Fairphone 6 Announced: More Modular, Bigger Battery, but a Weaker Camera
Nearly two years after its last major upgrade, Fairphone has announced the Fairphone 6, its latest smartphone designed with sustainability and repairability at its core. The new model introduces enhanced modularity and a larger battery in a smaller, lighter frame, but makes a surprising downgrade in its camera system compared to its predecessor.
The Fairphone 6 is available now in Europe for €599, with a US release planned for August through Murena, featuring the privacy-focused /e/OS for $899.
A More Modular and Refined Design
The Fairphone 6 is 9 percent lighter than the Fairphone 5 and features a more compact design built around a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display, which now boasts a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. Despite its smaller size, it houses a larger 4,415mAh battery, which the company claims can provide up to 53 hours of use and can be easily replaced by removing just seven screws.
A key innovation is the new modular back panel. The lower section can be swapped out for functional accessories, such as a card holder or a finger loop, allowing users to customize their device’s utility. This increased modularity, however, comes with a trade-off: the phone retains a limited IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes but not submersion.
Performance, Repairability, and a New “Moments” Feature
Internally, the Fairphone 6 is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card.
Repairability remains a cornerstone of the Fairphone philosophy. The device features 12 user-replaceable modules—including the screen, battery, and USB port—that can be swapped with a standard screwdriver. This commitment is backed by an impressive five-year warranty and a promise of eight years of software support through 2033.
On the software side, Fairphone is introducing “Fairphone Moments,” a new feature activated by a physical switch. It allows users to toggle to a minimalist, distraction-free experience, putting them in control of their notifications and focus.
A Surprising Camera Downgrade
While many aspects of the phone are an upgrade, the camera system sees a notable step down. The Fairphone 6 is equipped with a 50MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while the front features a 32MP selfie camera. This is a significant departure from the Fairphone 5, which utilized 50MP sensors for all three of its cameras.
