Light Phone 2 Review

TLDR (Too Long, Didn't Read)

The Light Phone 2 is a minimalist phone designed for those looking to reduce screen time and digital distractions. It serves best for those who are looking to change their lifestyle while retaining simple functions like calendar or music. Ideal for digital transformation as a secondary device for the weekend or an after-hours phone. While it does not come without its challenges, the Light Phone 2 is well supported and will continue to be a favorite for those seeking a simpler life.

Call Quality & Telecom Carriers

The Light Phone 2 stands out as a reliable communicator, delivering crystal-clear call quality that I've rated at a solid 8/10 based on extensive testing. Whether using the earpiece, Bluetooth headphones, or speaker, it consistently maintains exceptional audio quality. While the speaker leans towards the quieter side, voices remain distinct and intelligible in most settings. It is crucial to note that the Light Phone 2 does not reach the loudness of smartphones and therefore may be less than adequate in noisy settings or with background noise.

In the United States, the Light Phone 2 shines with compatibility across major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, thanks to its band support (B2, B4, B12, B13, B17, B25, B26). This broad compatibility ensures accessibility for a wide audience, including users on subsidiary networks such as Mint, US Mobile, or Red Pocket.

Internationally, the Light Phone 2 continues to impress with its versatility, supporting a range of bands (B1, B3, B5, B7, B8, B20, B28). However, it's advisable to check the compatibility checker on their website for specific countries, as some may indicate limited support due to fewer testing instances rather than actual device limitations.

Additionally, the Light Phone 2 boasts enhanced call features, supporting VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi Calling. These features not only elevate call quality but also offer the flexibility to make calls over Wi-Fi networks when required. It's worth noting that Wi-Fi calling configuration may require assistance from carriers, so it's recommended to reach out for setup guidance. Some users report not being able to use the Wi-Fi calling functionality in certain regions as well even though the device supports the feature.

Over time, the Light Phone 2 has continued to improve its call functionality, adding support for call waiting and three-way calling. With the convenience of a side button to access authentication codes via SMS during calls, multitasking seamlessly integrates with your conversations.

Messaging Experience

Texting on the Light Phone 2 embodies simplicity and functionality without the bells and whistles of modern smartphones. The device features a touchscreen QWERTY, AZERTY, and QWERTZ keyboard layouts with some international characters, and offers a voice-to-text feature for added convenience (note this feature is only for English speakers). However, it's essential to note that advanced messaging platforms like RCS or WhatsApp are not part of its repertoire, as the Light Phone 2 emphasizes basic SMS as its primary mode of communication.

The device's compact size, while practical for portability, may pose a slight challenge for users with larger hands when texting. Nevertheless, it remains entirely usable for most people. The texting experience does require a learning curve with its horizontal orientation and more mistakes will be part of the experience as a result of the smaller screen. These can be corrected with a long press of the misspelled word with the device’s correct feature. Moreover, adjusting to the e-ink slowness of response may be a deal breaker if you are accustomed to lighting speeds of responsiveness from smartphones or other fast typing devices. The Light Phone 2 is fully capable of receiving authentication codes and handling multimedia messages, including group texts. However, when it comes to images, videos, GIFs, and other media, the device won't display them natively. Instead, these files are conveniently sent to an email address of your choice, albeit in compressed form. The primary aim is to convey essential information rather than offer full media interactivity.

Additionally, the Light Phone 2 allows you to forward messages and share contacts via text, which can be immensely helpful for quick information sharing. While it may not boast an array of extravagant features, it excels in facilitating efficient communication. For more extended messages, consider utilizing the notes tool (which we'll delve into shortly). You can compose your message on a laptop, copy it from the notes tool, paste it into the messaging function, and send it seamlessly, ensuring clear and concise communication. While the device is less enticing to use for its messaging functionality than a smartphone, short messages, and quick information is its forte. For longer messages, try the notes tool or a phone call.

Music Capabilities

The Light Phone 2 provides a straightforward music playback experience, catering to those seeking a simplified and focused approach to music listening. With 1GB of storage, equivalent to approximately 250 songs, users must connect the device to a computer or other connected device to upload their music library. This process is done through Light’s Dashboard. Users can upload their mp3, wav, or flac files and the tool will send it wirelessly to the phone.

Presently, the Light Phone 2 lacks playlist functionality, although it's worth noting that Light is actively working on this feature. Nonetheless, it compensates with the ability to repeat and shuffle playback, ensuring variety in your music sessions. The device, moreover, does not play audio files in higher quality files. It only reproduces 256kbs mp3’s which may not be sufficient for some that enjoy a higher fidelity experience.

While direct support for popular streaming services is absent, the Light Phone 2 offers an uninterrupted music listening experience, free from the distractions of notifications and apps. It also accommodates podcasts as a medium for music or show enjoyment. Users can subscribe to music podcasts and talk shows, utilizing a tool that sifts through the Apple iTunes Library. Alternatively, you can add your own content via an RSS feed.

A useful tip is to employ your personal hosting RSS feed for listening to audiobooks by chapter, a feature not native to the music tool. The podcast tool enhances your listening experience with options to adjust playback speeds, download episodes for later listening, and basic organization for your podcasts. Currently, there's a lack of filtering or sorting tools, but Light is actively addressing this to improve the podcast experience.

Extra Notable Features

Featuring a distinctive E-ink display and an impressively slim design, the device stands out in the realm of minimalist phones. It incorporates essential utility tools, enhancing its versatility. Simplifying essential tasks, it includes a built-in calculator for basic computations and a recurring alarm system. While the calculator offers straightforward functionality, it lacks scientific capabilities. The alarm system allows users to set daily recurring alarms but doesn't provide options for specific times on different days.

The toolkit is further enriched with a notes tool, complete with a voice recorder for added convenience. Users can both type and record notes, with seamless synchronization with the dashboard for easy editing on larger screens or computer downloads. The files are easily editable or downloadable on many systems and offer vast compatibility to people who need to jot down something on the go and edit it later.

Additionally, the device incorporates a directions tool, harnessing HERE maps to provide live turn-by-turn navigation and offline directions for situations with limited data or when location services are unavailable. While suitable for walking, driving, and transit directions, it's advisable not to solely rely on this tool for critical navigation needs. The GPS mechanism is still in its infancy and may lose connection while out and about. It continues to evolve and refine its functionality, but it may not match the extensive features of platforms like Apple or Google Maps. While it does have a search for businesses and other establishments, it does not offer a comprehensive list like smarter map engines. I highly recommend using a different unit (Garmin, TomTom, etc) for your car or printing directions as it may be too unreliable for everyday use. The offline mode will give reliable directions if you are in your city or input the exact address.

A recent addition is the calendar tool, which seamlessly synchronizes with Google or Apple calendars. This integration enables event notifications during journeys and the creation of new events directly on the device, with synchronization happening in the background. This feature enhances the device's practicality for managing schedules and staying organized on the go.

In summary, these additional features cater to users seeking added convenience while transitioning away from smartphones, all while retaining essential functionalities for their workdays. While these tools may not rival the extensive capabilities of smartphones, their availability contributes to a new way of leaving home without feeling like you're missing out on essential services.

Battery Life

The Light Phone 2 offers a commendable battery performance, with its longevity closely tied to the strength of your carrier's signal in your region. While your usage patterns play a role in determining whether the phone's battery lasts throughout the day, the predominant factor remains the signal quality from your telecom provider.

To illustrate, here in Littleton, CO, I've observed that T-Mobile's robust signal ensures an impressive 2-3 days of battery life for my Light Phone 2. However, swapping the SIM card to Verizon results in a significantly shorter 1 1/2-day battery lifespan. To provide context, my typical usage includes two podcasts daily, at least one phone call, and a handful of messages, offering insight into usage patterns.

It's crucial to note that the Light Phone 2 houses a 950mAh battery, and it doesn't possess the extended battery capacities found in some other E-ink devices or smartphones. Therefore, apart from assessing your personal usage, selecting a carrier with strong connectivity in your specific area plays a pivotal role in optimizing the Light Phone 2's battery life.

Lastly, achieving optimal battery performance may involve some user experimentation. Wi-Fi calling, for instance, can impact the phone's battery life differently in various areas. Hence, it's advisable to conduct individual tests to gauge its effects and make adjustments accordingly.

Known Issues

No device is perfect and the Light Phone 2 is not the exception. Here is a list of things that will be either deal breakers or bugs that you should be aware of before purchasing this phone:

Texting is slower and prone to making mistakes more often.
WiFi networks with login pages (passwords are ok) are not supported. Also, the device may forget your WiFi network based on its configuration (the device prefers 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz).
Lack of extensive international character support (RTL languages for example are not supported) and system language.
Instances where the screen is unresponsive when receiving a call. The phone also may ring while in silent mode.
Calendar support limited to Google and Apple

Alternatives

If you're in the market for minimalist phones, several alternatives are worth considering. The Punkt MP02, Sunbeam F1, and Nokia 110, for instance, provide fundamental phone functionalities with subtle modern enhancements. However, they vary in terms of design and additional features, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.

For those who seek a balance between simplicity and added smart capabilities, alternative options like the CAT S22 or Xiaomi F21 series of devices are worth exploring. These devices offer a more extensive feature set compared to the Light Phone 2, making them suitable choices if you require enhanced functionality while still maintaining a minimalist approach to technology.

Conclusion

The Light Phone 2 stands as an exceptional option for individuals seeking respite from the relentless digital realm while preserving essential communication capabilities. In an era characterized by information overload, it serves as a symbol of mindful and purposeful technology use. Although priced at $300, it offers an invaluable opportunity for those in pursuit of simplicity and enduring support from the manufacturer. This device presents a compelling solution for those striving to curtail their screen time and embrace a more balanced tech experience.