The Light
Phone 2 is the second generation of…you guessed it, the Light Phone. Released
in 2017, the first iteration of the phone stripped the smart phone to its bare
bones: the ability to call in and out and store ten contacts. Yes, 10.
Surprisingly its slick Kickstarter marketing campaign raised over US$400,000,
which is over double what founders Joe Hollier and Kai Tang asked for. It took
some time for them to release the phone, but when they did, it was eventually
met with enthusiasm. But compared to the big phone giants, $400,000 is nothing.
Yet somehow, the Light Phone has found an untapped niche of people that are simply
tired of the modern smart phone and simply want to be untethered.
Yet the original Light Phone was plagued with one problem: people just didn’t want to use them. Even its founders sensed the limitations after using the devices for a few weeks. The first phone was essentially a nicely designed Nokia candy bar phone with fewer features and the new version is essentially a touchscreen Nokia candy bar without Snake. So why are people buying into this $350 phone? It’s certainly not the features—it calls, texts, gives directions, and calculates. There are a few other tools that can be installed, but it is essentially ad and social media free. Their site claims “The Light Phone II will never have feeds, social media, advertisements, news or email.” Essentially, the phone wants people to use it as a tool, but not a device to substitute interpersonal relationships.
This simple philosophy is perhaps what is drawing millennials to minimalistic experiences. With Marie Kondo’s hit Netflix series talking about the benefits of decluttering, the rising popularity of small houses and even #vanlife—we are living in a time where millennials are considering unplugging from the digital space rather than being constantly bombarded by information.
For good reason too. Studies have already shown how obsessive social media use can lead to lowered self-esteem and detrimental phycological issues. The first iPhone was released a little over a decade ago, but since then, the device has become an extension of the human body. With this reliance comes an overdependence on devices to do everything for us, from driving to even talking with each other.
At $350,
the phone seems overpriced. But what Light is doing is certainly commendable
and that’s why their crowdfunding campaign has raised over 3.5 million dollars.
$350 for a phone with so few features seems like a lot, but clearly people
think otherwise. I personally wouldn’t spend that much, but if spending $350
can help you disconnect, then it might just be worth it to try it out and take
a break from being plugged in 24/7.
We use cookies to enhance and personalize your experience, and to analyze traffic on our website. For more information, see our Cookie Policy. ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.