The Fairphone (Gen 6+) Review: Finally in the US

The US has long struggled to offer a wide variety of smartphones compared to other regions. A Dutch company named Fairphone, which manufactures repairable and ethically produced devices, has now made its latest model, the Fairphone (Gen. 6+), available in the US. This smartphone, priced at $650, aims to address concerns related to repairability, self-replacement of batteries, and ethical manufacturing practices.

Upon using the Fairphone (Gen. 6+) for several weeks, the reviewer finds it to be a decent phone. The device, which shares similarities with the previous Fairphone (Gen. 6), boasts a slightly upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor along with 12 GB of RAM. These enhancements should ensure better performance for resource-intensive software features, especially those powered by artificial intelligence.

The Fairphone (Gen. 6+) offers a more polished software experience compared to its predecessor. Users have not encountered notable bugs, and the overall performance is satisfactory, whether browsing the web, using social media, or playing games. The device features a 6.3-inch AMOLED, 120-Hz screen that is colorful, sharp, and bright enough for viewing in sunlight.

However, the adaptive brightness mode can be a bit aggressive, requiring users to manually adjust the brightness slider at times. The 4,415-mAh battery provides decent battery life, lasting around five to six hours of screen-on time per day, though wireless charging is absent.

The dual-camera system, equipped with a 50-MP main sensor and a 13-MP ultrawide lens, delivers solid results. While low-light scenes may suffer from details lost in shadows, the photos taken with the 32-MP selfie camera are generally satisfactory. The phone comes with 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, and supports a wide range of connectivity options, including a USB-C port and a headphone jack.

Fairphone takes pride in the device's repairability, with a 10/10 score from iFixit. Users can easily replace various components, including the battery and display, through the provided screwdriver and detailed instructions on the Fairphone's website. The phone is backed by a five-year warranty and promises seven years of software and security updates, extending its lifespan until 2033. The company also sells replacement parts at affordable prices, such as $90 for a new display.

However, the Fairphone (Gen. 6+) has some limitations. Its IP55 dust- and water-resistance rating means it may not withstand complete immersion in water. Additionally, the device only supports T-Mobile and AT&T, making it incompatible with Verizon networks.