offering a resolution of 1,080 x 1,240, the phone is visually striking yet compact, equipped with two large bezels that house the earpiece and selfie camera. A 50-megapixel camera with flash is located on the back, while the bottom portion accommodates a user-replaceable battery.
In a time when physical buttons are becoming scarce, the Light Phone III stands out with its array of buttons, including a power button with a fingerprint sensor (though currently inactive), a home button, volume controls, and a dedicated camera button. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s SM 4450 processor, includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and supports 5G networks. Users can expect multiple days of use unless engaged in GPS navigation, which can drain the battery quickly.
Setting up the Light Phone III requires accessing an online dashboard to activate the device and configure available tools. Unlike traditional smartphones, the settings menu is slim, allowing for basic volume adjustments and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth management. Transferring contacts and music involves using the dashboard, which proved to be a significant friction point for me. As a music enthusiast, the ability to play songs on the go is essential, yet the music player and uploader felt overly simplistic—offering only a single playlist without advanced sorting options.
While the sound quality was impressive, the clunky music management system left much to be desired. Additionally, navigating the Directions tool revealed a basic functionality that sufficed but lacked the real-time updates provided by more complex mapping applications. Despite its limitations, the Light Phone performed adequately for basic navigation needs.
As a throwback to the early days of cell phones, the Light Phone III excels in making calls but falls short in text messaging. While call clarity was excellent, the messaging experience proved cumbersome. The absence of autocorrect and a minimalist contact app made composing messages a tedious process. Although the keyboard layout was user-friendly, frequent mistakes resulted in prolonged message composition times.
This experience highlighted a fundamental shift in communication norms; as texting has evolved into a primary mode of conversation, the Light Phone's limitations force users to rethink their texting habits. It encourages quick check-ins rather than lengthy discussions, which can be challenging in today's fast-paced world.
Ultimately, I realized that the Light Phone III represents a significantly different experience from modern smartphones. Practical limitations, such as the need for two-factor authentication apps and access to ticketing services, made fully committing to the device challenging. Although I appreciated the break from constant notifications, the transition back to my iPhone reminded me of the conveniences that come with a fully-featured smartphone.
While I may not be ready to completely sever my smartphone dependency, my time with the Light Phone III taught me valuable lessons about mindful phone use. The journey towards reducing screen time is ongoing, and I now approach my smartphone usage with a newfound awareness. As I continue to navigate this landscape, I am reminded that the first step towards change is acknowledging the issue at hand.
