Fairphone 6 earns top repairs scores from iFixit, scoring a perfect 10/10 for repairability.
The Fairphone Generation 6, unveiled on June 25, is making waves in the smartphone industry with its exceptional focus on repairability and sustainability. This mobile device, which received a perfect 10/10 repairability score from iFixit, is setting new standards in the market.
One of the standout features of the Fairphone 6 is its modular design. Users can easily replace key components such as the battery, screen, cameras, and even the USB-C port. Unlike many modern phones that are glued or sealed shut, the Fairphone 6’s back panel can be removed simply by removing two screws, making it highly accessible for repairs or upgrades.
The battery, although now held in by screws rather than being tool-free, can still be replaced with just a basic screwdriver—no specialized tools or heat guns are required. In total, 12 components are user-replaceable, including the USB-C connector that can be changed independently if damaged.
Fairphone backs this up with a five-year warranty and promises software updates and spare parts availability until 2033, supporting seven Android version upgrades, which is exceptional in the smartphone world.
In terms of sustainability, the Fairphone 6 is built with conflict-free materials and manufactured in worker-friendly facilities, emphasizing ethical sourcing and labor conditions. The company has committed to e-waste neutrality by running recycling programs to offset the environmental impact of its products.
By encouraging users to keep their phones longer—supported by the modular, repairable design and extended software support—Fairphone helps reduce electronic waste. Studies cited by the Fraunhofer Institute show that using a Fairphone for five years instead of three can cut a phone’s annual carbon footprint by around a third.
The Fairphone 6 also features a modular external design, with a back panel that can be swapped not only for repairs but also for personalization (e.g., adding a wallet module or finger loop), which enhances practical longevity and user engagement with the device.
Compared to most mainstream smartphones, the Fairphone 6 stands out significantly. Most mainstream smartphones are designed with glued components, lack modular parts, and offer shorter support windows, making them less repairable and more disposable. The Fairphone 6’s repairability score of 10/10 is rare, and its long-term warranty and software support far exceed industry norms.
Its sustainability efforts—including ethical material sourcing, worker-friendly production, and e-waste neutrality—are distinct from many competitors who often prioritize sleek design or performance over repairability and sustainability.
The Fairphone Generation 6 is available with Murena/e/ OS instead of the built-in Google Gemini LLM-bot "assistant", which may allay some Google-related privacy concerns at the cost of some features and convenience. The phone costs €150 more than the base model when purchased with the built-in Google Gemini LLM-bot "assistant". The phone does not have a headphone socket and only has one physical SIM slot, but it supports eSIM as well.
The Fairphone Generation 6 also boasts an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. The battery, held in place by four screws and a cable, can be charged to half-full in half an hour with a 30W charger. The back of the phone can be removed by sliding it off after removing two screws.
In conclusion, the Fairphone Generation 6 represents a gold standard in repairability and sustainability by prioritizing user repairability, modularity, ethical manufacturing, and long-term software support, all of which contribute to reducing e-waste and extending the device’s lifecycle far beyond typical smartphones today.
- In contrast to many modern smartphones that are built with glued components and lack modular parts, the Fairphone 6's modular design enables users to easily replace key components such as the battery, screen, cameras, and USB-C port, fostering a longer device lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
- Fairphone's decision to offer the Fairphone 6 without the built-in Google Gemini LLM-bot "assistant" may address privacy concerns for some users, although it comes at an additional cost of €150 compared to the base model.
- With its focus on sustainability, the Fairphone 6 is constructed with conflict-free materials, manufactured in worker-friendly facilities, and supports extended software updates until 2033, exemplifying the company's commitment to ethical sourcing, labor conditions, and e-waste neutrality.
