Light has launched the Light Phone III, featuring a significant upgrade with a 3.92-inch black-and-white OLED display. This change marks a departure from the E Ink screen used in previous models, addressing user feedback regarding refresh rates and usability. The company has said that the OLED screen offers a faster refresh rate and familiar feel, with brightness controlled by a scroll wheel on the side.
The Light Phone III also includes a rear-facing 50-megapixel camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, designed for basic documentation and video calls, rather than the extensive functionalities of typical smartphones. The addition of an NFC chip supports future payment integrations, while a USB-C port, replaceable battery, fingerprint reader, Qualcomm SM 4450 processor, 128GB storage, and 6GB RAM ensure the device remains future-proof.
The new model, roughly the size of a BlackBerry, is available for preorder at $399, with a planned retail price of $799. Light aims to offer a minimalist phone that balances essential features with the need to disconnect from the distractions of modern smartphones.
Founded by Joe Hollier and Kaiwei Tang in September 2014, the company initially gained attention through a successful Kickstarter project. Light’s products focus on essential functionalities such as calls, texts, maps, and basic utilities, while deliberately excluding features like social media, internet browsing, and other potentially addictive applications. The goal is to provide a simpler, less intrusive phone experience that encourages users to “go light.”
