Fairphone Launches New Modular Smartphone with Enhanced Repairability
Fairphone has released its latest repairable smartphone, the Fairphone 6, nearly two years after the last upgrade. The new device is smaller and 9% lighter than its predecessor, featuring a larger 4,415mAh battery that can be replaced with just seven screws. The phone can operate for up to 53 hours on a full charge. It incorporates a more modular design, offering accessories like a card holder and finger loop for added functionality, reports 24brussels.
The Fairphone 6 is priced at €599 (approximately $696) and is available through the company’s online store and select European retailers. The model comes in black, green, and white variants. For U.S. customers, it will solely be accessible through Murena, with deliveries expected in August. The Murena version will utilize a de-Googled Android, referred to by the company as /e/OS, and preorders are priced at $899.
Powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 mobile processor, the Fairphone 6 includes 8GB of RAM and offers up to 512GB of expandable storage via SDXC card, supporting up to 2TB. The device features a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display with a refresh rate upgraded from 90Hz to 120Hz, although the screen is slightly smaller than the Fairphone 5’s 6.46-inch display.
The smartphone is equipped with a 50MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera on the back, complemented by a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The camera configuration represents a downgrade from the Fairphone 5, which featured 50MP sensors on each camera.
While maintaining a similar design to its predecessor, the Fairphone 6’s rear camera lenses are no longer housed in a separate bump but integrated into the back panel. This design allows for a modular approach, enabling users to replace the lower section with alternative attachments that enhance functionality, akin to the swappable accessories offered by other brands.
Repairability remains central to Fairphone’s ethos. The Fairphone 6 supports the interchange of 12 different components—including the screen, battery, and USB port—using a standard screwdriver. This approach simplifies maintenance and reduces electronic waste.
To prolong the phone’s lifespan, Fairphone supplies a five-year warranty and promises software updates until 2033. However, the departure from a fully sealed design results in a limited IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing only for splashes and light exposure to water without complete submersion.
In addition to hardware improvements, the Fairphone 6 introduces a new software feature named Fairphone Moments. This feature, activated by a physical switch, enables users to switch between a full-featured smartphone experience and a minimalist mode designed to minimize distractions. While specifics on what will be minimized remain unclear, the feature aims to encourage mindful technology use and promote focus.
