Wikipedia

Light Phone II

The Light Phone II is a minimalist mobile phone developed by Light , a Brooklyn-based startup known for designing technology “to be used as little as possible.” It is the successor to the original 2017 Light Phone (1st generation), offering a few more features while maintaining a stripped-down philosophy. The Light Phone III is the successor to the Light Phone II, adding cameras, a fingerprint sensor, and an AMOLED screen. The Light Phone II features a matte black or light gray design with a 2.84-inch monochrome E Ink touchscreen and no cameras, and it includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio. Unlike modern smartphones, it deliberately omits an application store, web browser, email client, or social media apps. At launch, the phone’s only built-in tools were calling, texting, and an alarm clock.[10][11] The device is intended as an alternative or companion for those seeking a digital detox from full-featured smartphones.[12]

Light Phone II
Light Phone II (Black)
DeveloperLight
ManufacturerLight
TypeMobile phone
Release dateSeptember 2019[1]
Introductory priceUS$350 at launch[2]
Operating systemLightOS
Memory1 GB RAM[3]
Storage8 GB[4]
Display2.84 in E Ink Carta touchscreen[5]
InputTouchscreen, physical power/volume buttons
Connectivity4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth[6]
PowerNon-removable battery (950 mAh)[7]
Dimensions95.85 x 55.85 x 8.75mm[8]
Weight78 grams[9]
PredecessorLight Phone
SuccessorLight Phone III
WebsitePhone II – Official Site

The Light Phone II is a 4G LTE-capable device that was first announced in March 2018 and developed through a crowdfunding campaign. It was positioned as a stand-alone “anti-smartphone,” unlike the credit-card-sized Light Phone (1st Gen), which served only as a secondary phone for calls.[13][14] Light launched the Light Phone II via an Indiegogo campaign that raised over $3.5 million from backers by 2019.[15] After some delays and design adjustments during development, the first Light Phone II units began shipping to backers in September 2019, with general sales at a launch price of about $350.[16] As with its predecessor, the device is marketed as a “phone away from phone” or minimalist daily driver—providing only essential functions and encouraging users to reduce screen time and constant digital engagement.[17]

History

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The Light Phone II’s development was funded through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign launched in early 2018. The campaign was highly successful: Light reached $600,000 in contributions within the first 10 hours and went on to raise over $3.5 million from more than 10,000 backers.[18][19]

This strong response, along with $8.4 million in seed investments from firms like Foxconn and notable angel investors, signaled significant interest in a feature phone that could liberate users from smartphone addiction.[20]

Originally, the company aimed to ship the Light Phone II by April 2019, but the complexity of developing new hardware and software forced several delays.[21] Light shared regular progress updates with backers, and at one point had to revise the design: early prototypes in mid-2018 revealed that the E Ink display’s color did not match the casing, and that certain promises (like an aluminium body and USB-C port) were impractical for the final device.[22]

The production model ended up using a sturdy plastic chassis instead of aluminum and a Micro-USB charging port, and it also had a slightly thicker profile to accommodate a larger battery for adequate life.[23] Some backers expressed disappointment at these changes during development, although many remained supportive of the company’s transparency during the process.[24]

Design and features

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The Light Phone II has a black-and-white E Ink Carta display, measuring 2.84 inches diagonally. Its matte plastic casing and compact form factor reflect its low-profile aesthetic. The phone weighs 78g and charges via a Micro-USB port.[25]

Its interface is built around a vertical list of "tools"—such as Phone, Messages, Alarm, and Settings—navigable by touchscreen. Later LightOS updates added features including Notes, Calculator, Music Player (MP3), and a basic navigation tool called “Directions.”[26]

Unlike typical smartphones, the Light Phone II does not support app downloads, web browsing, or email. Its design philosophy centers around digital minimalism and reducing screen time.[27]

Software

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The Light Phone II runs LightOS, a proprietary operating system developed by Light, based on Android. It uses a heavily customized interface and blocks access to the Google Play Store and third-party apps.[28]

Reception

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Reception of the Light Phone II was mixed. Reviewers praised its concept and aesthetic, but many noted limitations in usability, particularly around slow performance and lack of features.[29] TIME named the Light Phone II one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019.[30]

Critics praised the Light Phone II’s minimalist concept as a way to curb smartphone overuse, but reviewers noted drawbacks such as a sluggish interface and the difficulty of typing on its small screen.[31]

Legacy

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Despite its narrow market appeal, the Light Phone II played a significant role in popularizing the concept of digital minimalism in personal technology. It is frequently cited alongside devices like the Punkt MP02 and Mudita Pure as a leading example of “dumb phones” aimed at reducing digital dependency.[32] Light continued to evolve the platform with the release of the Light Phone III in 2025, adding a camera and faster hardware while retaining the same minimalist ethos.[33]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Vincent, James (4 September 2019). "Light Phone 2: the high hopes of the low-tech phone". The Verge. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  2. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a Dumb Phone Fix Your Smartphone Addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Meet Light Phone 2, A Minimalist's Dream". Major HiFi. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Device Storage". Light. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  5. ^ "First Look at the Light Phone II". Good e-Reader. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  6. ^ "First Look at the Light Phone II". Good e-Reader. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  7. ^ "First Look at the Light Phone II". Good e-Reader. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  8. ^ "First Look at the Light Phone II". Good e-Reader. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  9. ^ Austin (28 May 2024). "The Light Phone 2 Almost Changed MY Life When I Reviewed it!". Gear43. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  10. ^ Hart, Jordan (March 27, 2025). "I tried out a premium 'dumb' phone that costs more than a new iPhone". Business Insider. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  11. ^ "Light Phone 3 triggers debate on TikTok over high price for minimal features". Business Insider. March 30, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  12. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a dumb phone fix your smartphone addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  13. ^ Pierce, David (July 1, 2020). "The Light Phone 2 is the phone for people who hate phones". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  14. ^ Chokkattu, Julian (October 2, 2019). "Light Phone II Review: The Anti-Smartphone". Wired. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  15. ^ "Light Phone 2 makes a case for less technology". Digital Trends. March 5, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  16. ^ "Light Phone 2: a minimalist's dream or a $350 paperweight?". Digital Trends. September 10, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  17. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a dumb phone fix your smartphone addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  18. ^ "This "dumb phone" raised $3.5 million on Indiegogo — here's why". Business Insider. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  19. ^ "The Light Phone 2 is a more advanced minimalist phone". Digital Trends. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  20. ^ "Forget smartphones — minimalist phones are trending". Digital Trends. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  21. ^ "Light Phone 2 gets delayed but remains promising". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  22. ^ "What went wrong with the Light Phone 2?". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  23. ^ "Light Phone 2: A minimalist phone for the modern era". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  24. ^ "Light Phone 2's community response and final design". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  25. ^ Austin (28 May 2024). "The Light Phone 2 Almost Changed MY Life When I Reviewed it!". Gear43. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  26. ^ Pierce, David (July 1, 2020). "Light Phone 2 review: the phone for people who hate phones". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  27. ^ "Light Phone II review: Frustrating, but that's the point". Android Police. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  28. ^ Francis, Hugh (8 January 2020). "LightOS is an Android-based minimalist OS built with React Native". Sanctuary Computer. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  29. ^ Chokkattu, Julian (October 2, 2019). "The Light Phone 2 Is the Dumb Phone for the Smartphone Era". Wired. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  30. ^ "The 100 Best Inventions of 2019". Time. November 21, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  31. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a dumb phone fix your smartphone addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  32. ^ "Are Dumb Phones Making a Comeback?". BBC Worklife. August 25, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  33. ^ McMahon, Jordan (2025). "Light Phone III review: Minimalism meets utility". New York Magazine – The Strategist. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
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