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| Fairphone 6 Review: The Smartphone That Redefines Ethics and Sustainability |
When we talk about smartphones, most reviews focus on speed, camera performance, or design aesthetics. But what if a phone chose a different path? The Fairphone 6 does exactly that. It isn’t trying to be the fastest, the thinnest, or the most luxurious. Instead, it aims to be the “right” smartphone a device that puts ethics, repairability, and sustainability at the very center of its philosophy. In a market overflowing with similar devices, this makes it truly one of a kind.
Packaging: Minimalist but Thoughtful
Unboxing the Fairphone 6 instantly reveals the company’s mindset. The package includes only the essentials: the phone itself, a welcome card, and the energy certification label. That certification proudly awards the device an A rating for energy efficiency, durability, and repairability. Unlike most flashy smartphone boxes packed with accessories, the Fairphone’s minimalist box emphasizes reducing waste.
One small drawback is the absence of a Torx screwdriver, which is required to open and repair the device. While many users might already own one, including it in the box would have been a perfect touch. Still, considering that every single component from the battery to the cameras can be replaced by the user, this omission is easy to forgive.
Design and Build: Functional Beauty
At first glance, the Fairphone 6 might seem less “fancy” compared to sleek flagship competitors. It features a soft-touch plastic body that feels sturdy and pleasant to hold. The design is clean and simple, giving it a modern yet practical appearance. Our white review unit, with its playful yellow switch and contrasting green card holder, highlighted the phone’s unique personality.
But what truly stands out is not the look it’s the ethics behind the materials. The phone is constructed using at least 50% recycled or ethically sourced materials. Unlike bigger brands that might only use recycled aluminum in small components, Fairphone pushes the bar much higher. It carefully selects suppliers that uphold fair working conditions and avoid environmentally destructive practices such as toxic rare-earth mining.
With an IP55 rating, the Fairphone 6 is resistant to dust and splashes, though not fully waterproof. It’s slightly chunky at 9.6mm and weighs 193 grams, but this thickness makes sense once you consider its removable back cover and replaceable 12 components. This is not a sealed, throwaway gadget it’s designed to last. No wonder it proudly earned a 10/10 iFixit repairability score, a rare achievement in today’s market.
Hardware: Mid-Range but Capable
Let’s be clear: the Fairphone 6 is not built to compete with flagship powerhouses like the latest Galaxy or iPhone. Instead, it targets solid, everyday performance. It runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) processor, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, expandable via microSD another rare feature in 2025.
Connectivity is future-proof: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and eSIM are all supported. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button, offering quick and reliable unlocking. On the downside, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so users must rely on USB-C or wireless audio.
Cameras, unfortunately, are the weak link. On paper, the hardware looks solid 50MP main camera, 13MP ultra-wide, and 32MP selfie shooter. In reality, results are average. Photos lack the punch, sharpness, and software refinement seen in competitors. While updates could improve the situation, serious mobile photographers might be underwhelmed.
Display: Bright and Smooth
One of the pleasant surprises is the 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display. It supports 120Hz refresh rate, though you need to manually switch between 60, 90, and 120Hz instead of enjoying automatic scaling. Still, scrolling and animations feel smooth.
The declared maximum brightness is 1,400 nits, but in practice, it seems even brighter an unusual case of a brand underselling rather than exaggerating specs. Protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, the display should handle everyday drops and scratches well. Occasionally, we noticed slight touch sensitivity issues while typing, but these were rare.
Software Options: Android or /e/OS
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Fairphone 6 is the choice of operating system. Buyers can select between stock Android 15 or /e/OS by Murena, a privacy-focused alternative that minimizes reliance on Google.
- With /e/OS, there’s no mandatory Google login. Instead, you can create an optional Murena account, or skip it entirely. Apps are downloaded through the built-in store, which mirrors the Play Store but without requiring your Google identity. If necessary, microG compatibility allows Google-dependent apps to function with limitations.
- Privacy enthusiasts will love features such as tracker blocking, IP masking, fake location settings, and detailed statistics on tracking attempts. This transforms the Fairphone 6 into a true privacy-first smartphone.
- On the other hand, the Android version provides the familiarity of stock Android, complete Google integration, a more polished camera app, and extra features like an always-on display.
Both versions guarantee 8 years of updates, a commitment unmatched by most big brands. That’s nearly double the lifespan of typical Android smartphones.
Performance in Daily Use
In everyday tasks browsing, messaging, video streaming, and moderate multitasking the Fairphone 6 performs well. Heavy gaming or professional-grade video editing, however, is not its strength. The device is tuned for reliability and longevity, not pushing performance boundaries.
One interesting addition is the Minimal Mode, activated via the physical button. It restricts you to just five apps of your choice, encouraging digital detox. While the concept is commendable, the strict five-app limit feels impractical. Imagine trying to fit essentials like phone, messages, gallery, browser, and email that leaves no room for anything else. A slightly more flexible version would make this mode genuinely useful.
Battery and Charging
Battery capacity is modest at 4,415 mAh, smaller than many rivals. However, its true strength lies in being removable. If the battery wears out after a few years, you can simply replace it instead of discarding the entire device.
On /e/OS, battery life is better optimized, often lasting a full day with moderate use. The Android version is slightly less efficient but still handles typical daily tasks. Charging speeds top out at 30W, which isn’t groundbreaking but is respectable given the battery size.
Price and Value
Here’s the tough part: the Fairphone 6 is not cheap. The standard Android version costs €599, while the privacy-focused /e/OS version is €649. At first glance, these are steep prices for what is essentially a mid-range phone.
But let’s put it in perspective. When you buy a Fairphone, you’re not just buying hardware you’re supporting fair trade supply chains, ethical sourcing, reduced e-waste, and worker rights. If these practices were easy and inexpensive, every company would do them. The higher price is a reflection of values, not just specs.
Verdict: The Right Smartphone for the Right People
The Fairphone 6 isn’t perfect. The camera quality is average, the battery is only okay, and yes, you’ll pay more than for similarly specced rivals. But calling it “just another smartphone” misses the point entirely.
This device is built for those who care about how their technology is made, not just what it does. It’s for people who value repairability over disposability, fairness over convenience, and long-term sustainability over short-term trends.
If you’re tired of throwaway gadgets and want a phone that truly aligns with ethical principles, the Fairphone 6 might just be the most “right” smartphone you can buy today.