Light, the startup known for its stripped-down Light Phone devices, is entering familiar territory with a new flip phone that is described as colorful and inexpensive. The launch stands out because Light has built its name around simpler alternatives to modern smartphones, and this latest device appears to extend that philosophy in a different form factor.

The announcement also carries added weight because of Light co-founder Kaiwei Tang’s history with the original Motorola Razr. Tang helped create one of the most recognizable flip phones of the early mobile era, making the renewed relevance of the category more notable. More than two decades later, even he appears surprised that flip phones have returned to the conversation in a meaningful way.

For Light, the move fits with a broader push toward devices that reduce distraction and offer a more intentional mobile experience. Rather than competing head-on with feature-packed smartphones, the company has focused on products that appeal to people who want fewer digital demands in everyday life. A lower-priced flip phone could help widen that appeal beyond Light’s existing niche audience.

The device also arrives as older phone designs continue to find new life, driven by a mix of nostalgia, practicality, and interest in simpler tech. With Tang’s Razr background and Light’s minimalist brand, the company’s flip phone blends retro familiarity with the growing demand for cheaper, less overwhelming mobile options.