Fairphone has once again set the bar high with the launch of their latest smartphone, the Fairphone 6 (officially known as ‘The Fairphone (Gen. 6)’). This new model builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Fairphone 5, and continues to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in its production.
One of the standout features of the Fairphone 6 is its commitment to sustainability. The phone is constructed using over 50% recycled materials, setting a new standard for eco-friendly smartphones. Additionally, the device is made in factories powered by 100% renewable energy and is 100% e-waste neutral. Fairphone also ensures fair wages and working conditions for all workers involved in the supply chain.
In terms of hardware, the Fairphone 6 introduces support for modular accessories, allowing users to customize their phone with add-ons like lanyards, card wallets, finger loops, and flip cases. While this feature is reminiscent of other modular phone systems like Nothing’s CMF Phone series, Fairphone has not made their system open-source, potentially limiting the range of available accessories.
Despite the focus on sustainability and modularity, Fairphone hasn’t compromised on the quality of the device. The Fairphone 6 is built to last, with IP55 and MIL-STD 810G certification for durability against drops and extreme temperatures. The phone also features Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection.
One of the key selling points of the Fairphone 6 is its user-replaceable components and extended five-year warranty. Users can easily replace 12 different components themselves, including the 6.31-inch adaptive 120Hz LTPO pOLED display. This DIY approach to repairs not only saves money but also reduces electronic waste.
In terms of performance, the Fairphone 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, offering a balance of power and efficiency. Fairphone has committed to providing at least seven generations of OS updates, ensuring long-term support for the device.
On the software front, the Fairphone 6 comes with a near-stock build of Android and introduces a new ‘Fairphone Moments’ experience. This feature simplifies the user interface and notifications to promote a distraction-free user experience. Privacy-conscious users also have the option of a “deGoogled” version of the phone running on /e/OS.
The Fairphone 6 is currently available in the UK and Europe for £499/€599 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. US availability is expected in August, with more details on pricing and availability to come. With its focus on sustainability, modularity, and longevity, the Fairphone 6 stands out as a unique and ethical choice in the smartphone market.
