Fairphone 5: A Decade-Long Smartphone Innovation

The Dutch smartphone company, Fairphone, has launched the Fairphone 5, a device designed for longevity. The ethical tech pioneer is known for creating repairable devices, and this latest release is a significant stride in tackling tech waste.

The Fairphone 5 Features

The Fairphone 5 is a thinner, lighter, and more refined gadget compared to previous models. Its most prominent feature is the promise of up to ten years of software support, an unprecedented offer in the smartphone industry. While the £649 (€699) price tag is higher than its predecessors, the device’s longevity and repairability make it a worthy investment.

The screen is an upgrade, boasting a crisp OLED running at 90Hz, suitable for most situations. However, it may struggle a bit under bright sunlight. The phone is constructed from recycled aluminium, Gorilla Glass 5 front, and a high-quality removable plastic back. It is available in an interesting transparent version as well.

While the device may appear slightly dated compared to modern designs, it feels solid and durable. It also possesses an IP55 water resistance, allowing it to withstand rain, spray, or splashes, but not suitable for immersion in water. The stereo speakers and vibration motor are adequate, but may not match the quality of an iPhone or Samsung.

Specifications and Longevity

The Fairphone 5 operates on an OS based on Android 13. It supports dual 50MP rear and 50MP selfie cameras, and has connectivity options for 5G, esim + nanosim, wifi6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS. The device is powered by a Qualcomm QCM6490 processor, designed primarily for a wide range of commercial systems, but works just as well in the Fairphone. This unique chip ensures long-term support, promising at least five Android version updates and eight years of security updates.

The battery life is average, lasting about 36 hours between charges. Charging time is roughly 66 minutes using a 30W or greater power adaptor. However, the battery is swappable, enabling users to carry a spare for longer usage.

Emphasis on Sustainability

Fairphone emphasizes sustainability. The phone can be repaired by users with 10 modular spare parts available, requiring only a standard screwdriver to install. A replacement display costs £90, while the back costs £22, with other components ranging between £18 and £62.

The company recycles the equivalent weight of electronics for each phone sold, making it e-waste neutral. Fairphone uses fair trade gold and silver, ethically sourced lithium and tungsten, and recycled aluminium, among others. It also supplements the pay of its contract manufacturing workers to a living wage.

The Fairphone OS

The device ships with standard Android 13 without unnecessary added elements, beyond a pre-loaded My Fairphone app for service and support. It also allows users to install another operating system, like Linux or other versions of Android. This flexibility may appeal to tech enthusiasts or those looking to free themselves from Google services. With eight to 10 years of security updates, users will be able to safely use Android on the Fairphone for longer than any other device.