A New Wave of Minimalist Tech to Combat ‘Brain Rot’
As digital distractions continue to dominate daily life, a growing number of people are turning to minimalist technology to reclaim focus and mental clarity. One such device gaining attention is the Light Phone III, a simplified mobile phone developed by Brooklyn-based startup Light. Priced at $600, the device offers only essential features like calls, texts, maps, music, and a basic camera—omitting social media, email, web browsing, and even app stores.
Launched in March with wider availability planned for July, the Light Phone III is part of a broader movement aimed at addressing what many call “brain rot”—a mental fog attributed to endless scrolling and overstimulation from smartphones. “You use it when you need to, and when you put it back, it disappears in your life,” said Kaiwei Tang, CEO of Light. According to the company, many users report feeling less stressed and more productive after switching to the device.
One Week with the Light Phone: Freedom or Frustration?
In a firsthand trial, one user attempted to replace their iPhone with the Light Phone III for a full week. The minimalist design encouraged mindfulness during moments like commuting or solo meals, as the lack of screen-based distractions kept attention focused on the real world. Phone calls were clear, and basic navigation worked well.
However, as the week progressed, the limitations of the device began to surface. For instance, the phone’s lack of a mobile wallet meant the user couldn’t access their virtual transit pass, forcing them to return home for their smartphone. At a rock-climbing gym, the absence of a web browser prevented them from generating a required barcode for entry. Everyday tasks like sending text messages or taking photos also proved difficult. With no autocorrect, typing was slow and clunky. The camera, which Light promotes for its nostalgic quality, produced grainy, dim images that some friends described as “retro”—and others called “bad.”
The Verdict: Not Quite Ready for the Real World
Although the Light Phone III aims to simplify life, the trial revealed how embedded advanced smartphone features have become in modern routines. Whether it was returning an Amazon package using a QR code, closing a garage door via app, or looking up restaurant names, the stripped-down device fell short of modern expectations.
Ultimately, the experience felt akin to “glamping”—paying more for a deliberately less convenient setup. While the Light Phone might appeal to parents seeking distraction-free devices for children or adults hoping to unplug on weekends, it’s unlikely to replace a main phone for most working professionals.
Even Light’s CEO acknowledges the device isn’t for everyone but suggests the company is working to expand functionality, including mobile payments and ride-hailing. For now, the Light Phone III serves as a compelling experiment in digital minimalism—offering a glimpse of life without constant notifications, albeit with a few frustrating detours along the way.
