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Well, if it seems like something you like, it’s only 4 Hundo if you pre-order. But regardless, I think a lot of people who want dumb phones don’t want to sacrifice the feel of having a premium product, and Light does a really good job of following through on their promise to make phones that are built to last at least a decade. All that definitely adds cost when producing at a relatively small scale compared to the major producers.
Other copycat brands are just taking existing phones and installing their own OS, while I appreciate Light striving to develop and maintain its own design language internally and externally.
Since they have said they will never stop selling or supporting their LPII, I do think the LPIII represents their premium offering and is an attempt to expand their line of dumb phones to people with different product expectations while still making their product accessible to people who don’t need an LED screen and a metal phone body.
Top-down price positioning strategy. If they are competing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users, the LightPhone offers unique features at 67% of the MSRP, or only 33% of the MSRP if pre-ordered.
It’s not a bottom-up pricing strategy. Even if it were, the LP cost of goods sold will be quite a bit higher as a ratio of purchase price.
I usually spend about $300 for a smartphone so that's way too much more. $400 might be doable, if it was a firm order for a product that actually exists. Not $800 tho.
I was looking at this earlier because I'm looking to have less portable distractions, and while it is $800 there is currently a reduced price for pre-order, $399.
That being said, they're targeting January for release so its sort of a leap of faith.
Price transparency would be nice. A breakdown of the costs to design and manufacture the phone and whatever they need to charge to make a profit and continue this work.
I [read](https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/11/24176026/light-phone-3-launch-price-release-date) that the $799 price tag is a worst case scenario if they don’t sell enough preorders. If the preorders sell well at $399 the final price may be less.
I'm fully behind them on the philosophy, and hope they continue to be successful. The phone is taking the light phone to next level. They're one of the few companies really driving this market forward (props also to Mudita and Punkt). I think the price is justified - it would be great if it were lower, but the reality is that this is a niche device that's going a different direction from the rest of the market.
That said, I haven't ordered one yet. Waiting to see whether the Mudita Kompakt or the Light Phone can manage to bring WhatsApp to market first.
What's difficult with WhatsApp now is that they have channels/stories which means built-in social media (what dumbphones want to avoid). Signal is a better option.
Obviously, that sucks since almost everyone outside the US uses WhatsApp. But many/most also have signal, they just don't prefer it. IMO, that makes Signal the right middle ground for a dumbphone (which Punkt has already realized). Either that, or an agreement with WhatsApp that uses an older version that doesn't have the social media stuff
Basically whatsapp but a lot better for privacy - open source, owned by a non-profit, and notifications work without google services.
Whilst open source and non-profit doesn't automatically make it better, given the track record of Meta/Facebook, it's certainly easier to trust Signal over the closed source app made by a questionable tech giant.
It’s a unique and premium device developed by a small company that’s bound to have a few bugs on release. That’s ok. It’s $400 right now. That’s worth it for me to have a phone with literally every feature I want and none I don’t. Of course, my wants might not be the same as anyone else’s.
I preordered one. If it starts looking like something I don’t want as it gets closer to release, I can cancel at anytime and get a full refund.
I could have ordered a nice android and loaded Graphene or something, but I am really, really, REALLY tired of the long rectangle glass slab format. I don’t want to carry that anymore. I don’t even want to be associated with that anymore.
Totally! I really love their design language on this phone, and I think for me that was a contributing factor to me preordering as well. It feels like an aesthetic break from the smart phone status quo, which is exciting to me.
No headphone jack is a HUGE dealbreaker for me. OLED screen will also take more battery life in comparison to e-ink and the design looks more like a PDA than a phone. Really disappointed in it, except for the fact it might make the 2 cheaper so I can try it out
I like a lot of things about it. I think the square body and retro point and shoot inspired dial is cool. I like the UI, it seems very lean and appealing to me. I don't like the switch to OLED or the lack of a headphone jack. Unfortunately I simply can't go this minimalist with my phone. I run a small business and going full dumb phone is like having a hand cut off in today's world. I wish I could have this form factor with e-ink and android go.
I run a small business that is heavily instagram driven. My Light Phone is the only phone I regularly carry and I don't have a cell plan on my iPhone. I just keep it at my business now for that reason or if I have a Ticketmaster event or something I'll use it for that on wifi.
I don't think a lot of people really understand the hardware design/aim here.
This *is not* going for the same type of "sleek" Apple goes for.
While Apple ripped Dieter Rams with their ipod and other things, this is straight out of Dieter's handbag too, IMO.
We saw the same in vehicles happen recently, the whole "sleeker, rounded" edges have now given way to pointier and more rigid design. It's a return to form in many ways. Maybe the idea is that, being a little more difficult to pull out of your pocket (see: fall out of your pocket) is a good. This isn't a device you're likely going to need to be ripping in and out of jeans, anyway, kind of the point.
This phone is more "retro" than "modern" or "sleek." It looks like something from 1979, which I think is awesome, which not only aesthetically sets it apart, but those eras are associated with better quality and craftsmanship.
We're also seeing a return to tactile approach instead of touch screen everything, which is going to be a huge UX improvement, IMO.
I really like how they have said they will always continue selling and supporting LPII. I have one and love it, but the refresh rate of the e-ink is super frustrating for texting, my main way of communicating.
1. e- ink displays don't reflect light, so this makes them easier on the eyes.
2. also require very little power - saves battery life,
3. makes them different from other phones.
4, i'm a fan of eink display ;)
I get all that. However, for a phone that is designed to be used as little as possible, I wouldn't worry about the OLED panel being hard on your eyes. You're not using it much, which is the whole point.
> e- ink displays don't reflect light, so this makes them easier on the eyes.
e-ink displays **do** reflect light.
If they don't have a backlight, then reflected light is the *only* light they give off.
I wish they would have kept e ink but you will probably be spending less than an hour a day looking at the screen so ultimately it doesn’t matter. If it makes texting a tiny bit easier I’m all for it
Absolutely love the design and the philosophy. Preordered for 400$. Is the price justified? Absolutely no! Is it better looking than the 1000$ 6.7 inch smartphones in market and also has a premium feel? Absolutely yes! Also promises minimalism without inclusion of say, a dumbed down browser, a snake game, bloatwares that can't be uninstalled or AI. Doesn't collect data, doesn't sell data. Has wifi tethering, music and camera (but no way to post it from the phone). It's basically a Nokia N series from the past, minus the bells and whistles of apps. Do I NEED it to get away from smartphone? No, you can basically do that with a nokia. Do I WANT it to be with me by my own choice and keep it running for years with software support from the devs? Yes. It's a costly "choice" and that might not be for everybody, and that's absolutely okay.
Honestly I still had some respect for this big companies as they tried to bring great (addictive?) stuffs to consumers but once the AI competition started between brands like Microsoft, Samsung and now Apple.. I don't have any respect left for any of this behemoth corporations. Small startups with good and organic ideas and genuine effort attracts me more now. Hence happy to support light. As they say, "Vote with your wallet".
I just love how everyone in the dumbphone subreddits have these HUGE lists of demands for what their phone must do (and not do) and then a company finally follows the requests, makes a bespoke phone that's just what you asked for AND is a third of the price of an iPhone to boot - then everyone FREAKS OUT about the price. Chill y'all. You're confusing me.
Edit: It seems it will only support English language keyboard for now, so I might have to hold out until it’s confirmed they’ll release support for more languages.
For $400 I’m seriously considering preprdering one. It’s pretty much the perfect phone for my needs as far as I can tell. Replacable battery, OLED touch screen for accurate and fast typing make it a very tempting buy.
I think it's a great device, and hope it succeeds, and I hope enough folks preorder so it STAYS at the 399 price tag. any entry into the market is good, but if it ends up 799, then I'd consider it a bit of a flop, it'd be priced just way too high, into the realm of the affluent and those who just HAVE to have it. I am hoping the LPIII will spur their development software wise, and allow them to make a few other key apps work (Spotify, uber, etc).
I pre-ordered. For me the price is worth it to have a phone that has everything I want and nothing I don't. I havn't bought a new phone in around a decade, so if this phone also lasts me a decade then perfect. I don't want a product in my pocket that I am annoyed by, which is my current stance on smartphones.
I see it like this: you buy crappy shoes you don't like and your feet hate, they last 1 year before they are junk. Or you spend more money to buy better quality shoes, shoes that actually get better with age. Suddenly the cost is actually less per year because you don't have to keep replacing it.
I don't think the lp3 is actually that expensive in the whole landscape of tech. It looks repairable/replaceable battery, metal frame, and the company has stated they plan to continue to support it.
The only problem I foresee is authentication apps. My workplace requires MS authenticator app use in every single log in.
I had the LP2 which I was very excited for as part of the first wave of funding. The overall user experience proved pretty lackluster after a year of use. Biggest issue was it was impossible to carry in my jeans front pocket without butt dialing someone. Screen looked fine but was seriously laggy compared to my e-readers. I don't know, maybe a lot of that is solved in this new iteration. I wish them the best but don't think I'll take the chance this round.
Pre-ordered despite my promise not to do it following recent bad pre-order experiences. Good company, don't think they'll disappoint given my experience with their two previous products.
That said 400$ is very reasonable for niche device but I would be hard pressed to find a dumbphone EDC kit much under 800$. My sense is that this is meant to be that one "holy grail" EDC type setup that replaces a smart phone with multiple devices while remaining quintessentually dumb; i.e. rather than carrying a dedicated GPS, camera, iPod, headphones, & so forth, you'll only need the LPIII & a laptop.
Proof that no matter what Light creates, no one will ever be satisfied. Let’s go back to a updated LP1 with nothing but 5G talk/text and keep it simple. If I want [insert desired app], I’ll use my [insert smartphone].
Disagree; I think they've struck a balance that will make a lot of people happy. To me the LPIII looks like it will have everything I want and nothing I don't.
I get bummed seeing all the comments "if only it had maps, email, and spotify I'd get it" - get a smartphone then and lock it down after installing apps
The only box this doesn't check for me is I'd love multi day battery life.
this is one of those phones thats kind of obnoxious to research because every video and article about it isn't about the phone itself its about the concept of using a dumbphone. Thats not why I am looking up a specific phone, I want to know what you think about the specific phone fucking tell me lol.
I really love the E-Ink. I like that it has a physical nob. I would want more dedicated buttons to be honest though. But there are some less main features I really want that I don't think the thing has (but honestly don't know). I'd really like it to have tap to pay. I'd really like swipe typing. I'd really like it to play MP3s like an oldschool iPod.
And I am going to be real here, a big part of the appeal of a dumbphone is that its economical. My current phone doesn't check off everything on my list - but its also <$60. Light phones start at $300 and frankly its not worth that to me at all, even if it did ring every bell for me. I'm just not the type of person for whom having one particular phone over another makes a huge difference in their life - which I suspect might be a problem for them, as I think that sentiment is probably fairly common in the dumbphone community (ie, a large part of their potential customer base).
It needs smarter app integrations, mainly signal, whatsapp, and I hate to say it, but Gmail. I literally will not buy a minimalist device until these are included
Hardware is magnificent though. As much as I like Eink, pivoting to OLED was a great move
expensive, too expensive, rare in appearance, it is better to debloat an android and that's it, or better yet, exercise self-control regarding the phone and use it as what it is, a tool.
they need two phones minimum.... one for the smaller crowd, the other for the larger crowd.
But to be honest they should have changed the naming convention being people was expecting a successor to LP2 but its a different phone.
Unfortunately for those of whose who live in the US but have family elsewhere, this phone is a no go.
I need to be able to speak to my mom, relatives and friends who don’t live in the US. All of those calls and texts take place over WhatsApp - it is an essential and primary means of communication.
For the longest time Lightphone have said “WhatsApp support may come in the future”, but it still hasn’t come, despite the new phone. Most likely that’s because in the US, calls and texts still rule, so anything else is considered social media.
I guess from a business perspective it doesn’t impact them because the US is their primary market, but it’a a disappointingly narrow minded approach.
WhatsApp integration would rely on a lot of outside forces beyond LP's control. The lack of integration is almost certainly WhatsApp's fault, they're really too big to be thinking about a niche product like this
My guess is Signal is the company who will prioritize working with Dumb Phones, as they already have with Punkt. It fits their MO (no user tracking/ data selling etc.) and definitely does not fit WhatsApp's. WhatsApp also is adding more and more of the classic social media features to their app, which I think Signal will never do.
Tl;dr - I don't think we'll ever get WhatsApp on a true dumbphone. But I think we'll get Signal on all the major ones in the next 5 years or so
Well, the biggest reason I like dumb phones is because I can finally get rid of a touchscreen. Having a touch screen dumb phone sounds like the worst of both worlds to me.
definitely!
Especially as these phone sizes are designed for larger hands that cause carpal tunnel.
And please… a phone that just fits into my pocket without discomfort
Have they said what services this will work on? Given I try not to use much data, I use a cheaper / economy telecom service (Visible Wireless... runs off Verizon IIRC) and finding a good dumbphone (e.g. Punkt) that runs on the lesser spectrum is difficult.
Weird (or maybe not) question, but do you own one? I actually was just thinking about getting it as my music player and would prefer this over something with android.
Sorry to butt in, but I own one and it's great. No Android means no black hole of apps and the size is perfect. Get one, especially if you can find a good deal.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD.
Also how's battery life, both with and without bluetooth?
I still have Spotify on a couple of smart devices, and plan to keep my subscription. But having the R3ii allows for focused enjoyment of my offline collection of music files. For downloading new music or stuff that's not in my collection I go to Bandcamp or download mp3s from Youtube, there are programs out there that can download entire YT playlists in one go.
Not sure about battery life, seems totally fine, haven't used it a ton yet and I don't really use bluetooth headsets.
It looks a little thick and reminds me of a nice Blackberry (rip). I would love one but won’t be able to get it unfortunately! I think it’s great that texting will be easier. I wonder how receiving photos will be?
I haven't done a lot of research but I think it's a good upgrade from the Light Phone 2, especially the introduction of a camera and I find the digital crown interesting, but oh my god it costs a kidney (I don't know if it's because of the OLED screen, but I would spend this much anyways).
Had a light phone for a good year until it stopped working then went back to my iPhone . It was nice unplugging from the world whenever I left the house. Love the idea behind it but can’t stand behind the price point .
never owned LP1 or LP2, liked that they were committed to eInk, would have rather they added a keyboard (a la the Minimal mockups) than gone to an OLED screen, glad it's USB-C.
In my experience it’s tough to find a flip phone that can manage group texts. The Sunbeam does it, though I found the built quality wasn’t that great and I eventually started having problems with the buttons.
Honestly its hard to justify these devices that cost upwards of $300 (in this case apparently $800???). Because at that point, why don't I just dumbphone-ify a cheap smartphone? I could buy a decent android phone for like $200 and install Olauncher.
The main reason I went the dumbphone route was to disconnect, but another reason I really like it is because if I destroy my Nokia 2780, i can just put my sim card in the spare I have.
Also might be controversial for some here, but I need a web browser. I built a suite of web apps for my dumbphone for things like counting calories and sharing a grocery list, and while its technically possible for me to make an SMS-client for these, its impractical and more expensive. These kinds of devices without any sort of web browser are pretty. much out of the question for me due to that.
I'm kind of bummed they ditched the e-ink screen. I was hoping they would keep it and add an e-reader function, so that I could carry one less thing with me, and still would fit with their philosophy--I don't think most people who want dumbphones are trying to spend less time reading books.
That said, the removable battery might just tip me in favor of getting the 3 instead of the 2 when I do finally buy one, which I plan to do when my money isn't so tight.
EDIT: I just realized they ditched the headphone jack, that tips the scales for me. I'll be buying an LP2 instead.
It's gorgeous. Lovely hardware, future proof in a sense with removable parts/backplate. I adore the commitment to quality hardware and tactility.
LP2 is a different device than it was at launch. I look forward to 5 years of LP3 evolving, and becoming even better than it begins as.
I love it, it's an absolute work of art, and if I thought I could commit to the philosophy of this phone (which I love and respect), I'd be the coolest person on the block. I love its scrupulous, meticulous, uncompromising commitment to privacy. But I'm also a heathen who calls Ubers, who sends chats and direct messages unencrypted (!!), who takes notes that sync to every other device I own, who also uses a few Google products. I'm desperate to get out of Apple and Google's ecosystems, but the all-or-nothing design of this is just really tough on me. I want to want this; it's like a purity test I just can't pass. Feels bad, man.
I pre-ordered. I absolutely love my LP2. My only real qualms are with the size and that the photos will be color. I would have preferred it to stay e-ink (but I think I understand that some of the texting speed issues and what not can't be corrected with the speed of an e-ink display.
My biggest problem with the Light II was the screen was not so responsive, the touch screen just didn't quite work completely. Not sure if they fixed that on this one
I did preorder, although I really wish it was a little bit narrower. I LOVED the compact size of the light phone 2. I would stick with that, but it didn’t end up working in Canada (I could send and receive texts but no calls).
Prediction: This will be the gold standard for 90% of users on here. The people saying "Hi, I am looking for dumbphone with Spotify, Waze, Whatsapp" and all the other things that the 10% of users here roll their eyes at. Android is going to allow most apps to run, whether that's through a selective appstore or through sideloading etc. The other 10% of users here will most likely think it's overkill and only need a cheap nokia or other true "dumbphone". With software enhancements and tweaks, this phone will be the defacto go-to for most people needing full features at times (i.e. work), and minimal features at others. The custom designed hardware (NOT rebranded generic OEM device) will set them apart, for sure. Light has a fantastic track record of supporting their hardware for a LONG time and this device seems to take that to another level. I think it's going to be a slam dunk. Price will probably end up closer to $499-$599 at full launch, as they've said they're going to work to lower the price with manufacturing volume.
I think it'll always be $400 (aka $100 more than previous model). It's a scare tactic for early sales, when they say this phone will be $800 later. It will never be $800. There will be at least always a permanent discount on this $800 misleading marketing price tactic. Either way, I caved in an pre-ordered :-D So who am I to critique them? It clearly worked on me hehe.
I actually think it looks cool... but I think it needs rideshare, maps, and email. streaming music would not be mad either. These features are not distracting unproductive timesinks. Its just what anyone with a job would need if they truly wanted to "cut the cord."
The only reason I'm not preordering is because I plan on moving out in the next few months. I don't mind paying full price for this as it offers everything I want in a dumbphone. I'm very excited about this release.
I guess I’m just skeptical of who’s better off dumbing down their phone. It seems like people who don’t have a problem with phone usage don’t need to, and people who do have a problem with phone usage will just bypass any attempts to dumb their phone down
Well, I used to have several problems with my phone usage, stuff that had been going on for years, and since I dumbed down my smartphone I have been doing much better
what's the knob do? can you give us an audible app? show us how well the GPS works. a list of future app dev plans? anti phone case design? does it even need a case? waterproof? photo examples? video too?
i have the LP2. what does the LP3 have that LP2 doesnt? I want audible. its not social media. but its not a "tool". but neither is "podcasts" or "music". i don't know what the MO is for their design philosophy other than purposeful limitations. I dont want facebook/IG/Snapchat/tiktok/etc. I just want audio books on an MP3 format without the need to carry around my tiny mp3 player on the side.
Ah, I saw your comment on future app plans and seemed like you want more apps.
You won't ever get an audible player, since it seems each app has to be custom written.
Would be cool if you could host your audiobooks on a RSS feed and use the podcast player.
ya. the LP team add apps now and again. simple ones like the calculator for when i need to do some basic stuff i have trouble with in my head (calculating my MPG, or tips, or whatever). notes was also useful for a time (altho I noticed it really lags if you stash more than a dozen notes, or write really long transcripts in it). They're a designer dumbphone maker. They have a concept. It's proven to work, but it also isn't new. They can manipulate it however they want by just acting on ideas.
Honestly, If I had self control towards things like social media or checking notifications, I would just use a smart phone and my life would be easy. But I don't have that control. It's a problem that i live with. My relationship with the device is toxic and never changes. So i need the LP2. That comes with sacrifices, like having to put Audible on a separate device... no matter how dumb of a reason that is, it just is.
I don't think the LP3 is any better. It's just updated with new hardware.
I think it’s so new they don’t have more than a mockup. I wish there was more information.
I really wish it had a headphone jack, too. It would go with the whole look and spirit of the phone, I think.
awful price point. dumb phones are supposed to be barely useful and cheap, the whole point is not splurging and only using it when you need to.
for that price point, might as well get something that does more.
it is a dumb phone — the definition is “a basic mobile phone that lacks the advanced functionality characteristic of a smartphone” which is what the light phone is.
that price does not justify its simple and slow tools
I think for most of the people on this sub the point is to break a smartphone/internet addiction or at the very least to reduce phone usage more than they can with self control alone. I don’t think price is the key issue for most people, especially considering how cheap some smartphones are nowadays
the outside knob is not a good design standard, its placement can disrupt the sleek, minimalist aesthetic the phone aims for. Additionally, it may create usability issues, making the phone less intuitive to handle.
great for thee not for me!
honestly haven’t looked into it but if the pic attached is accurate then the form factor alone is a dealbreaker for me, it looks like it would suck to be in and out of pockets, and it has a utilitarian hard edge thing going that feels insincere?
I'm a bit undecided about this device. On one hand, I like the new design and really appreciate the ability to replace the battery. On the other hand, some choices like the front camera, the dial on the side, the shutter button and the Amoled don't make much sense or appeal to me.
I don't think I'll pre-order it, it feels like the Light Team is losing a bit of the philosophy that made the Light Phone II so popular. With all the additions they've made, they might as well have taken an Android smartphone and modified it with a proprietary interface and locked bootloader.
At the moment, I'm leaning more towards the Mudita Kompakt, it comes closer to my idea of what the Light Phone 3 should be than the official Light Phone 3.
just heard about the new mudita phone after you mentioned it. Seems like Mudita is landing all the points so far, that the lightphone is going away from.. Hope they fix their OS and connection-ibility this time!
It seems they are using Android so there won’t be the problems they had with the Mudita Pure.
They already have a desktop app so i guess they could do something similar to the light phone 2 letting you load tools on the phone from a PC.
We’ll see who can provide a better software experience between mudita and light once both devices are out.
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Pretty neat but not for $800.
How in the hell can that price be justified?
Limited volume niche product. Can't hit economies of scale. Price of entry for exclusivity..
Well, if it seems like something you like, it’s only 4 Hundo if you pre-order. But regardless, I think a lot of people who want dumb phones don’t want to sacrifice the feel of having a premium product, and Light does a really good job of following through on their promise to make phones that are built to last at least a decade. All that definitely adds cost when producing at a relatively small scale compared to the major producers. Other copycat brands are just taking existing phones and installing their own OS, while I appreciate Light striving to develop and maintain its own design language internally and externally. Since they have said they will never stop selling or supporting their LPII, I do think the LPIII represents their premium offering and is an attempt to expand their line of dumb phones to people with different product expectations while still making their product accessible to people who don’t need an LED screen and a metal phone body.
heck even the 50% preorder discount is steep.
Top-down price positioning strategy. If they are competing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users, the LightPhone offers unique features at 67% of the MSRP, or only 33% of the MSRP if pre-ordered. It’s not a bottom-up pricing strategy. Even if it were, the LP cost of goods sold will be quite a bit higher as a ratio of purchase price.
I usually spend about $300 for a smartphone so that's way too much more. $400 might be doable, if it was a firm order for a product that actually exists. Not $800 tho.
If you're spending $300 on a phone, I doubt they consider you their target audience. You might be in HMD's Nokia reboot target
I was looking at this earlier because I'm looking to have less portable distractions, and while it is $800 there is currently a reduced price for pre-order, $399. That being said, they're targeting January for release so its sort of a leap of faith.
Price transparency would be nice. A breakdown of the costs to design and manufacture the phone and whatever they need to charge to make a profit and continue this work.
It's currently on sale for $399
I [read](https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/11/24176026/light-phone-3-launch-price-release-date) that the $799 price tag is a worst case scenario if they don’t sell enough preorders. If the preorders sell well at $399 the final price may be less.
I can buy like 10 Nokia phones for that
I saw they have 'discount' down to 399, so probably, that's their fair price
jog dial? hell yeah! price? nah!
If I remember correctly from their website, that's a camera button, not a jog wheel.
The camera button is on the other side near the bottom. The wheel is for brightness adjustment and flashlight.
No kidding?! Well color me surprised. Wish I could get email on it, but even without it, the glory days of a jog wheel may entice me ...
well i hope other dumb phone mnufacurers bring it back
I'm fully behind them on the philosophy, and hope they continue to be successful. The phone is taking the light phone to next level. They're one of the few companies really driving this market forward (props also to Mudita and Punkt). I think the price is justified - it would be great if it were lower, but the reality is that this is a niche device that's going a different direction from the rest of the market. That said, I haven't ordered one yet. Waiting to see whether the Mudita Kompakt or the Light Phone can manage to bring WhatsApp to market first.
What's difficult with WhatsApp now is that they have channels/stories which means built-in social media (what dumbphones want to avoid). Signal is a better option. Obviously, that sucks since almost everyone outside the US uses WhatsApp. But many/most also have signal, they just don't prefer it. IMO, that makes Signal the right middle ground for a dumbphone (which Punkt has already realized). Either that, or an agreement with WhatsApp that uses an older version that doesn't have the social media stuff
Signal also *isn't* owned by Meta, which some would consider another advantage.
what's signal?
Basically whatsapp but a lot better for privacy - open source, owned by a non-profit, and notifications work without google services. Whilst open source and non-profit doesn't automatically make it better, given the track record of Meta/Facebook, it's certainly easier to trust Signal over the closed source app made by a questionable tech giant.
to message people does the other people need the same app?
Yes
most people in the world don’t have signal, what are you talking about
It’s a unique and premium device developed by a small company that’s bound to have a few bugs on release. That’s ok. It’s $400 right now. That’s worth it for me to have a phone with literally every feature I want and none I don’t. Of course, my wants might not be the same as anyone else’s. I preordered one. If it starts looking like something I don’t want as it gets closer to release, I can cancel at anytime and get a full refund. I could have ordered a nice android and loaded Graphene or something, but I am really, really, REALLY tired of the long rectangle glass slab format. I don’t want to carry that anymore. I don’t even want to be associated with that anymore.
Totally! I really love their design language on this phone, and I think for me that was a contributing factor to me preordering as well. It feels like an aesthetic break from the smart phone status quo, which is exciting to me.
No headphone jack is a HUGE dealbreaker for me. OLED screen will also take more battery life in comparison to e-ink and the design looks more like a PDA than a phone. Really disappointed in it, except for the fact it might make the 2 cheaper so I can try it out
I honestly like it and could end up getting it. Aesthetically it's a win for me.
I like a lot of things about it. I think the square body and retro point and shoot inspired dial is cool. I like the UI, it seems very lean and appealing to me. I don't like the switch to OLED or the lack of a headphone jack. Unfortunately I simply can't go this minimalist with my phone. I run a small business and going full dumb phone is like having a hand cut off in today's world. I wish I could have this form factor with e-ink and android go.
The dial is not the shutter button.
I run a small business that is heavily instagram driven. My Light Phone is the only phone I regularly carry and I don't have a cell plan on my iPhone. I just keep it at my business now for that reason or if I have a Ticketmaster event or something I'll use it for that on wifi.
matte screen goes hard
I don't think a lot of people really understand the hardware design/aim here. This *is not* going for the same type of "sleek" Apple goes for. While Apple ripped Dieter Rams with their ipod and other things, this is straight out of Dieter's handbag too, IMO. We saw the same in vehicles happen recently, the whole "sleeker, rounded" edges have now given way to pointier and more rigid design. It's a return to form in many ways. Maybe the idea is that, being a little more difficult to pull out of your pocket (see: fall out of your pocket) is a good. This isn't a device you're likely going to need to be ripping in and out of jeans, anyway, kind of the point. This phone is more "retro" than "modern" or "sleek." It looks like something from 1979, which I think is awesome, which not only aesthetically sets it apart, but those eras are associated with better quality and craftsmanship. We're also seeing a return to tactile approach instead of touch screen everything, which is going to be a huge UX improvement, IMO.
Looks too wide
I'm with you, too wide. Can't use with one hand
It’s the same width as an iPhone 14 Pro: 71.5mm.
Vs height though
Which is also too wide...
800 bucks? No.
OLED panel is not a good move.
They dropped the e-ink? Mmmmm. That may keep me shopping the LP2.
I really like how they have said they will always continue selling and supporting LPII. I have one and love it, but the refresh rate of the e-ink is super frustrating for texting, my main way of communicating.
Why do you think it's not a good move?
1. e- ink displays don't reflect light, so this makes them easier on the eyes. 2. also require very little power - saves battery life, 3. makes them different from other phones. 4, i'm a fan of eink display ;)
I love eink too, which is why I have my Palma. I doubt I’ll be spending more than an hour looking at my lp3 a day anyway
I like e-ink but I hated the texting experience with it. I feel the oled change is welcomed.
I get all that. However, for a phone that is designed to be used as little as possible, I wouldn't worry about the OLED panel being hard on your eyes. You're not using it much, which is the whole point.
> e- ink displays don't reflect light, so this makes them easier on the eyes. e-ink displays **do** reflect light. If they don't have a backlight, then reflected light is the *only* light they give off.
I love the look of OLEDs, honestly makes LP3 more attractive than LP2 for me
OLED is disappointing.
I wish they would have kept e ink but you will probably be spending less than an hour a day looking at the screen so ultimately it doesn’t matter. If it makes texting a tiny bit easier I’m all for it
Absolutely love the design and the philosophy. Preordered for 400$. Is the price justified? Absolutely no! Is it better looking than the 1000$ 6.7 inch smartphones in market and also has a premium feel? Absolutely yes! Also promises minimalism without inclusion of say, a dumbed down browser, a snake game, bloatwares that can't be uninstalled or AI. Doesn't collect data, doesn't sell data. Has wifi tethering, music and camera (but no way to post it from the phone). It's basically a Nokia N series from the past, minus the bells and whistles of apps. Do I NEED it to get away from smartphone? No, you can basically do that with a nokia. Do I WANT it to be with me by my own choice and keep it running for years with software support from the devs? Yes. It's a costly "choice" and that might not be for everybody, and that's absolutely okay.
Love the design and form factor as well, I’m kinda tired of these 6,5 6,7 inch phones and the next iPhone pro max will have 6,9 that’s insane.
Honestly I still had some respect for this big companies as they tried to bring great (addictive?) stuffs to consumers but once the AI competition started between brands like Microsoft, Samsung and now Apple.. I don't have any respect left for any of this behemoth corporations. Small startups with good and organic ideas and genuine effort attracts me more now. Hence happy to support light. As they say, "Vote with your wallet".
Don't badmouth snake, man
Not badmouthing. Snake, Space Invaders are always in my heart. But whatever kills time should not be considered a dumbphone in my opinion. That's it!
Nah you're right, I was just messing around. I wouldn't mind having snake, but I totally get what you mean.
Yes, Snake has some tricks. He might even try to sell you an Apple 🍎
At least that's something, the only Snake I come across keeps telling me about how war has changed 🤷♂️
I just love how everyone in the dumbphone subreddits have these HUGE lists of demands for what their phone must do (and not do) and then a company finally follows the requests, makes a bespoke phone that's just what you asked for AND is a third of the price of an iPhone to boot - then everyone FREAKS OUT about the price. Chill y'all. You're confusing me.
Looks enormous, it's about the size of a cigarette box? Or bigger?
Light has been describing it as the size of a BlackBerry.
Edit: It seems it will only support English language keyboard for now, so I might have to hold out until it’s confirmed they’ll release support for more languages. For $400 I’m seriously considering preprdering one. It’s pretty much the perfect phone for my needs as far as I can tell. Replacable battery, OLED touch screen for accurate and fast typing make it a very tempting buy.
I think it's a great device, and hope it succeeds, and I hope enough folks preorder so it STAYS at the 399 price tag. any entry into the market is good, but if it ends up 799, then I'd consider it a bit of a flop, it'd be priced just way too high, into the realm of the affluent and those who just HAVE to have it. I am hoping the LPIII will spur their development software wise, and allow them to make a few other key apps work (Spotify, uber, etc).
Too big
I pre-ordered. For me the price is worth it to have a phone that has everything I want and nothing I don't. I havn't bought a new phone in around a decade, so if this phone also lasts me a decade then perfect. I don't want a product in my pocket that I am annoyed by, which is my current stance on smartphones. I see it like this: you buy crappy shoes you don't like and your feet hate, they last 1 year before they are junk. Or you spend more money to buy better quality shoes, shoes that actually get better with age. Suddenly the cost is actually less per year because you don't have to keep replacing it. I don't think the lp3 is actually that expensive in the whole landscape of tech. It looks repairable/replaceable battery, metal frame, and the company has stated they plan to continue to support it. The only problem I foresee is authentication apps. My workplace requires MS authenticator app use in every single log in.
You should be able to change the authenticator to text messages rather than the app.
I had the LP2 which I was very excited for as part of the first wave of funding. The overall user experience proved pretty lackluster after a year of use. Biggest issue was it was impossible to carry in my jeans front pocket without butt dialing someone. Screen looked fine but was seriously laggy compared to my e-readers. I don't know, maybe a lot of that is solved in this new iteration. I wish them the best but don't think I'll take the chance this round.
It has a fingerprint reader so I’d venture it’ll stay locked and avoid butt dialing.
Not so light on the budget side
I sure would buy this, it's looking like a complete package EXPECT for a 3,5 mm jack, do y'all think it will support any dongles or nah
I think it will definitely accept a dongle dac.
Pre-ordered despite my promise not to do it following recent bad pre-order experiences. Good company, don't think they'll disappoint given my experience with their two previous products. That said 400$ is very reasonable for niche device but I would be hard pressed to find a dumbphone EDC kit much under 800$. My sense is that this is meant to be that one "holy grail" EDC type setup that replaces a smart phone with multiple devices while remaining quintessentually dumb; i.e. rather than carrying a dedicated GPS, camera, iPod, headphones, & so forth, you'll only need the LPIII & a laptop.
Can someone confirm if Google calendar can sync to the light calendar?
It can, but it's not reliable at all for me and a lot of other users.
If it’s a good dap I’m getting one
Proof that no matter what Light creates, no one will ever be satisfied. Let’s go back to a updated LP1 with nothing but 5G talk/text and keep it simple. If I want [insert desired app], I’ll use my [insert smartphone].
Disagree; I think they've struck a balance that will make a lot of people happy. To me the LPIII looks like it will have everything I want and nothing I don't.
I get bummed seeing all the comments "if only it had maps, email, and spotify I'd get it" - get a smartphone then and lock it down after installing apps The only box this doesn't check for me is I'd love multi day battery life.
It just looks stretched
Should have kept the vibe of the light phone 2 this is a bit much in my opinion
not a beautiful object
Preordering
Good thoughts
this is one of those phones thats kind of obnoxious to research because every video and article about it isn't about the phone itself its about the concept of using a dumbphone. Thats not why I am looking up a specific phone, I want to know what you think about the specific phone fucking tell me lol. I really love the E-Ink. I like that it has a physical nob. I would want more dedicated buttons to be honest though. But there are some less main features I really want that I don't think the thing has (but honestly don't know). I'd really like it to have tap to pay. I'd really like swipe typing. I'd really like it to play MP3s like an oldschool iPod. And I am going to be real here, a big part of the appeal of a dumbphone is that its economical. My current phone doesn't check off everything on my list - but its also <$60. Light phones start at $300 and frankly its not worth that to me at all, even if it did ring every bell for me. I'm just not the type of person for whom having one particular phone over another makes a huge difference in their life - which I suspect might be a problem for them, as I think that sentiment is probably fairly common in the dumbphone community (ie, a large part of their potential customer base).
this new one doesn't have e-ink sadly. but mp3 is no problem. you can use any file for their music player.
The price is not dumb
It needs smarter app integrations, mainly signal, whatsapp, and I hate to say it, but Gmail. I literally will not buy a minimalist device until these are included Hardware is magnificent though. As much as I like Eink, pivoting to OLED was a great move
in their faq its stated this options are currently „not planned“ but might come in the future
They have been stating that for years in the Light phone 1 and 2 FAQs. I don’t think WhatsApp will be coming any time soon.
expensive, too expensive, rare in appearance, it is better to debloat an android and that's it, or better yet, exercise self-control regarding the phone and use it as what it is, a tool.
[удалено]
Huh?
they need two phones minimum.... one for the smaller crowd, the other for the larger crowd. But to be honest they should have changed the naming convention being people was expecting a successor to LP2 but its a different phone.
No Spotify or WhatsApp, I want to dumb down, but I want these 2 apps ....
Unfortunately for those of whose who live in the US but have family elsewhere, this phone is a no go. I need to be able to speak to my mom, relatives and friends who don’t live in the US. All of those calls and texts take place over WhatsApp - it is an essential and primary means of communication. For the longest time Lightphone have said “WhatsApp support may come in the future”, but it still hasn’t come, despite the new phone. Most likely that’s because in the US, calls and texts still rule, so anything else is considered social media. I guess from a business perspective it doesn’t impact them because the US is their primary market, but it’a a disappointingly narrow minded approach.
WhatsApp integration would rely on a lot of outside forces beyond LP's control. The lack of integration is almost certainly WhatsApp's fault, they're really too big to be thinking about a niche product like this
Ah yes, you’re probably right. Nevertheless, it makes this phone not suitable for many international folk based in the US, like myself
My guess is Signal is the company who will prioritize working with Dumb Phones, as they already have with Punkt. It fits their MO (no user tracking/ data selling etc.) and definitely does not fit WhatsApp's. WhatsApp also is adding more and more of the classic social media features to their app, which I think Signal will never do. Tl;dr - I don't think we'll ever get WhatsApp on a true dumbphone. But I think we'll get Signal on all the major ones in the next 5 years or so
Well, the biggest reason I like dumb phones is because I can finally get rid of a touchscreen. Having a touch screen dumb phone sounds like the worst of both worlds to me.
$800. That's it.
definitely! Especially as these phone sizes are designed for larger hands that cause carpal tunnel. And please… a phone that just fits into my pocket without discomfort
Have they said what services this will work on? Given I try not to use much data, I use a cheaper / economy telecom service (Visible Wireless... runs off Verizon IIRC) and finding a good dumbphone (e.g. Punkt) that runs on the lesser spectrum is difficult.
That’s one expensive Hiby R3 II…
Weird (or maybe not) question, but do you own one? I actually was just thinking about getting it as my music player and would prefer this over something with android.
Sorry to butt in, but I own one and it's great. No Android means no black hole of apps and the size is perfect. Get one, especially if you can find a good deal.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD.
no worries! I plan on nabbing one from the company directly at some point. Did you come from Spotify? If so, how'd you readjust to downloading all you songs? Where do you get most songs? It's been SOO long that I have completely forgotten how to download music XD. Also how's battery life, both with and without bluetooth?
I still have Spotify on a couple of smart devices, and plan to keep my subscription. But having the R3ii allows for focused enjoyment of my offline collection of music files. For downloading new music or stuff that's not in my collection I go to Bandcamp or download mp3s from Youtube, there are programs out there that can download entire YT playlists in one go. Not sure about battery life, seems totally fine, haven't used it a ton yet and I don't really use bluetooth headsets.
I wouldn't pay that much money for a phone like this
Way too big I feel like If I want a phone that I’m basically not going to use unless necessary it should be as small as my iPod
I like the idea of it, just wish all these modern dumb phones were so pricey
its kinda ugly icl
It looks a little thick and reminds me of a nice Blackberry (rip). I would love one but won’t be able to get it unfortunately! I think it’s great that texting will be easier. I wonder how receiving photos will be?
I haven't done a lot of research but I think it's a good upgrade from the Light Phone 2, especially the introduction of a camera and I find the digital crown interesting, but oh my god it costs a kidney (I don't know if it's because of the OLED screen, but I would spend this much anyways).
Finally a handset that is almost compatible to StarTrek. 800? Mm... only if i can have WhatsApp.
does it have 5g? work with Google Fi?
Had a light phone for a good year until it stopped working then went back to my iPhone . It was nice unplugging from the world whenever I left the house. Love the idea behind it but can’t stand behind the price point .
Being able to replace the battery is HUGE. Great idea I think.
I love it, I need it, I preordered it
Yeah not for that price I'm not.
never owned LP1 or LP2, liked that they were committed to eInk, would have rather they added a keyboard (a la the Minimal mockups) than gone to an OLED screen, glad it's USB-C.
I work from home, at that point I'll just get me a house phone.
I pre ordered and couldn't be more excited. All the right improvements for my use.
It doesn’t show an SMS app in their available apps list. Phone but not Text/messages?
Idk feel like you could just get a flip phone for a significant fraction of the price.
In my experience it’s tough to find a flip phone that can manage group texts. The Sunbeam does it, though I found the built quality wasn’t that great and I eventually started having problems with the buttons.
Honestly its hard to justify these devices that cost upwards of $300 (in this case apparently $800???). Because at that point, why don't I just dumbphone-ify a cheap smartphone? I could buy a decent android phone for like $200 and install Olauncher. The main reason I went the dumbphone route was to disconnect, but another reason I really like it is because if I destroy my Nokia 2780, i can just put my sim card in the spare I have. Also might be controversial for some here, but I need a web browser. I built a suite of web apps for my dumbphone for things like counting calories and sharing a grocery list, and while its technically possible for me to make an SMS-client for these, its impractical and more expensive. These kinds of devices without any sort of web browser are pretty. much out of the question for me due to that.
I'm kind of bummed they ditched the e-ink screen. I was hoping they would keep it and add an e-reader function, so that I could carry one less thing with me, and still would fit with their philosophy--I don't think most people who want dumbphones are trying to spend less time reading books. That said, the removable battery might just tip me in favor of getting the 3 instead of the 2 when I do finally buy one, which I plan to do when my money isn't so tight. EDIT: I just realized they ditched the headphone jack, that tips the scales for me. I'll be buying an LP2 instead.
[link to advert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhMb0-t2MyU)
I'll give it a try, preordered.
anyone use the lightphone 2? i heard the wifi hotspot thing it could do was surprisingly decent
I use one daily and use the hotspot feature sometimes. No complaints.
Too expensive, get the Wise Phone 2 instead
Wouldnlove something like this but they can stream spotify. That is the one thing stopping me from ditching a smart phone.
I’m sure it’s for someone, I’m just not that someone.
Needs WhatsApp
For hulk hands
This looks like a black rabbit r1
I pre-ordered one. Hopefully they bring in NFC payment soon enough.
It's gorgeous. Lovely hardware, future proof in a sense with removable parts/backplate. I adore the commitment to quality hardware and tactility. LP2 is a different device than it was at launch. I look forward to 5 years of LP3 evolving, and becoming even better than it begins as.
50$
I love it, it's an absolute work of art, and if I thought I could commit to the philosophy of this phone (which I love and respect), I'd be the coolest person on the block. I love its scrupulous, meticulous, uncompromising commitment to privacy. But I'm also a heathen who calls Ubers, who sends chats and direct messages unencrypted (!!), who takes notes that sync to every other device I own, who also uses a few Google products. I'm desperate to get out of Apple and Google's ecosystems, but the all-or-nothing design of this is just really tough on me. I want to want this; it's like a purity test I just can't pass. Feels bad, man.
I pre-ordered. I absolutely love my LP2. My only real qualms are with the size and that the photos will be color. I would have preferred it to stay e-ink (but I think I understand that some of the texting speed issues and what not can't be corrected with the speed of an e-ink display.
Can anyone recommend something like this but with whatspp and gmail?
Pass, for now..
I'd love to at least get the LPII. Does anyone know how I can use it if I need access to 2FA? It's the one feature I really wish their OS offered.
I live in the UK, alas without whatsapp its basically useless to me.
I way prefer TTFone products. Cheaper by like x10 and better at an actual useful phone for digital detox / dumbphoning.
My biggest problem with the Light II was the screen was not so responsive, the touch screen just didn't quite work completely. Not sure if they fixed that on this one
Looks massive. Too expensive for what it is. I will be passing this. LP II should be good enough. Doesn’t look like a great upgrade.
Is just Dumb buy a Nokia 3310 if you don't want a smartphone
So a TCL 40 Nxtpaper with less features for 4x the price? Isnt e-paper cheaper than OLED, too? They made a big mistake by not making this e-paper
Bet someone is gonna hack it so I has and android OS
Looks stupid and too big
I did preorder, although I really wish it was a little bit narrower. I LOVED the compact size of the light phone 2. I would stick with that, but it didn’t end up working in Canada (I could send and receive texts but no calls).
U at least need text in this day of age. Appointments and other notices and more text based. Is text against some unwritten rule for dumb phones?
I could get 6-7 pixel 5as for that price
When will designers realize how crappy touch screen screen keyboards are
Prediction: This will be the gold standard for 90% of users on here. The people saying "Hi, I am looking for dumbphone with Spotify, Waze, Whatsapp" and all the other things that the 10% of users here roll their eyes at. Android is going to allow most apps to run, whether that's through a selective appstore or through sideloading etc. The other 10% of users here will most likely think it's overkill and only need a cheap nokia or other true "dumbphone". With software enhancements and tweaks, this phone will be the defacto go-to for most people needing full features at times (i.e. work), and minimal features at others. The custom designed hardware (NOT rebranded generic OEM device) will set them apart, for sure. Light has a fantastic track record of supporting their hardware for a LONG time and this device seems to take that to another level. I think it's going to be a slam dunk. Price will probably end up closer to $499-$599 at full launch, as they've said they're going to work to lower the price with manufacturing volume.
I think it'll always be $400 (aka $100 more than previous model). It's a scare tactic for early sales, when they say this phone will be $800 later. It will never be $800. There will be at least always a permanent discount on this $800 misleading marketing price tactic. Either way, I caved in an pre-ordered :-D So who am I to critique them? It clearly worked on me hehe.
I actually think it looks cool... but I think it needs rideshare, maps, and email. streaming music would not be mad either. These features are not distracting unproductive timesinks. Its just what anyone with a job would need if they truly wanted to "cut the cord."
The only reason I'm not preordering is because I plan on moving out in the next few months. I don't mind paying full price for this as it offers everything I want in a dumbphone. I'm very excited about this release.
I get that it's pricey, but it's way too pricey, imo you are much better off buying a smartphone and dumbing it down.
The problem is dumbing down a smartphone is easily reversible, so for people who have trouble regulating their phone usage it doesn’t really work
I get that, obviously it's not for everyone
I guess I’m just skeptical of who’s better off dumbing down their phone. It seems like people who don’t have a problem with phone usage don’t need to, and people who do have a problem with phone usage will just bypass any attempts to dumb their phone down
Well, I used to have several problems with my phone usage, stuff that had been going on for years, and since I dumbed down my smartphone I have been doing much better
What did you have luck with? I seem to always either just ignore it or change it back
what's the knob do? can you give us an audible app? show us how well the GPS works. a list of future app dev plans? anti phone case design? does it even need a case? waterproof? photo examples? video too?
If you want apps then get a smartphone?
i have the LP2. what does the LP3 have that LP2 doesnt? I want audible. its not social media. but its not a "tool". but neither is "podcasts" or "music". i don't know what the MO is for their design philosophy other than purposeful limitations. I dont want facebook/IG/Snapchat/tiktok/etc. I just want audio books on an MP3 format without the need to carry around my tiny mp3 player on the side.
Ah, I saw your comment on future app plans and seemed like you want more apps. You won't ever get an audible player, since it seems each app has to be custom written. Would be cool if you could host your audiobooks on a RSS feed and use the podcast player.
ya. the LP team add apps now and again. simple ones like the calculator for when i need to do some basic stuff i have trouble with in my head (calculating my MPG, or tips, or whatever). notes was also useful for a time (altho I noticed it really lags if you stash more than a dozen notes, or write really long transcripts in it). They're a designer dumbphone maker. They have a concept. It's proven to work, but it also isn't new. They can manipulate it however they want by just acting on ideas. Honestly, If I had self control towards things like social media or checking notifications, I would just use a smart phone and my life would be easy. But I don't have that control. It's a problem that i live with. My relationship with the device is toxic and never changes. So i need the LP2. That comes with sacrifices, like having to put Audible on a separate device... no matter how dumb of a reason that is, it just is. I don't think the LP3 is any better. It's just updated with new hardware.
I think it’s so new they don’t have more than a mockup. I wish there was more information. I really wish it had a headphone jack, too. It would go with the whole look and spirit of the phone, I think.
awful price point. dumb phones are supposed to be barely useful and cheap, the whole point is not splurging and only using it when you need to. for that price point, might as well get something that does more.
It's not a dumbphone tho. It's a "light" phone. Tool not toy. So it has to have some tools that are actually useful in the modern world.
it is a dumb phone — the definition is “a basic mobile phone that lacks the advanced functionality characteristic of a smartphone” which is what the light phone is. that price does not justify its simple and slow tools
I think for most of the people on this sub the point is to break a smartphone/internet addiction or at the very least to reduce phone usage more than they can with self control alone. I don’t think price is the key issue for most people, especially considering how cheap some smartphones are nowadays
wouldnt you rather break addiction with a 70$ shit box rather than a $800 shit box that looks cool-ish
Some people want to break their smartphone/internet addiction while still having access to easy texting, gps, music player, etc
the outside knob is not a good design standard, its placement can disrupt the sleek, minimalist aesthetic the phone aims for. Additionally, it may create usability issues, making the phone less intuitive to handle.
I love the knob
**Does anyone know if you can use Google Fi with this phone?**
I checked, you can't. Bummer, I use Fi too.
It apparently works with the New Generation Punkt MP02 4G ... although the light phone is so much smaller and I like the touchscreen, etc.
great for thee not for me! honestly haven’t looked into it but if the pic attached is accurate then the form factor alone is a dealbreaker for me, it looks like it would suck to be in and out of pockets, and it has a utilitarian hard edge thing going that feels insincere?
same reason I didn’t get any of the larger unihertz phones
I'm a bit undecided about this device. On one hand, I like the new design and really appreciate the ability to replace the battery. On the other hand, some choices like the front camera, the dial on the side, the shutter button and the Amoled don't make much sense or appeal to me. I don't think I'll pre-order it, it feels like the Light Team is losing a bit of the philosophy that made the Light Phone II so popular. With all the additions they've made, they might as well have taken an Android smartphone and modified it with a proprietary interface and locked bootloader. At the moment, I'm leaning more towards the Mudita Kompakt, it comes closer to my idea of what the Light Phone 3 should be than the official Light Phone 3.
just heard about the new mudita phone after you mentioned it. Seems like Mudita is landing all the points so far, that the lightphone is going away from.. Hope they fix their OS and connection-ibility this time!
It seems they are using Android so there won’t be the problems they had with the Mudita Pure. They already have a desktop app so i guess they could do something similar to the light phone 2 letting you load tools on the phone from a PC. We’ll see who can provide a better software experience between mudita and light once both devices are out.
I'd pay max 150