Light Phone 3: Minimalist smartphone coming in March
The Light Phone 3 presents itself as an environmentally friendly and low-distraction alternative to the smartphones of the masses. The launch is imminent.
The US start-up Light is launching its third cell phone on the market: like its two predecessors, the Light Phone 3 presents itself as an ascetic smartphone alternative that does not constantly distract users with social media apps and is also designed to be durable and therefore environmentally friendly.
Light announced its Light Phone 3 last summer, but the market launch announced for the end of 2024 was delayed. The manufacturer is now targeting March 27 as the launch date. The phone will also be available to buy in Europe, but according to Light, an additional delay of a few weeks is to be expected.
Tools instead of apps
The Light Phone 3 runs LightOS, the manufacturer's own operating system. You cannot download apps for it. Instead, you select a range of tools that are displayed on the device's home screen. These include basic cell phone functions such as making calls, viewing the calendar and setting the alarm clock.
Light has nevertheless integrated some additional features –, such as a podcast player and map navigation. These applications are displayed on a pure black and white screen. The predecessor still had an energy-saving e-ink display, but manufacturer Light has now switched to an AMOLED screen. It is 3.92 inches in size and has a resolution of 1080 × 1240 pixels.
Videos by heise
With camera for the first time
There are also two new cameras, which the predecessors lacked: A selfie camera and another camera on the back. Light is deliberately lowering expectations: The cell phone is not intended to take the best snapshots. Instead, you should be able to use the camera to scan QR codes, for example.
(Image:Â Light)
In general, Light is trying not to pay too much attention to the inner workings of the cell phone – The Light Phone 3 is not interested in competing in technology, writes the manufacturer. The heart of the phone is a Qualcomm SM 4450, which is supported by 6 GB of RAM. The internal memory is 128 GB and the battery has 1800 mAh. Overall, the small cell phone measures just 106 x 71.5 x 12 millimeters and weighs 124 grams.
Light's cell phone alternative is not really cheap: the Light Phone 3 currently costs 600 US dollars for pre-orders, while the regular price is expected to be 800 US dollars.
(dahe)
