The Fairphone 6: An audacious extension of the goal of smartphone design

The Fairphone 6 is a bold continuation of the company’s mission to make smartphones more ethical, sustainable, and user-repairable—without sacrificing modern features. At first glance, it looks more polished than its predecessors, with flat edges and a cleaner aesthetic that echoes the design language of mainstream flagships like the iPhone 16e and Galaxy S25. But beneath that familiar exterior lies a device that’s anything but conventional.

Because of its modular design, the Fairphone 6 makes a clear statement against disposable technology through do-it-yourself repair.

One of the standout features of the Fairphone 6 is its modular design. With 12 easily replaceable components—including the battery, screen, cameras, and USB port—users can perform repairs with just a screwdriver, no glue or heat required. This not only extends the phone’s lifespan but also empowers users to take control of their tech, a rarity in today’s sealed-glass-slab market.

Performance-wise, the Fairphone 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD. It runs Android 15 out of the box and promises a remarkable seven years of software updates, along with a five-year warranty. That kind of long-term support is virtually unheard of in the Android ecosystem and speaks volumes about Fairphone’s commitment to longevity.

Swapping out the Fairphone 6’s battery is like rewinding to an era when user freedom still came standard.

The 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display is another highlight, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and up to 1400 nits of brightness. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and housed in a body with IP55 water and dust resistance and military-grade drop protection. While it’s thicker than most phones at 9.6mm, that extra space is put to good use with its modularity and swappable backplates.

Camera performance is solid, though not groundbreaking. The rear setup includes a 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, while the front houses a 32MP selfie shooter. It’s a step down in megapixels from the Fairphone 5’s triple 50MP array, but the new sensor promises better low-light performance and 4K video capture. For most users, the trade-off will be worth it for the added durability and repairability.

Fairphone has also introduced a new hardware feature called “Moments”—a lime-colored switch that activates a minimalist mode, limiting the phone to five customizable apps. It’s a clever nod to digital well-being and a subtle reminder that sometimes, less is more. The switch can also be remapped to other functions like flashlight or airplane mode, adding a layer of personalization.

The Fairphone 6 is a bold continuation of the company’s mission to make smartphones more ethical, sustainable, and user-repairable—without sacrificing modern features.

Customization extends to the phone’s exterior as well. The backplate is swappable and supports accessories like cardholders, finger loops, and lanyards, attached via screws. Fairphone even encourages third-party and community-made add-ons, opening the door to a more personal and creative smartphone experience.

In a world of disposable tech, the Fairphone 6 is a refreshing outlier. It may not top benchmark charts or dazzle with flashy gimmicks, but it delivers where it counts: sustainability, repairability, and long-term value. For those tired of the upgrade treadmill, this phone isn’t just a product—it’s a statement.