Light Phone III review

The Light Phone III is not a kids' phone, but Light says parents and schools have bought it as a first phone, and it takes a different approach to limits: instead of controls, it simply leaves things out. It will never have social media, internet browsing, email, news or ads. What it has is calls, texts, a camera with a two-step shutter, a matte black and white OLED screen and optional tools such as directions, music, podcasts, a calendar, notes and a hotspot. Hardware includes 5G, GPS, fingerprint ID and a battery designed to be replaced. There is no parent dashboard, no contact approval and no location sharing for parents, so it suits older teens who agree to a simple phone more than younger kids. It is also expensive at $899 unlocked, sold on pre-order when we checked, or from $59 a month on a two-year Light Service contract.

Who it is for

Older teens and families who want a distraction-free phone with no feeds at all, and can pay a premium.

Price

$899 unlocked on pre-order when checked, or from $59 a month on a two-year Light Service contract; plans from $25 a month.

Pre-orders are available for $899 unlocked or starting at $59/month with a two-year Light Service plan contract.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• No social media, internet browsing, email, news or ads, ever
• Matte black and white OLED display
• Camera with a two-step shutter button
• Optional tools: directions, music, podcasts, calendar, notes, hotspot and more
• 5G, GPS, fingerprint ID and an accessible battery

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No feeds or browser at all, by design
• Strength: Unlocked and works with your own carrier
• Strength: Built for repair with an accessible battery
• Weakness: $899 is the most expensive phone on this list
• Weakness: No parent dashboard or contact approvals
• Weakness: Sold on pre-order when checked

Key facts

• Price: $899 unlocked, pre-order
• Contract option: From $59 a month, two years
• Light plans: From $25 a month
• Display: Matte OLED, black and white
• Language: English keyboard only

Where it ranks

Light Phone III is No. 8 in our Best Phones for Kids verdict.