Testing the Light Phone III: Can a Minimalist Device Improve Focus and Reduce Stress?

In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, New York Times tech columnist Brian X. Chen explores whether the Light Phone III—a minimalist smartphone with very limited features—can help alleviate what some describe as ‘brain rot’: the inability to focus deeply after excessive phone use. The Light Phone III, created by Brooklyn-based startup Light, costs $600 and deliberately omits features like web browsing, social media, and email, offering only essential functions such as calls, texts, maps, camera, music, and podcasts.

Chen used the phone exclusively for a week to see if it could help him regain mental clarity and productivity. He reported feeling more present and less inclined to mindlessly scroll in idle moments, like waiting for the train or working out at the gym. While the simplicity of the phone was refreshing, he acknowledged the trade-offs—lacking everyday conveniences like Uber, email, or work-related apps.

Light’s CEO, Kaiwei Tang, claims many users feel more creative and less stressed after switching to the phone. Although not for everyone, the Light Phone III represents a growing movement toward digital minimalism, seeking to give users more control over their attention in an overstimulated world.