I tried the new Fairphone, a phone designed to be repaired

When I received a new Fairphone, I discovered a distinctive feature absent from other phones—a screwdriver. This device underscores the company's commitment to creating a phone that users can repair and that lasts longer. Should the screen malfunction, one can simply unscrew the casing and replace it independently. Using the same screwdriver, one can also detach twelve other components, ranging from the USB-C port to the camera modules.

Based in the Netherlands, the company has spent years reevaluating its supply chain, opting for Fairtrade gold and recycled metals. The Fairphone 6+, priced at $650, is the first model to be available in the United States. Over the past week, I tested the device and deliberated whether it could entice me to replace my iPhone.

The Fairphone is engineered to be easily repairable. Despite lacking technical expertise, I managed to disassemble all replaceable parts within approximately 20 minutes. No specialized knowledge of electronics is required, just the single screwdriver. Chandler Hatton, the company's CTO, asserts that anyone capable of assembling IKEA furniture can accomplish this task.

Fairphone's mission is to alter societal perceptions of owned products. As Hatton explains, "This is fundamentally different from our current relationship with consumer electronics." By enabling users to open devices, customize source code, and replace parts easily, the company aims to challenge conventional notions of ownership.

The warranty covers two years, with an option for an additional three years at an extra cost. The battery, which isn't designed for longevity, has a two-year warranty plus 14 months of an extended warranty. Should a part need replacement, it's relatively inexpensive to purchase. A new Fairphone screen costs around $90, whereas an iPhone screen can cost up to $379. A Fairphone battery costs about $40, compared to up to $129 for a new iPhone battery.

The phone's repairability necessitated a reevaluation of typical phone manufacturing. "We ask our suppliers and engineers to reconsider their approach, focusing on designing from the ground up to ensure components are accessible without special tools," Hatton notes. Components are organized to facilitate the removal of frequently replaced parts.

The design also enhances recyclability at the end of the phone's life. However, this approach has some trade-offs. To minimize thickness, manufacturers glue components together rather than using screws, which improves waterproofing but renders the phone unrepairable. Despite being slightly bulky, the Fairphone feels comfortable in the hand. While it is not designed to withstand water immersion, it is suitable for use in rainy conditions.

Some aspects of the production process remain concealed. Fairphone has dedicated years to responsibly sourcing materials like cobalt, addressing human rights concerns such as child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rather than avoiding these mines, the company collaborates with local communities to enhance working conditions.

The company sources more than half of its materials from recycled or fairly obtained sources, including recycled aluminum, copper, steel, tin, indium, nickel, plastics, and rare earths. While other companies are also increasing the use of responsibly sourced materials, Fairphone aims to lead the industry in this regard. The phone comes in a distinctive cobalt color, which stands out and subtly highlights Fairphone's commitment to ethical sourcing.

For many customers, this ethical stance is the most compelling reason to choose Fairphone, as it represents a phone made from environmentally friendly materials and fairly compensated labor. Though not without competition, Fairphone's repairability and ethical sourcing make it a compelling option for environmentally conscious consumers.