The Fairphone 6 Plus is the midrange phone we desperately needed

How does repairability translate to real-world use?

Fairphone has released its latest midrange Android device, the Fairphone 6 Plus, targeting users who want ethical tech without sacrificing basic functionality. Launched in early 2025, the phone arrives as a modest upgrade over its predecessor, focusing on repairability and sustainable materials. While it doesn’t push performance boundaries, it aims to fill a gap in the market for consumers prioritizing longevity and environmental impact over flagship specs.

The device features a 6.7-inch OLED display, a mid-tier Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, and a 5,000mAh battery designed for all-day use. Fairphone emphasizes its modular design, allowing users to replace the battery, screen, or camera module with basic tools. The company claims over 70% of the phone’s materials are either recycled or responsibly sourced, including fair-trade gold and recycled plastics. Software support is promised for five years, with regular security updates and Android version upgrades.

What trade-offs come with choosing ethics over performance?

In hands-on testing, the Fairphone 6 Plus feels solid but unremarkable in daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and media consumption. The camera system, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and ultrawide lens, delivers average photo quality in good light but struggles in low-light conditions. Despite its ethical appeal, the phone lacks wireless charging and has a relatively slow 30W wired charging speed. Still, for users frustrated by short device lifespans, the ability to fix common issues at home remains a significant draw.

Choosing the Fairphone 6 Plus means accepting midrange performance in exchange for transparency and durability. Benchmark scores place it below competitors like the Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A55 in raw power, but Fairphone argues that longevity reduces electronic waste more effectively than incremental performance gains. The phone ships with a minimalist recycled cardboard box and no charger, reinforcing its sustainability message. Early adopters praise the peace of mind that comes with knowing their device won’t become obsolete due to a broken screen or degraded battery.

Is the Fairphone 6 Plus water-resistant? It has an IP54 rating, meaning it resists splashes and dust but is not fully waterproof like higher-end models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install custom operating systems on this phone? Yes, Fairphone supports alternative OS options like /e/OS and Ubuntu Touch, and provides guides for unlocking the bootloader.

How does the five-year software update promise compare to industry standards? Most Android manufacturers offer three to four years of updates; Fairphone’s five-year commitment exceeds the average for midrange devices.