The pitch is simple: don't let your phone be the center of your story. A pared-down device, Meadow offers maps, music, calls and a camera. No browser, no social media.

Meadow is built for people who want to head out without a smartphone, but want to keep a few of their phone's most useful features. About half the size of a regular phone and weighing four ounces, the device runs on its own 4G connection — no carrier setup required — and limits its app roster to a short list of go-out essentials: maps, Spotify, Apple Music, Uber, fitness tracking, a 13MP camera, and basic calls and texts. There's no browser and no social media. Users add up to 12 contacts during setup, and only those people can reach the Meadow's private number.…