Minimalist technology company Light has introduced the Light Flip, a $299 mobile phone designed for people who want basic communication tools without social media, app stores or an external display. The device will run the same LightOS software as the Light Phone III but replaces its touchscreen with physical buttons and T9 predictive typing.
Light expects the phone to begin shipping in April 2027. The company developed it after interviews with younger users who continued using conventional flip phones despite complaints about poor construction and outdated software.
Light Reduces Price With Simpler Hardware
The Light Flip costs considerably less than the company’s touchscreen Light Phone III. Light lowered production costs by using a plastic body and removing the touchscreen, NFC reader and front-facing camera.
The phone has a 2.8-inch OLED display inside and a notification light on its outer cover. It will be available in black, red, yellow, pink, navy blue and light grey.
Other specifications include 5G and 4G LTE connectivity, a 12-megapixel rear camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB-C charging. The device also supports physical Nano SIM cards, eSIMs and wired headphones through a 3.5mm port.
LightOS Provides Basic Tools
The phone will include LightOS tools for calls, messages, alarms, calendars, directions, music and podcasts. It will not provide social media feeds, mobile payments or the wider selection of applications available through Apple and Google stores.
Light has also introduced a software development kit that allows outside developers to create additional tools for its operating system. The company publishes its software changes and new LightOS functions through its official support channel.
Co-founder Joe Hollier said the flip phone would deliver the same software experience as Light’s touchscreen models while giving users fully tactile controls. The company described the Light Flip through its official blog, where it has opened preorders for the device.
Monthly Contract Includes Mobile Service
Customers can also obtain the Light Flip through a 24-month contract costing $39 per month. The package includes the device, unlimited calls and texts and one gigabyte of mobile data through Light’s service plan.
Light is preparing a programme called Flip Your Life for preorder customers during the wait for delivery. It will include twice-monthly newsletters and community material intended to help users adjust to carrying a phone without common smartphone services.
The company positions the Light Flip as either a primary device or a second phone that users can carry when they want fewer digital distractions. The phone’s specifications and April 2027 shipping target were first detailed in technology publication TechCrunch.
Featured image credits: Light Phone
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