Defense · Report Line
Smartphone longevity didn’t used to matter. In the past, before you could wear out or break a phone, there was always some shiny new thing to buy. Today, we expect our smartphones to go the distance, but they’ve also become less repairable and, in many cases, more fragile.
Fairphone, a Dutch smartphone maker, thinks about phones differently. The new $650 Fairphone Gen 6+ is designed both for longevity and easy repairability. Fairphone CTO Chandler Hatton told Ars that Fairphone’s goal is to provide a compelling mobile experience while also enabling users to ‘fully own’ their device.
The phone prioritizes self-repair, allowing users to replace 12 different parts with a single screwdriver. The battery, display, and camera modules are all user-serviceable, reducing e-waste and saving consumers money. Fairphone designs devices to be sustainable, avoiding conflict minerals and using recycled materials.
The company aims for users to keep their Fairphone for at least five years, tracking this as a KPI. The modular approach means the phone is slightly thicker than standard smartphones but offers better repairability. The Fairphone Gen 6+ features a 6.31-inch replaceable OLED screen, 12GB RAM, and a removable 4415mAh battery.
It supports Android 16 and is backed by software updates until 2033. While it lacks IP6X water resistance, the phone is designed for everyday use. The trade-offs include a lack of a headphone jack and waterproofing, but Fairphone emphasizes repairability and longevity over flashy features.
The phone’s specs include a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, 256GB storage (with microSD support), and connectivity options like 5G and Wi-Fi 6e. Fairphone’s design philosophy focuses on user control, sustainability, and practicality, appealing to tech enthusiasts and those concerned about e-waste.
Source: Ars Technica
