Fairphone, a Dutch company focused on sustainability and ethical production, has unveiled its latest device, the Fairphone 6. This modular smartphone emphasizes repairability, allowing users to easily replace or customize components, making it a significant selling point for the device. The Fairphone 6 is priced higher than expected for a mid-range phone, with costs of €600 for the Android version and €650 for the /e/OS variant.
In the U.S., the /e/OS model is available for pre-order at $900, shipping in August. The elevated pricing reflects Fairphone’s commitment to ethical manufacturing, as the phone is built in factories that uphold fair labor practices. Notably, the Fairphone 6 is crafted from over 50% fair and recycled materials, including cobalt sourced via the Fair Cobalt Alliance—a group founded by Fairphone.
The device incorporates fair-mined gold, silver, and tungsten, as well as recycled aluminum and metals, all while operating on renewable energy. The phone boasts an impressive repairability rating and allows users to replace up to 12 components with just a standard screwdriver and guidance videos provided by Fairphone. Key parts, such as the battery, screen, and cameras, can easily be swapped.
In addition to offering an extensive five-year warranty, Fairphone commits to providing eight years of software support, including seven major Android OS updates. Exciting new features of the Fairphone 6 include the ability to attach accessories by removing two screws and a unique “Fairphone Moments” feature, which enables users to create a personalized distraction-free space on their device. Overall, Fairphone 6 represents a considerable step forward in sustainable smartphone technology.