Fairphone has officially entered the United States market with the launch of its Gen 6+ modular smartphone. For years, American consumers have navigated a mobile landscape dominated by a few major players. This Dutch brand offers a different approach by focusing on hardware longevity and user repairability.
The Fairphone Gen 6+ costs $650 USD and ships with a dedicated screwdriver, allowing owners to replace 12 modular parts independently. Common repairs like swapping a battery or screen are straightforward. A replacement screen is priced at $90 USD, while a new battery costs $40 USD. This design philosophy aims to counter the trend of planned obsolescence found in many modern devices.
Technically, the handset includes a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and 12 GB of RAM. The internal updates offer faster app loading and improved system efficiency compared to older models. Users gain a 6.31-inch OLED display and a 50-megapixel camera system. The construction uses recycled and fair-trade materials, maintaining a focus on reducing e-waste during the manufacturing process.
The phone is fully compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. For those prioritizing digital privacy, a $699 USD version is available that runs on Murena’s de-Googled /e/OS. By providing a five-year warranty and a commitment to software updates through 2033, Fairphone is challenging the standard upgrade cycles that drive much of the current electronics industry. This release represents a significant expansion for the company, following its previous success with modular audio gear in the region.