Light
- Kendrick Lamar's company released a limited-edition Light Phone 2 earlier this month.
- The "dumb" phones sold out the same day, but Light offers a nearly identical model.
- Light phones are a pared-down experience for those who want to use their devices less.
All 250 Light phones sold by Kendrick Lamar's creative agency are sold out, but there's an alternative for those determined to obtain a "dumb" phone.
The rapper's pgLang collaborated with tech company Light to release the limited-edition line of not-so-smartphones for $299.
The pgLang Light Phone has no web browser or social media apps.
It can call, text, set an alarm, and be used as a hotspot, but there are also add-on tools that include a music player, notes, a calculator, directions, and more.
pgLang Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images
Still, the Light Phone 2 appears to be pretty much the same phone on first glance, minus the unique "language" tool that is essentially a magic 8-ball and the pgLang branding on the shell. It also comes with the same $299 price tag as the limited-edition option.
Neither model has a camera and both have a paper-like screen similar to that of some e-readers.
On its official website, Light advertises the Light Phone 2 as "a great phone for parents to give to children as an alternative to a smartphone."
Such minimalistic phones have become popular among some young people who are looking to cut back on screen time.
And mainstream support from Lamar's brand is boosting popularity.
Jenni Gritters
A pgLang Light Phone up for auction eBay saw bids reach $435 as of Friday morning — a nearly $200 increase from its original retail price.
The regular Light Phone 2 can be purchased directly from the tech company's website for $299, but you won't be able to brag that it's only one of 250.
pgLang Light