I Used The Light Phone 2 for 30 Days.. My Honest Review of the "Best" Dumbphone..

After a month-long experiment with the Light Phone 2, a device promising a minimalist approach to mobile communication, it's time to share my comprehensive and honest review. I approached this experiment with an open mind, intrigued by the concept of digital minimalism. However, my experience was mixed, revealing both strengths and weaknesses of the device.

Texting and Keyboard: A Frustrating Chore

The first hurdle was the texting experience. The Light Phone 2's keyboard was challenging to navigate, often failing to register the correct keypresses. This made texting a time-consuming and error-prone task. However, discovering the voice-to-text feature improved this slightly, despite it not being perfect.

The Dashboard: Clunky Integration

Another point of contention was the dashboard, the central hub for managing the phone's features, such as installing music or enabling apps. This process felt clunky, requiring access to a computer or smartphone, which seemed counterintuitive to the device's minimalist ethos.

Battery Life: Just Okay

The battery life was acceptable but didn't live up to the advertised one to two days of light use. Regular usage, especially using GPS or the mobile hotspot feature, drained the battery significantly faster than expected.

Music and Podcasts: Limited and Janky

As someone who listens to music frequently, the music functionality was disappointing. The requirement to upload music files through the dashboard, rather than streaming, felt outdated and restrictive. The podcast app, while a neat feature, suffered from similar dashboard dependency issues.

GPS Directions: Dated and Unreliable

The GPS functionality felt outdated and unreliable. During a test drive to a familiar location, the device struggled to find the destination and provided directions in an inconvenient format. This experience made me wary of relying on it for important or unfamiliar journeys.

Other Apps: Basic Functionality

The calculator, alarm, and note-taking apps functioned as expected, but the note-taking experience was less convenient than traditional methods, like pen and paper.

Final Thoughts: Not Worth the Price

After 30 days with the Light Phone 2, my conclusion is mixed. While it successfully minimized distractions, the compromises on functionality and usability were too significant for my liking. Priced at $300, the value proposition simply isn't there for what it offers. In retrospect, a more conventional approach to digital minimalism, such as self-imposed smartphone limits, might be more effective and less frustrating.

This journey into digital minimalism with the Light Phone 2 was enlightening, underscoring the challenges of disconnecting in a connected world. Although this device might suit some users seeking extreme minimalism, others might find its limitations outweigh the benefits.