Light Phone II

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

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 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.[9][10] The device is intended as an alternative or companion for those seeking a digital detox from full-featured smartphones.[11]

History

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.[12][13]

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.[14]

Design and features

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.[15]

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.”[16]

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.[17]

Software

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.[18]

Reception

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.[19] TIME named the Light Phone II one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019.[20]

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.[21]

Legacy

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.[22] 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.[23]

See also

References

  1. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a Dumb Phone Fix Your Smartphone Addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  2. ^ "Meet Light Phone 2, A Minimalist's Dream". Major HiFi. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Device Storage". Light. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  4. ^ "First Look at the Light Phone II". Good e-Reader. 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. ^ Austin (28 May 2024). "The Light Phone 2 Almost Changed MY Life When I Reviewed it!". Gear43. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "This beautifully designed 'dumb phone' can only make calls and send texts — and it might be the key to curing our addiction to apps". Business Insider. March 30, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  11. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a dumb phone fix your smartphone addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  12. ^ "This "dumb phone" raised $3.5 million on Indiegogo — here's why". Business Insider. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  13. ^ "The Light Phone 2 is a more advanced minimalist phone". Digital Trends. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  14. ^ "Forget smartphones — minimalist phones are trending". Digital Trends. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  15. ^ Austin (28 May 2024). "The Light Phone 2 Almost Changed MY Life When I Reviewed it!". Gear43. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  16. ^ Pierce, David (July 1, 2020). "The Light Phone 2 adds messaging and more to the ultra-minimalist cellphone". The Verge. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  17. ^ "Light Phone II review: Frustrating, but that's the point". Android Police. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  18. ^ Francis, Hugh (8 January 2020). "LightOS is an Android-based minimalist OS built with React Native". Sanctuary Computer. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  19. ^ Chokkattu, Julian (October 2, 2019). "The Light Phone 2 Is the Dumb Phone for the Smartphone Era". Wired. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  20. ^ "The 100 Best Inventions of 2019". Time. November 21, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  21. ^ Varghese, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Can a dumb phone fix your smartphone addiction?". GQ. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Not smart but clever? The return of 'dumbphones'". BBC Worklife. August 25, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  23. ^ McMahon, Jordan (2025). "Light Phone III review: Minimalism meets utility". New York Magazine – The Strategist. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
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