Fairphone 6: A Modular Smartphone with a Green Twist
The Dutch brand Fairphone has launched its latest device, the Fairphone 6, a modular smartphone aimed at eco-conscious customers. While it might struggle to stand out in the mid-range category, it offers an attractive proposition for those who care about sustainability. Available in Black, Forest Green, and White, the phone is designed with both durability and environmental impact in mind.
One of the Fairphone 6’s main selling points is its modular design, which makes repairs and replacements easy, whether it’s for customizations or addressing issues. This mid-range device comes at a hefty price, especially when compared to other smartphones in the same category. The Fairphone 6 starts at €600 for the Android version and €650 for the /e/OS variant. In the US, the phone is only available with /e/OS through local partner Murena, and pre-orders are priced at $900, with shipping scheduled for August.
The reason for this premium pricing lies in Fairphone’s commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices. The phone is built using over 50% fair and recycled materials by total weight, with responsibly sourced cobalt, fair-mined gold, silver, and tungsten. The device also includes recycled aluminum and rare earth metals, making it 100% e-waste neutral. Fairphone’s factories are powered by 100% renewable energy, and the company supports better working conditions and fair wages for its workers.
On the repairability front, the Fairphone 6 boasts the highest rating in the EU, with users able to swap out 12 different parts using just a standard screwdriver. Fairphone offers a five-year warranty and guarantees at least eight years of software support, including seven major Android OS updates. In contrast, Google’s latest Pixel phones only come with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Key specifications of the Fairphone 6 include a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display with a FHD+ resolution and a dynamic refresh rate of 10-120 Hz. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage (expandable up to 2 TB). Its camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor (Sony Lytia 700C) and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, while the front camera is a 32MP (Samsung KD1) sensor. The battery has a capacity of 4,415 mAh with 30W wired charging.
In addition to the modular design, Fairphone 6 introduces a range of accessories that can be easily attached by removing two screws from the back cover. At launch, users can choose from a card holder, a finger loop, and another card holder accessory. Fairphone 6 also features a unique “Fairphone Moments” mode, offering users a distraction-free space with five essential apps, perfect for focused activities.
The Fairphone 6 stands as a beacon of sustainability in a market dominated by high-performance, low-price competitors. If you’re a green customer looking to make a difference with your smartphone purchase, this is the device for you.