I actually went back to using my light phone 2. I didnt like the lightphone 3 since its oled and that it uses pwm (I tested it). I use a minimal phone as my “apps” phone. I am waiting to see how the upcoming update is for the kompakt. I just cant daily the kompakt currently with how easily it is dialing emergency and also with how the screen is so dang slow with zero eink controls. Slow eink screen makes typing very frustrating. I would like to see native notifications added back to the OS as well.
3 Likes
I own both the Mudita Kompakt and the Light Phone III right now. I prefer the LPIII’s aesthetics, components, and build quality, but I actually find it potentially more addictive than the Kompakt—mainly because of its podcast app, which offers easy access to news, interviews, and shows. It’s certainly not as basic as a flip phone. Honestly, I’m surprised the podcast app passed the minimalist test, since it can easily become a time sink. After exploring it for a few days, I managed to stay away from it (and can disable it of course). The device’s design is also so visually appealing that you may be tempted to keep fiddling: exploring the Directory tool, taking photos, trying voice-to-text, and more. While this appeal does fade over time, it’s still present and may be a problem for some.
It’s true you can sideload apps on the Kompakt, but since they aren’t designed for its e-ink screen, they lack the polished experience that would make them truly engaging. So I currently mostly use the Kompakt with some non-addictive tools like Komoot (cycling directions), Yoto (to control my son’s Yoto) and Signal for quick practical communication (meet you at the park, I’ll be there in 5, etc.).
If true analog simplicity is one’s goal and one doesn’t mind less efficient texting, then an old flip phone or a Punkt is probably the least distracting option. Although I don’t text often, I still wanted the process to be a bit more efficient. However, for someone who wants to stop texting altogether, devices like these might actually be the best solution…
5 Likes
I just went the other way; returned my LP3 and now am using Mudita Kompakt.
I returned my LP3 due to constant issues with crashing/freezing and having to reformat and start again too often.
Early days with the MK, but very positive experience so far.
PS: I believe with willpower you can daily an old iPhone in a minimal/positive way, just set up minimally, turn off 90% of notifications etc . You can even set the screen to greyscale for that LP3 look
4 Likes
I’ve only had experience with the LP2 and MK. I’m really surprised that you’re turning the tables towards the LP3. It lacks the e-ink component, which I personally think is a huge contributing factor towards a minimalistic appeal. I’ve had the MK for several months now and I haven’t downloaded a single app on it. I just never bothered figuring out how to do it and I also partially don’t want to mess with the battery usage. Just a side thought for the Mudita team, but could there be a cold turkey feature implemented into the MK? Perhaps a toggle that locks the phone from side loading apps for a specific amount of time? I have cold turkey on my computer and I am literally unable to access YouTube or other addicting apps until I am done school. There’s no way of getting around it and I think this could be a very enhancing feature for users. It could be an option on the dashboard with a toggle and time feature to lock the phone from side loading capability. I know this feature could be a hassle to develop, but perhaps possible? Either way, I hope you have a good transition and find a solution to your journey with technology. Wishing you all the best with that.
5 Likes
Dude I can’t handle the pocket dial stuff either - is light phone suiting you well?
2 Likes
The MP02 would be great if they actually supported MMS. Even though the Kompakt won’t let you create threads, at least you can receive the messages.
The MP02 is, honestly, at the top of my list…except it’s one of the worst designed phones, OS-wise, and every single pro is outweighed by how unusable it is day-to-day.
2 Likes
You might be right—I actually have the MP02 tucked away somewhere, but I honestly don’t remember all the specs. I just know that it didn’t really work for me; texting felt way too slow for my taste. In the end, I found myself using it almost exclusively for calls. I’d check it and think: well, nothing to see here—might as well get some sleep/read/do whatever I should be doing! So in that sense, it did keep me off my phone more than the Kompakt or LP3 ever will.
1 Like
it’s my favorite phone mostly due to the size! I did put my sim back into the kompakt again today to give it a try again.
1 Like
To update this post after three months on the light phone 3 I am back on the Kompakt and I am happy to be back, glad I got to use both phones and make a final decision. I missed the e-ink and just the overall calmness of the device. I actually even noticed the texting experience seems to be a bit better, I had sideloaded futo keyboard but I took it off and I am back to the stock keyboard, I sideloadedd waze, a habit tracker, and a weather app , I like weather apps that show you the ‘feels like temp’ especially in the winter when I am waiting for the bus with my kids. Overall I have enjoyed my first 3 days with the Kompakt and I promose this will be my phone for the forseeable future. I am done trying out different phones it’s exhausting!
7 Likes
which weather app did you sideload. I like the look of the native Mudita Kompakt app- but I think a sideloaded app might have more options.
I went back to your guys weather app it does the job, I want to sideload as little as possible, i am even using the native keyboard I am actually getting use to it and its teaching me patience, to slow down
2 Likes
Funny, I have both but my LP3 largely sits in a drawer when I take it out for updates -when it can update. Still trying to get the latest v. 534 update.
I find the Bluetooth to work better with the MK and the MK is head and shoulders more reliable. I also find Mudita the company to be more transparent, responsive (e.g. forums), and have a published roadmap.
I still love my LP2 and carry it on every long run as it is so portable and truly light.
In the end, the MK NA edition is my daily driver. It worked best for me but respect that LP3 is more for you.
PS: as an edit, the MK build is low-key super sturdy and over time, feels better to hold than the LP3. Also, their cases stay much cleaner and have a better overall feel.
2 Likes