I traded my smart phone in for the "The Light Phone." A minimalist, greyscale, most basic of basic phones. In this post I'll share why I did it, along with an honest review of my first month with a dumb phone. I include the positives, negatives and everything in between.
You could call this year a year of reflection and change for me with a focus on simplifying and slow living. A year ago today in fact, we welcomed our fifth child into our already rambunctious, wild and full house. Our little guy was the perfect addition to our growing family along with the perfect excuse to disconnect.
As a busy mom there's not a lot of free time, if any for that matter. Life is in constant "Go, go, go" mode. Quiet moments are far and few between. An opportunity to disconnect, unwind and self nourish are practically non-existent (at least in my current season of life). Yet, somehow in the midst of the chaos; I was still managing to find an awful lot of time to scroll Facebook, glance at Instagram and scour Pinterest. I was always listening to something, filling the already chaotic and loud world around me with podcasts or back to back videos on the "productive" side of YouTube. I'd find myself perseverating on the news, dwelling on social medias current events or admiring the homes, cars and wardrobes that looked far more appealing than my own. My day to day was riddled with anxiety, stress and distraction. Far too often I was short with my kids, far less productive than I would like to admit and my warped sense of a "social life" was taking precedence over my reality.
I'd been eye balling "The Light Phone" for nearly a year as a potential resource to disconnect and simplify. I admired its design and intentional limited access. I loved the simplicity of it and the purpose it was intended to serve. Prior to committing to the phone, I simplified my Iphone. I turned it to greyscale, I purged apps, revamped the appearance, settings and notifications and monitored my screen time. Despite the effort I gave to reduce my screen time and distractions, the temptation was still there and my self-discipline wasn't. So, short story long, I pulled the trigger on it and it was the best decision I have ever made. Without further ado, here is my honest review after 30 days with "The Light Phone."
I purchased my new phone, and received it about 5 business days later. It comes well packaged with very clear instructions for set-up. You can use your own service and number or you can purchase their specific phone service. I opted to purchase their phone service for the best experience. For anyone curious, the phone service uses AT&T towers.
The phone is sleek, very lightweight and simple. It's approximately the size of a credit card and about 1/4 inch thick. It has an E-Ink display which is by far my favorite feature. The operating system is incredibly user friendly once you adjust to it. Initially texts and calls are a bit daunting and the screen delay can lead to several unintentional phone calls or jumbled text messages to friends (thanks for hanging in there with me--you know who you are.) The texting is challenging at first until your fingers adapt or when you simply stop texting so much, which was another goal of mine. Overall the phone is designed to be used as little as possible and it most definitely accomplishes that claim.
At first I would compare using the phone to culture shock. I panicked initially and immediately questioned what I was getting myself into. The only features you have available are calls, text and the optional use of GPS, music, podcasts, notes and calendar. It took a solid two weeks to adjust to what I would call, a life style change. Believe me when I say I had my moments. There were a fair share of hiccups and massive regret. Then, came a revelation. That being said, I'm not sure I'll ever go back. It's essentially turning back the clock a bit, the way life use to be. It's just a modernized flip phone without the antennae or Tetris. Say sayonara to curbside pick-up, online shopping, photos, emails, social media, news...basically all of the modern day conveniences. But say HELLO to more time, being present, little to no distractions and intentional living.
Pros:
Encourages mindfulness and being present
E-ink screen, eliminating LED lighting and strain on your eyes
Eliminates the temptation of social media, email and news in your pocket
You get your time back
Access to the essentials and nothing else.
Wi-fi Hot Spot
Quality speaker
Calm notifications
Light weight and compact
User friendly
Cons:
Delayed response time
Texting is slow
No apps
No camera
Slower navigation system
Pricey investment
Despite the cons, my experience with the phone has been incredibly eye opening and life changing. It is intended to be inconvenient. It's designed to be slow and simple. We as a generation have become so accustom to fast speed, responsiveness, immediate gratification, convenience and ease. If you enjoy all of the above, this phone isn't for you. Personally, I wanted to escape all of that. The slow response time of the phone forces me to slow down. If I don't have a moment to answer a text easily, I respond when it's convenient. Instead of curbside pick-up, the kids and I take a field trip to the grocery store and I use it as a lesson. I replace the lack of a camera with a camera! I've gone paper for everything. My notes, calendar and grocery list are now tangible. I'm also the type that NEEDS navigation, so I got a GPS. Lastly, yes it's pricey for just the essentials, but I believe it pays for itself just in the time you get back.
I understand that for many, disconnecting to such an extent isn't possible. For some, something in between would suffice or maybe this phone is just what you are seeking. I encourage everyone to evaluate the amount of time used on technology. I made the purchase with the intention of stepping out of line, walking away from the modern conveniences and social connection and I am so happy with my decision. I chose more time with my kids and my husband. I chose more time with the Lord, my relationships and my hobbies. I'm even writing again! I can now focus on what fulfills me, without the draw to "just check" when my phone is normally accessible only to go down a rabbit hole of distractions. I have my time back and I confidently believe you will never regret the time you get back to spend on what you love and with those you love. The only regret I have is not doing this sooner...
I encourage you to hone in on your priorities and evaluate where your time is spent. Then ask yourself, do you want to go light?
https://www.thelightphone.com/ - it's a game changer.
This is NOT an affiliate link, just an honest review and recommendation. :)
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