For enthusiasts of digital minimalism, the newly released Light Phone 3 might be worth considering. After a long nine-month wait, this minimalist smartphone has launched, following an extensive pre-order period. The Light Phone 3 is the third iteration of this unique device, but it comes with a hefty price tag of $799.
Even if it is currently being sold at a discount on the official site, the cost is a significant increase from its predecessor, which was priced at $299. Nevertheless, this latest model introduces several compelling upgrades. A notable enhancement in the Light Phone 3 is its display.
It replaces the former E Ink screen with a modern 3.92-inch OLED screen. Despite this improvement, the phone maintains its minimalist ethos. The interface remains in black and white, and it lacks an app store, so users are limited to preloaded applications.
The phone boasts a clean, straightforward design with a few essential features. It includes a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, a two-step shutter button, volume controls, and a menu button on the right side, along with a new scroll wheel on the left. The camera system comprises an 8 MP front-facing camera and a 50 MP main camera on the back.
Under the hood, it is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, paired with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The device runs on a modest 1,800mAh battery, designed to last a full day, although charging speeds have not been specified. While the Light Phone 3 runs on Android, the exact version is undisclosed, and there are no details on software update frequency.
Its minimalist design focuses on essential functions such as calling, messaging, music, notes, hotspot, maps, and an alarm, offering a simplified experience compared to today’s feature-rich smartphones. The debate arises around its $799 price. While the simplicity of the Light Phone 3 is appealing, the fact remains that consumers could obtain more powerful devices at the same price point, such as the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16.
However, for those aiming to minimize screen time, this phone could be an ideal choice. Individuals seeking a quicker digital detox may want to consider a lower-cost “dumb” phone, as pre-orders for the Light Phone 3 won’t ship until July.