Light Phone II Review
The E-ink icon that started a movement
The phone designed to be used as little as possible. Its E-ink screen, curated tools, and total absence of feeds made it the cult favorite of the digital minimalism movement.
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Light Phone II · $299We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
Quick Verdict
The Light Phone II remains the purest expression of intentional tech: a tiny E-ink phone with a curated toolbox and zero feeds. Buy it discounted while it lasts, or step up to the III.
Overview
The Light Phone II pairs a pocketable E-ink touchscreen with LightOS, a menu of optional tools — phone, messages, alarm, maps, music, podcasts, calculator, notes — and nothing you do not choose.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful credit-card-sized E-ink design
- Curated tools: maps, music, podcasts, notes — no feeds
- Works on all major US carriers
- No apps, ads, or tracking
- Hotspot support
Cons
- E-ink ghosting and lag
- Weak battery for heavy talkers
- Typing on E-ink is slow
- Superseded by the Light Phone III
Design
At 78 grams and the footprint of a credit card, it disappears in a pocket. The matte casing and minimal typography are quietly beautiful.
Display
E-ink is calm and glare-free, ideal for a phone you glance at rather than stare into. The tradeoff is visible ghosting and sluggish refresh.
Battery
The 950 mAh cell is the weak spot: a day or two of typical use. A power-user habit of evening charging solves it.
Connectivity
4G VoLTE on all three major US networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS for turn-by-turn directions, and a hotspot.
Privacy
Light runs no ads, sells no data, and requires only a lightweight dashboard account. The phone has no app store and no trackers.
Performance
Tools open promptly, but the E-ink refresh makes everything feel measured. Calls are clear and reliable.
Who Should Buy the Light Phone II
Minimalists who want the smallest possible phone with maps and music, and anyone curious about the E-ink lifestyle at a now-discounted price.
Alternatives
The Light Phone III fixes the battery, screen speed, and adds a camera. The Punkt MP02 is even more austere.
Light Phone II FAQs
›Is the Light Phone II still worth buying?
Yes, especially discounted — but the Light Phone III addresses its two big weaknesses: battery life and E-ink lag.
›Does the Light Phone II have maps?
Yes, an optional directions tool with turn-by-turn navigation via GPS.
›Can I use the Light Phone II on Verizon?
Yes. It is certified on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T in the US.
Buy the Light Phone II
Light Phone II · $299We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
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