Where will you be in 2033? That’s eight years from now, and while none of us can say for sure what life will look like then, one thing is certain: the Fairphone Gen 6 will still be receiving updates. This remarkable promise is part of what makes Fairphone so unique in the smartphone world. If you haven’t heard of Fairphone before, they are a company dedicated to making smartphones the right way—ethically, sustainably, and with repairability at the forefront. I recently traveled to Amsterdam to check out the launch of the Fairphone Gen 6, and here’s everything you need to know about this innovative device.
Table of Contents
- 🌍 The Fairphone Philosophy: Ethical and Sustainable Smartphones
- 🔧 Repairability and Longevity: 12 Modular Components You Can Replace
- 📱 What’s New with the Fairphone Gen 6?
- 🔋 Battery Life and Removability: A Nostalgic Return
- 📷 Camera Setup: Functional but Not Flagship-Level
- 📵 Fairphone Moments: A Minimalist Mode for Focus
- 🔄 Software Updates and Support: A Long-Term Commitment
- 🇺🇸 Availability and Pricing: What About the US Market?
- 💭 Final Thoughts: Is the Fairphone Gen 6 Right for You?
- ❓ FAQ About the Fairphone Gen 6
🌍 The Fairphone Philosophy: Ethical and Sustainable Smartphones
It’s no secret that most smartphones are tough on the environment. Not only do they often involve questionable sourcing of materials, but they also tend to be expensive to repair and replace. Fairphone is changing that narrative by committing to fairness throughout the entire supply chain. Their ethos revolves around creating smartphones that are almost fair trade, ensuring better working conditions for the people who make these devices.
What sets Fairphone apart is the mission to make phones that you can repair yourself at home with just a single screwdriver. This means if your phone breaks, you don’t have to send it off or pay exorbitant repair fees. Instead, you can easily swap out parts yourself, saving money and reducing electronic waste.
🔧 Repairability and Longevity: 12 Modular Components You Can Replace
The Fairphone Gen 6 boasts twelve removable and repairable components, including all cameras, the USB-C port, the cover, the display, and even the battery. Prices for replacement parts are very reasonable, ranging from just €7.95 for a new SIM card tray to under €90 for a full display replacement. This DIY approach to phone repair is a game-changer.
And if you encounter a bigger issue that can’t be fixed at home, the phone comes with an impressive five-year warranty—something almost unheard of in the smartphone industry. This warranty provides peace of mind that your investment is protected far longer than typical phones.
📱 What’s New with the Fairphone Gen 6?
After a two-year wait, the Fairphone Gen 6 arrives with several meaningful upgrades. The phone features a refreshed design that’s still a bit chunky but more refined overall. At its heart is a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display running at 120Hz—a significant upgrade from the 90Hz screen on the previous model, delivering smoother visuals and better energy efficiency.
Under the hood, the Gen 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, a notable performance step up from the older QCM6490 processor. It also includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage. But my favorite feature? Expandable storage.
Yes, you read that right. You can remove the battery and slide in a microSD card to boost storage from 256GB all the way up to 2TB—storage that will truly last you a lifetime.
🔋 Battery Life and Removability: A Nostalgic Return
The Fairphone Gen 6 packs a 4,458 mAh removable battery, which should be more than enough for typical daily use. Fairphone claims you can get up to two days of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive for a mid-range phone.
The magic is in the removable battery itself. When your battery runs out, instead of scrambling for a charger, you can simply swap in a fully charged spare battery and keep going—much like the good old days of the Nokia 3310. This feature adds a layer of convenience and longevity that’s rare in modern smartphones.
Additionally, the phone supports a variety of accessories, including a finger loop, lanyard, protective cover, and even a wallet attachment—perfect for users who want to customize their experience.
📷 Camera Setup: Functional but Not Flagship-Level
The Fairphone Gen 6 has a triple camera setup:
- 50MP main camera
- 13MP ultra-wide camera
- 32MP selfie camera
While I didn’t have enough time to fully test the cameras, they perform as expected for a phone priced just under €600. The photos deliver enough detail for everyday use but don’t stand out in a crowded market of mid-range devices.
It’s important to remember that the Fairphone isn’t about having the absolute best specs or camera performance. Instead, it’s about supporting a phone that’s designed with repairability, sustainability, and fairness at its core.
📵 Fairphone Moments: A Minimalist Mode for Focus
One intriguing feature is the bright green “Fairphone Moments” button on the side. When activated, this mode strips away distractions by limiting your phone use to just five apps of your choice. It’s a minimalist phone experience designed to help you focus and reduce screen time, which could be especially useful in certain situations.
🔄 Software Updates and Support: A Long-Term Commitment
One of the most compelling reasons to consider the Fairphone Gen 6 is its promise of software support until 2033. That’s six major Android updates over the device’s lifetime, an industry-leading commitment to longevity and security.
However, it’s fair to mention that Fairphone has had some hiccups with updates in the past, notably with the Android 14 rollout for older devices. Customer support and communication were criticized during that time, and while Fairphone has pledged to improve transparency and responsiveness, it’s something to keep in mind.
🇺🇸 Availability and Pricing: What About the US Market?
For those in the US eager to get their hands on the Fairphone Gen 6, good news: Fairphone announced that the device will launch stateside in August. However, it will be sold through a partner called Marina and will run Fairphone’s Google-free /e/OS platform, which might be a different experience from standard Android.
The US price will be higher at $899, reflecting the premium for sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
💭 Final Thoughts: Is the Fairphone Gen 6 Right for You?
The Fairphone Gen 6 is a solid mid-range phone that asks you to pay a premium not just for hardware, but for the values it represents: repairability, sustainability, and fairness. If you’re someone who changes phones every year chasing the latest specs, this might not be the device for you.
But if durability, ethical sourcing, and the ability to repair your own phone resonate with you, the Fairphone Gen 6 offers a refreshing alternative in a world of disposable electronics. Plus, with its expandable storage, removable battery, and five-year warranty, it’s built to last.
Would you consider buying the Fairphone Gen 6? Or do you prefer to upgrade more frequently? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
❓ FAQ About the Fairphone Gen 6
Q: How long will the Fairphone Gen 6 receive software updates?
A: The phone is promised to receive updates all the way until 2033, including six major Android updates.
Q: What makes the Fairphone Gen 6 sustainable?
A: It uses recycled materials, supports fair trade and ethical manufacturing practices, and is 100% e-waste neutral.
Q: Can I repair the Fairphone Gen 6 myself?
A: Yes, it has 12 user-replaceable components that can be swapped out with a single screwdriver at home.
Q: Does the Fairphone Gen 6 support expandable storage?
A: Yes, you can add a microSD card up to 2TB by removing the battery and inserting it easily.
Q: Is the Fairphone Gen 6 available in the US?
A: Yes, it will be available starting August through Marina, but it will run Fairphone’s Google-free /e/OS platform and cost $899.
