If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve been striving to simplify my digital life for almost a year now. I’ve experimented with various dumb phones, including the Nokia 6300 and had my eyes on the Light Phone 2. Unfortunately, the Light Phone 2 wasn’t available for use in Europe, but everything has changed this week with the announcement of the Light Phone 3!
Why the Light Phone 3 Is a Big Deal
The Light Phone 3 has taken a significant step forward by offering global capabilities, making it usable worldwide. This is a huge improvement over its predecessor, the Light Phone 2. Originally, I was drawn to the Light Phone for its e-ink display, which is fantastic for reducing eye strain, especially for someone visually impaired like myself. However, the Light Phone 3 is moving towards an OLED display with a matte screen. This change might disappoint some e-ink enthusiasts, but I find the matte OLED screen to be a viable alternative, reducing reflections and maintaining a minimalist, distraction-free experience.
Design and Display
The Light Phone 3 has a wider display than its predecessor to enhance the texting experience—a response to user feedback about the Light Phone 2. While this new form factor may not be as pocket-friendly, it should make typing easier for frequent texters. The device’s design has shifted from a timeless minimalist aesthetic to a more industrial, masculine look, reminiscent of my Mechen MP3 player. It’s made from aluminum, glass, and recycled plastic, featuring a bottom row of speaker/microphone grills, which I hope won’t become dust magnets.
*Camera and Navigation
One of the most notable changes is the addition of front (8MP) and rear (50MP) cameras. While a 50MP camera might seem excessive for a minimalist phone, it likely caters to user demand. The device features a navigation wheel on the left, which is practical but needs to be tested for resistance and feedback. On the back, four screws allow for easy battery replacement—a major plus for those who value repairability.
Additional Features
The Light Phone 3 also includes a power button with a fingerprint scanner at the top, volume buttons, a menu button, and a shutter button on the right side. It uses a USB-C charger, aligning with European standards, and boasts significant internal upgrades, including 128GB of storage, 5G and 4G LTE compatibility, physical nano SIM, and eSIM capabilities. With an 1800 mAh battery and NFC capabilities, this device is designed to be future-proof.
Pricing and Availability
The Light Phone 3 is available for pre-order at $399 until July 15th, after which it will be priced at $799. It’s set to ship in January 2025. While the price is steep, especially compared to the Light Phone 2 at $299, it offers new features like a camera and removable battery.
Final Thoughts
Would I order the Light Phone 3? A year ago, when I was desperate to break free from my smartphone addiction, I might have. Now, having developed better digital habits, I choose devices based on essential features and affordability. While the Light Phone 3 is interesting, I still prefer the Light Phone 2 for its e-ink display, design, and compact form factor. Cameras aren’t essential in my daily life.
What do you think of the Light Phone 3? Are you going to preorder it? Let me know in the comments below!
00:00 Introduction
00:07 My digital minimalism journey
01:15 Reaction to the Light Phone III
01:35 The display
03:14 The speakers
03:57 The wheel
04:30 The battery
05:07 The camera
06:27 Fingerprinter reader
06:39 Device dimensions
07:29 Addition features & specifications
09:14 The price
10:20 My opinion
Light Phone III website https://www.thelightphone.com/lightiii
#LightPhone3 #MinimalistPhone #DigitalMinimalism #TechReview #LightPhone
Информация по комментариям в разработке