The ethical Dutch smartphone Fairphone returns with its sixth generation, bringing a more modern, modular and user-repairable device, with screw-on accessories and replaceable batteries.
Price and design
The Fairphone 6 costs £499 (€599), cheaper than previous models and competes with budget smartphones like the Google Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro, while also offering in-home repair support and a five-year warranty. The phone has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, a recycled plastic body and a sturdy design. It is resistant to rain and splashes, but it is not waterproof.
The back panel is held in place by two Torx screws and hides the battery and modular components, which can be easily replaced at home. The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner, but its placement alongside the volume buttons makes it easy to accidentally press it. A large, colorful button activates a “Moments” mode that blocks notifications and displays only essential apps, reducing distractions.
Technical characteristics
Display: 6.31 inch FHD+ OLED 120Hz (431ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB + microSD
Camera: 50MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, 32MP selfie
Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS
Water resistance: IP55 (splash/rain)
Dimensions: 156.5 x 73.3 x 9.6 mm, 191.4 g
Performance and battery
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers mid-range performance: fast for everyday use and light gaming, but not for more advanced titles. The battery reaches around 35 hours of mixed use between the internal display and 5G/wifi, requiring charging every night.
Durability and repairability
The battery retains 80% of its capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles and is easily replaced at home, along with 12 modular components. Prices: battery £35, display £78, main camera £61. The phone uses 50% recycled or ethically sourced materials and is rated 10/10 for repairability by iFixit.
Software and AI
The Fairphone 6 comes with pure Android 15 or the private version /e/OS. There's no Android 16 yet, but it will be supported with updates until 2033. The software is basic, without advanced AI aside from the Google Gemini assistant, and uncustomizable compared to Samsung or Google.
camera
The 50MP main camera takes good photos in bright light, but struggles with high contrast and low light. The 13MP ultra-wide and 32MP selfie cameras are satisfactory, but don't rival more expensive models. The 2x digital zoom is good, but 10x introduces artifacts.
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The Fairphone 6 is a modular, repairable phone with a good display, solid design, and long-lasting battery. It offers an ethical and cheaper alternative for users looking for repairability and microSD, but the performance is mediocre, the camera isn't exceptional, and the software lacks advanced AI tricks.
Pros: modular, home repairable, software support until 2033, recycled materials, microSD slot, good screen, 5-year warranty.
Cons: average performance, annoying power/volume button, average camera, not waterproof, Android 16 missing, slightly unpolished software. /GazetaExpress/
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