Light announces the Light Flip, a $299 minimalist clamshell phone

Light has unveiled the Light Flip, a minimalist clamshell phone designed to offer a distraction-free alternative to modern smartphones. Priced at $299, the device is constructed from plastic and features a physical number pad, a directional pad, and function buttons for navigation. It measures 4.3 by 2.3 by 0.7 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces, with a built-in loop for keychain attachment. The phone will be available in several colors, including black, navy blue, red, pink, yellow, and light gray.

The internal hardware includes a MediaTek MT8873 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It supports 5G and 4G LTE connectivity, along with WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. The device features a 2.8-inch matte OLED display with a resolution of 480 by 640 pixels. Unlike modern foldable smartphones, the Light Flip does not have an external screen; instead, it uses a star-shaped notification light on the front cover to alert users to incoming calls or messages.

Running on LightOS, the phone provides basic utilities such as calling, SMS, a music and podcast player, an alarm, a calculator, a calendar, and notes. It lacks an internet browser and social media applications. The device includes a 50-megapixel rear camera that captures 12-megapixel images, though it does not feature a front-facing camera or NFC for contactless payments. Users can access a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for charging, and the rear panel is removable to allow for battery replacement.

Light is introducing an SDK that allows developers to contribute utility tools to a shared library, provided the apps do not include advertisements or endless scrolling feeds. The company is also offering a service plan bundle for $39 per month, which includes the phone after a two-year period. Preorders for the Light Flip are currently open, with the company expecting to begin deliveries in April 2027.