Light Phone Release Light Phone 3 Fail

 

Light Phone have produced the latest model of their minimalist tech device, the Light Phone 3, or III.  As the title of this entry suggests, we are not impressed.

Light Phone'e manifesto was a premium, pared back, minimalist communications device.  One which was light in both features, and in physical dimensions.  The Light Phone 2 is a testament to this, being just 95mm x 55mm x 8.5mm, and weighing just 78 grams.  It's features were also very light, yet essential, of just an alarm, GPS, basic music player, calendar, and podcasts, and phone and text only for communications.

The 3 however, is 72mm x 104mm x 12mm, and weighs 124g, and has video calling, a camera, and will incorporate NFC technology and AI.  Considering it costs £350 for pre order, and then will cost £600, they are asking the same money that an iPhone 14 costs, for a device that weighs nearly the same as an iPhone SE, and has far less functionality, and is slightly larger by width and depth.  The counterargument is "thats the point it's supposed to have less".  However, this fails, because by incorporating a camera there is an explicit acknowledgment that the minimalist phone idea is a bad one. 

There is another, underlying issue, with purchasing a luxury device that has "a few less" features, as opposed to the stripped back minimalism of the Light Phone 2.  Users are broadcasting to the world that they lack self-conrol to simply not use the apps that they consider "bad".  It's essentially an advert that users are weak, and incapable of controlling their urges.  Now the counter is all minimalist phone's have this problem, but that's not right.  

There's a real use case for the ultra minimal Light Phone 2, or a clamshell phone than many choose to opt for.  It's good for children, with the essentials for emergencies.   It can be a genuine second phone when you don't want to be disturbed.  Or it can be for when you go to places your primary smartphone might be at risk of being stolen.  Or even if you want to travel "light" due to the 2's ultra-compact design.  

All of this goes out the window with the Light Phone 3.  The camera makes it not safe enough for children.  The size and weight make it impractical for being "lightweight".  And the high costs makes it no real improvement on loosing a iPhone 14, and worse in fact than keeping an iPhone SE. In short, as the title said, Light Phone 3 Fail.