Fairphone has released the Fairphone 6 Plus, a midrange Android phone that delivers on the company’s sustainability mission while maintaining practical everyday performance. The device represents a significant milestone for the manufacturer, as it achieves mainstream functionality without forcing users to accept significant compromises in processing power or camera quality—challenges that plagued earlier Fairphone models.
The 6 Plus is a modest update to last year’s Fairphone 6, featuring a newer Snapdragon chipset and updated color options. Priced at $649, it positions itself at the upper end of the midrange market and is now available for purchase directly in the United States with support for T-Mobile and AT-Mobile networks. The device includes 12GB of RAM, a five-year warranty, and support for up to six operating system upgrades. It runs a close-to-stock version of Android without bloatware or AI-focused features.
A defining feature is the device’s repairability. The 6 Plus contains 12 user-replaceable parts, including the battery, screen, USB-C port, and all three cameras. Replacement parts are significantly cheaper than comparable repairs for competitors’ phones—battery replacements cost $39.99 compared to typical industry prices of $100 to $180, while screen replacements are $89.99 versus $100 to $300 elsewhere. The repair process is designed to be accessible to non-technical users.
The phone delivers performance comparable to typical midrange devices from competitors like Google and Samsung. Battery life is adequate for light-to-moderate daily use, with users able to maintain substantial charge through evenings. However, the device carries tradeoffs due to its repairability-first design. The IP55 rating provides dust and water resistance but not full protection. The phone lacks wireless charging and magnetic attachment options, features increasingly common in the category. The display brightness is respectable but not class-leading, and the speaker quality is described as limited.
Fairphone’s approach of prioritizing user repairability and ethical sourcing while delivering functional, unpretentious performance addresses a gap in the market for consumers seeking sustainability without major functional compromises.
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