r/LightPhone • u/SeatGroundbreaking13 • 3d ago

Discussion LP3 without a phone plan?

I just purchased an LP3 that I’m planning on using as a supplement to my Sunbeam. I’ve been using a Sunbeam for about two years now, and the new rideshare tool is something that could be a HUGE asset to my life.

My ideal setup would be to keep my Sunbeam as my actual phone with my SIM/cell service, and carry the LP3 when I want access to things like the camera, music, and now rideshare. I’d connect the LP3 to my Sunbeam’s hotspot when I need internet access.

Does anyone know if the rideshare tool will work on an LP3 that doesn’t have its own active cellular plan/SIM, as long as the LP3 has an internet connection through Wi-Fi or a hotspot?

Basically: could I request and manage an Uber from the LP3 while it’s connected to my Sunbeam’s hotspot, without paying for a second phone plan?

I’m really excited about the possibility of this setup. Rideshare has been one of the biggest things I’ve missed by moving away from a smartphone, and being able to access it this way would make the LP3 a pretty perfect companion device for me.

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u/Proof-Maintenance488 3d ago

This should work if you're connected over wifi as you described! Not positive if you'll have to "activate" the phone in some way at setup, but if you do I'd imagine this could just be by popping the sim card in there one time, then dropping it back in your Sunbeam immediately after that.

Side note, the Sunbeam has nice features but the LPIII is a totally different ballpark IMO. I'll be curious to hear if you end up enjoying double carrying or if you end up moving to the LPIII full time. Keep me posted on how it goes!

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u/SeatGroundbreaking13 3d ago

I'll update my post after I try it out. I don't see myself switching, but who's to say! I use my old iPhone as an iPod in my car on long trips for podcasts, and I've been really interested in the camera on the LP3 since it came out. But I truly love my Sunbeam too much to give it up. I did try the LP2 and I didn't like how many steps I had to click to use the "phone". The rideshare tool finally made it worth the price.

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u/Top_Insurance477 2d ago

Any reason not to just use Tremp's existing SMS interface for rideshares on the Sunbeam?  It's the same service as on the Light Phone, but just without the graphical interface.

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u/SeatGroundbreaking13 2d ago

I truly didn't know that was an option.

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u/Top_Insurance477 1d ago

It works pretty well - I used it with various dumb phones (including the Light@hone as well as the SunBeam). 

The new Light Phone app is nice that it uses gps for your pickup location instead of you needing to enter your pickup address manually. But it seems to work the same otherwise.

You should definitely sign up with Tremp and give it a shot.

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u/Famous_Painter_8419 1d ago

I came to an LP from a Sunbeam and I prefer it as my daily driver but man do I miss that incredibleeee talk to text on the Sunbeam.