Design & Build: Eco-Friendly Without Compromise
The Fairphone 5 stands out with its modular, repairable design, setting a benchmark for sustainable smartphones. Unlike most flagship devices, it features a removable back cover, allowing easy access to internal components. The chassis is made from 70% recycled aluminum, while the back panel consists of 100% recycled plastic.
Fairphone ensures ethical sourcing for all materials, including conflict-free tin, tungsten, and gold. The company also uses Fairtrade-certified gold, reducing environmental and social harm in mining regions. The phone’s IP55 rating provides dust and water resistance—a rare feature in repairable devices.
Display: A Greener, Sharper Screen
The Fairphone 5 boasts a 6.46-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The screen is made with responsibly sourced materials, including recycled rare-earth metals.
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 ensures durability, reducing the likelihood of cracks and scratches. The display supports Full HD+ resolution (2770 x 1224 pixels), offering sharp visuals for streaming, gaming, and productivity.
Performance: Powering Sustainability with Flagship Specs
Under the hood, the Fairphone 5 runs on the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset—a robust mid-range processor optimized for efficiency. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage (via microSD), the device handles multitasking and demanding apps smoothly.
The phone ships with Android 13, with a commitment to five major OS updates and eight years of security patches—far exceeding industry standards. This longevity reduces e-waste, ensuring users keep their devices longer.
Camera System: Ethical Photography
Fairphone 5 features a triple-camera setup:
- 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX800) for crisp, detailed shots
- 50MP ultrawide lens for expansive landscapes
- 50MP front camera with 4K video recording
The camera software includes AI enhancements for night mode, portrait shots, and HDR. Despite not competing with ultra-premium flagships, the Fairphone 5 delivers reliable performance for everyday photography.
Battery Life & Charging: Built to Last
A 4,200mAh removable battery powers the Fairphone 5, supporting 30W fast charging. The battery’s modular design allows easy replacement, extending the phone’s lifespan. Fairphone estimates 80% capacity retention after 800 charge cycles—significantly better than industry averages.
The device also supports wireless charging, a rare feature in sustainable smartphones. Users can further reduce energy consumption with adaptive brightness and battery-saving modes.
Software & Longevity: A Future-Proof Device
Fairphone’s commitment to sustainability extends to software. The company guarantees:
- 5 major Android updates (up to Android 18)
- 8 years of security patches (until 2031)
This policy minimizes e-waste by ensuring the phone remains secure and functional for nearly a decade. Fairphone also provides detailed repair guides, empowering users to fix their devices independently.
Connectivity & Extras: Modern Features, Minimal Impact
The Fairphone 5 includes:
- 5G support for fast mobile data
- Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless speeds
- Bluetooth 5.2 with LE Audio
- Dual SIM support (1x Nano-SIM + 1x eSIM)
A side-mounted fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers enhance usability. The absence of bloatware ensures a clean Android experience.
Sustainability & Ethics: Beyond the Phone
Fairphone’s mission goes beyond hardware:
- Fair labor practices: Workers receive fair wages and safe conditions.
- Recycling programs: Old devices are refurbished or recycled responsibly.
- Modularity: Every component (screen, battery, camera) is replaceable.
- Transparent supply chain: Users can trace material origins.
The company offsets carbon emissions from production and shipping, further reducing environmental impact.
Pricing & Availability: Investing in the Future
The Fairphone 5 retails at €699 (~$750), positioning it as a premium mid-range device. While not the cheapest, its longevity and ethical production justify the cost.
Available in Europe, with limited US availability via third-party sellers, Fairphone continues expanding its global reach.
Final Verdict: A Phone That Cares
The Fairphone 5 proves sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. With flagship-level specs, long-term software support, and ethical manufacturing, it’s a compelling choice for eco-conscious consumers.
By prioritizing repairability and fair labor, Fairphone challenges the tech industry to adopt greener practices. For those seeking a phone that aligns with their values, the Fairphone 5 is a standout option.