The Dutch smartphone manufacturer Fairphone has released its latest model, the Fairphone 6, which promises to be a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional smartphones. Priced at £499 (€599), it positions itself against budget-friendly options like the Google Pixel 9a and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro.
The phone boasts an impressive design with a sleek, 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED screen that provides vibrant visuals. The recycled plastic body feels solid and high-quality, despite being made from environmentally friendly materials. However, users can access more storage by using the microSD card slot, which is a rare feature in modern smartphones.
One of the standout features of the Fairphone 6 is its modular design. The phone has two exposed Torx screws that allow users to easily replace or upgrade individual components, such as the battery, making it repairable at home. This reduces electronic waste and enables users to upgrade specific parts without having to purchase an entirely new device.
The phone's performance is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, which provides sufficient speed for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications. The battery life is reasonable but not exceptional, lasting around 35 hours between charges under normal usage conditions.
The camera system consists of two rear cameras and one selfie camera, producing good photos in bright light but struggling with high-contrast scenes and low-light conditions. However, the phone's camera is serviceable for its price point.
The software running on the Fairphone 6 is a modified version of Android 15 or an open-source alternative called /e/OS, depending on user preference. The former lacks some advanced features like AI-powered tricks, while the latter provides a more streamlined and distraction-free experience. Users will receive support until at least 2033, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest security patches.
The phone's fingerprint scanner is somewhat slim and flush against the side of the device, making it harder to press accurately, while its volume buttons are positioned directly opposite each other, causing accidental presses. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor but can be tricky to use due to its slim profile.
The Fairphone 6 offers some significant advantages over traditional smartphones, including a repairable design and long-term software support. However, its performance may not match that of more powerful devices, and its camera capabilities are average compared to similarly priced rivals.
Overall, the Fairphone 6 is an appealing option for those seeking an environmentally friendly, modular smartphone with a focus on repairability and sustainability.
The phone boasts an impressive design with a sleek, 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED screen that provides vibrant visuals. The recycled plastic body feels solid and high-quality, despite being made from environmentally friendly materials. However, users can access more storage by using the microSD card slot, which is a rare feature in modern smartphones.
One of the standout features of the Fairphone 6 is its modular design. The phone has two exposed Torx screws that allow users to easily replace or upgrade individual components, such as the battery, making it repairable at home. This reduces electronic waste and enables users to upgrade specific parts without having to purchase an entirely new device.
The phone's performance is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, which provides sufficient speed for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications. The battery life is reasonable but not exceptional, lasting around 35 hours between charges under normal usage conditions.
The camera system consists of two rear cameras and one selfie camera, producing good photos in bright light but struggling with high-contrast scenes and low-light conditions. However, the phone's camera is serviceable for its price point.
The software running on the Fairphone 6 is a modified version of Android 15 or an open-source alternative called /e/OS, depending on user preference. The former lacks some advanced features like AI-powered tricks, while the latter provides a more streamlined and distraction-free experience. Users will receive support until at least 2033, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest security patches.
The phone's fingerprint scanner is somewhat slim and flush against the side of the device, making it harder to press accurately, while its volume buttons are positioned directly opposite each other, causing accidental presses. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor but can be tricky to use due to its slim profile.
The Fairphone 6 offers some significant advantages over traditional smartphones, including a repairable design and long-term software support. However, its performance may not match that of more powerful devices, and its camera capabilities are average compared to similarly priced rivals.
Overall, the Fairphone 6 is an appealing option for those seeking an environmentally friendly, modular smartphone with a focus on repairability and sustainability.
I'm loving the idea of the Fairphone 6, it's like they're speaking my language - affordability + eco-friendliness! £499 might seem steep for some, but considering you get a solid device that's all about repairability & upgrading individual components is pretty cool. I mean, who needs to throw away their phone after just two years? The modular design is genius, it's like they're saying "hey, we know our phones have a short lifespan, so let's make it easy for you to upgrade or fix them". And the fact that you can expand storage using microSD cards is a nice touch. I'd definitely consider this phone over those budget-friendly options like Google Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro - at least Fairphone is trying to do something different here! 
the modular design is such a genius idea - it's literally the future of phone upgrades 
plus, who doesn't want to reduce e-waste? 
. Plus, the recycled plastic body and long-term software support are definite positives. It's just...I don't know, £499 seems like a bit steep for a mid-range device with some trade-offs.
It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know you'll just throw us away in a few years, but let's give you the power to do it yourself!" 
Plus, the 120Hz OLED screen looks insane. It's like they're trying to prove that eco-friendliness doesn't have to mean sacrificing style.
. Sure, the performance might not be as snappy as some other phones, but I think that's a small price to pay for the environmental benefits 
. Not perfect by any means, but Fairphone 6 is definitely my go-to if I want an eco-friendly phone that's gonna last 
The world needs more people like Clay Shirky who said "The internet is what happens when a lot of people say 'what's going on?' in the same place at the same time" 
, it's like having a Lego set for your phone - just swap out the parts you need! And the fact that they're using recycled plastic and energy-efficient materials is just amazing 
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. But overall, I'm loving the focus on repairability and long-term support. It's like, finally, there's a phone that prioritizes sustainability over just being the latest/greatest thing 