Light unveils $299 Flip phone targeting Gen Z demand for durable hardware
Co-founded by former Motorola Razr creator Kaiwei Tang, the new device runs Light Phone OS and ships in April 2027.
Light, the startup known for its minimalist smartphone alternative, has announced the Light Flip, a new flip-style device priced at $299. Co-founded by Kaiwei Tang, who previously helped create the iconic Motorola Razr over 20 years ago, Light developed the device in response to specific feedback from Gen Z users who desire the form factor but criticise the build quality of existing models. The phone features a 2.8-inch internal OLED screen, no external display, 5G connectivity, and a 12-megapixel rear camera. It is constructed from plastic and available in six colours, including black, red, yellow, pink, navy blue, and light grey.
The device runs the Light Phone OS and supports T9 predictive texting, offering a fully tactile experience without a touchscreen. Pricing is significantly lower than the previous Light Phone III, which retails at $799, due to the removal of a touchscreen, NFC reader, and selfie camera. The plastic chassis also allows for the colour options that were not available on the aluminium-bodied previous generation. A small light on the front indicates notifications without requiring the user to flip open the device.
Light is piloting a financing option with Noble Mobile, Andrew Yang’s anti-doomscrolling carrier, offering the device for $39 per month on a two-year contract. This contrasts with the Light Phone III, which is available for $59 per month over the same term. The financing pilot is part of a broader strategy to make the hardware more accessible to consumers seeking to reduce screen time.
The device supports downloading podcasts and playing uploaded music via a 3.5mm headphone jack or Bluetooth. It charges via USB-C and works with both eSIM and physical Nano SIM cards. Shipping is expected in April 2027, a lead time Light acknowledges is lengthy. To keep preorder customers engaged during this period, the company is launching a “Flip Your Life” program featuring bi-weekly newsletters designed to help users adjust to a lifestyle with less digital distraction.
Founders Kaiwei Tang and Joe Hollier noted that while the movement away from smartphones is often driven by skepticism of big tech, it is also motivated by a desire for simplicity. The company aims to provide a support network for users making the transition, acknowledging the convenience of instant internet access and communication tools that are sacrificed by adopting a minimalist device.
