Fairphone (Gen 6) Review: Sustainability Done the Right Way
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, the Fairphone (Gen 6) stands out as a beacon of environmentally friendly practices in the smartphone industry. While many companies talk the talk, Fairphone walks the walk by making repairability and longevity central to its brand identity.
Design & Build
The Fairphone (Gen 6) impresses with its eye-catching design, available in Horizon Black, Forest Green, and Cloud White. The phone feels great in hand, featuring a reasonably sized 6.31-inch display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Notably, it offers a five-year warranty, emphasizing durability and longevity.
The device’s modular design allows for easy battery removal and the addition of various modular accessories, enhancing user experience and extending the phone’s functionality. Despite minor button placement peculiarities, the overall design is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.
Screen & Speakers
The Fairphone 6 upgrades to a faster 120Hz refresh rate display, enhancing visual smoothness. With a peak brightness of 1400 nits, the screen remains readable even in direct sunlight. However, the auto-brightness feature may require manual adjustment due to occasional inconsistencies.
The stereo speakers deliver respectable sound quality, although they may lack in volume compared to other devices. While not ideal for bass enthusiasts, the speakers effectively highlight vocals in music playback.
Specs & Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, the Fairphone 6 may lag behind competitors in performance. Users may experience occasional slowdowns and menu navigation delays, especially when compared to other mid-range offerings. Despite this, the phone remains capable of handling gaming and day-to-day tasks efficiently.
Gaming performance, while decent, may exhibit occasional stuttering during intensive gameplay. Notably, the device sometimes prioritizes 4G+ over 5G connectivity, potentially impacting network performance.
Cameras
The Fairphone (Gen 6) features a 50MP main camera with a wider aperture, enhancing light capture for improved photo quality. While capable of capturing great shots under optimal conditions, some images may appear washed out or lack detail, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios.
The selfie camera, despite a downgrade to 32MP, excels in capturing vibrant and detailed self-portraits. The device offers Super Night Mode for low-light photography, delivering satisfactory results. Overall, while the camera performance is mixed, the device shines in portrait and selfie photography.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 4415mAh removable battery, the Fairphone 6 offers reliable battery life, enabling up to two days of moderate use. Fast charging support allows the device to charge quickly, reaching 55% in just 30 minutes with a 30W charger. The device’s efficient battery management ensures extended usability between charges.
Software & Apps
The Fairphone 6 delivers a clean Android experience reminiscent of stock Android, free from bloatware. Notably, the device showcases Fairphone Moments, a unique feature that promotes digital wellbeing by limiting app access through a physical switch. The device promises a remarkable eight years of software support, surpassing industry standards.
Price & Availability
Priced at £499/€599 for the 256GB variant, the Fairphone 6 offers sustainability-focused features at a competitive price point. While available directly in the UK and Europe, US customers may need to purchase through third-party retailers at a slightly higher cost of $899. The device comes in three color options and offers a single storage configuration.
Should You Buy the Fairphone (Gen 6)?
The Fairphone 6 excels in sustainability, repairability, and longevity, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers. While performance may not match high-end competitors, its focus on sustainability and user-friendly design sets it apart. With innovative features like Fairphone Moments and extensive software support, the Fairphone 6 offers a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing ethical tech consumption.
Specs
– Operating System: Android 15
– Display: 6.31-inch P-OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1400nits peak brightness
– Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
– Cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie
– Storage: 256GB, 8GB RAM
– Battery: 4415mAh, 30W charging
– Durability: IP55
– Dimensions: 156.5 x 73.3 x 9.6mm, 193g
– Software Support: Eight years of updates
In conclusion, the Fairphone (Gen 6) offers a compelling mix of sustainability, repairability, and innovative features that cater to conscious consumers seeking ethical tech solutions. Despite some performance compromises, its focus on longevity and user experience makes it a standout choice in the smartphone market.