David Bridges
As the flagship smartphone market experiences a phase of stagnation, accompanied by a rising consumer awareness towards sustainable technology, the arrival of the Fairphone 6 feels incredibly timely. Nearly two years have passed since the launch of the Fairphone 5, and it comes as no surprise that its successor continues the legacy of being a highly repairable modular smartphone. This design philosophy not only emphasizes longevity but also aligns with the growing trend of eco-conscious tech purchases, appealing to consumers who prioritize sustainability.
The Fairphone 6 boasts a smaller and lighter frame compared to its predecessor, enhancing its portability. It features a robust 4415mAh battery, which Fairphone claims can effortlessly last nearly two days on a single charge. With the included 30W charger, users can recharge 50% of the battery in just 25 minutes. When the battery eventually begins to degrade after years of use, it is one of the 12 easily replaceable components within the phone, requiring only a few screws to access. The design doesn’t use any glue, encouraging users to tinker and make modifications. However, it’s important to note that, similar to the Fairphone 5, this model comes with a water and dust resistance rating of only IP55, indicating that it may not withstand submersion in water.
The Fairphone 6 features a vibrant 6.31-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,116 x 2,484 pixels and supports an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the previous model’s 90Hz panel. Users will enjoy a generous 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by an additional 2TB via microSD. The phone is powered by the capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth performance for various applications and multitasking.
In terms of photography, the Fairphone 6 is equipped with a 50MP main rear lens featuring up to 10x digital zoom, complemented by a 13MP ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive landscapes. On the front, a 32-megapixel selfie camera is included, providing high-quality images for social media enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that, on paper, this new model’s camera specifications represent a slight downgrade from its predecessor, which utilized a 50MP lens across all three camera setups.
The device operates on Android 15, with a guarantee of software updates until 2033, in addition to a generous five-year warranty. A unique feature included is a custom software known as Fairphone Moments. This function can be activated by toggling a lime green switch located on the side of the phone, effectively creating a minimalist focus mode that allows users to streamline their experience by showing only five selected apps. Multiple Moments collections can be created, ranging from essential apps to those aimed at relaxation and mindfulness.
Beyond the modular design of the phone’s internals, users have the freedom to customize the backplates with various alternatives that come with additional features such as a cardholder, finger loop, or lanyard. This flexibility remains a core appeal of the Fairphone brand, as the emphasis on sustainable design and future-proofing outweighs the importance of traditional mid-range specifications.
The Fairphone 6 is available for purchase at a price of €599 (approximately $695), and it comes in three stylish colors: Cloud White, Forest Green, and Horizon Black.
Daniel Mercer
