The Fairphone 6 has been introduced nearly two years after the Fairphone 5, reflecting the company’s commitment to longevity and repairability in mobile devices. Users are encouraged to keep their devices rather than constantly upgrade to new models.
The new Fairphone emphasizes user-repairability, sustainable production, and prolonged software support. While it may not match the power or aesthetics of more advanced phones at comparable prices, the current iteration reportedly makes fewer compromises while emphasizing environmental benefits.
Priced at €599 or £499 in Europe for the standard version and $899 in the US, the Fairphone’s pricing is influenced by tariffs on imports, which affects its competitiveness in the US market. The cost places it among flagship phones like the Pixel 10 and iPhone 16 rather than midrange options, raising questions about consumer willingness to pay a premium for its unique features such as repairability.
Featuring a 6.31-inch display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, the Fairphone is said to perform adequately for typical tasks, supported by 8GB of RAM and a 4,415mAh battery. Battery life lasts more than a day, although its charging speed is noted as modest.
Camera performance remains a concern, with a 50-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens described as sufficient for standard usage but struggling in challenging conditions. Users seeking more advanced photography capabilities may find better options elsewhere.
The Fairphone 6 also introduces a suite of semi-modular accessories, designed to enhance usability. Importantly, it offers a five-year warranty and commitments to extensive software updates, though this is less than some competing brands.
In terms of durability, while the phone is made from robust materials and designed for easy repair, it holds an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, which may indicate a compromise in protection to favor repairability. Fairphone aims to ensure long-term availability of parts, enhancing support for users wishing to maintain and repair their devices over time.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/phones/762755/fairphone-6-review-no-longer-compromise