Fairphone has officially expanded its repair-focused smartphone lineup to the U.S., bringing the new Fairphone 6+ to American consumers at a starting price of $649. The Dutch technology company, widely known for making smartphones designed to be repaired rather than replaced, says the latest model is built to last for years. The launch comes at a time when rising gadget prices are making durability and long-term value increasingly important for consumers.
Unlike Fairphone’s earlier U.S. offering, which was sold through a partnership with French open-source operating system maker e/OS as a “de-Googled” device, the Fairphone 6+ can now be purchased directly in its standard configuration. The smartphone will support both T-Mobile and AT&T networks at launch, giving U.S. buyers easier access to the company’s repairable phone concept without needing a modified operating system.
Under the hood, the Fairphone 6+ is positioned as a midrange Android smartphone, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor paired with 12GB of RAM. It comes with a 4,415mAh battery and 30W fast charging, while its 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. For photography, the phone features a 50-megapixel Sony main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
But the biggest reason the Fairphone 6+ stands out is not necessarily its processor or cameras — it is what happens when something goes wrong. The smartphone has 12 replaceable parts, including the battery, cameras, USB-C port and display, which can be replaced using a single screwdriver. Fairphone is also offering a five-year warranty and software support through 2033, potentially allowing owners to keep the device for significantly longer instead of replacing it when a component wears out.
Sustainability is another major part of the Fairphone 6+ story. The company says it has reduced the manufacturing carbon footprint of each device to about 30kg of CO2e, while its repairable design is intended to reduce electronic waste by extending the phone’s usable life. Available in Forest Green, Horizon Black and Cobalt Blue, the Fairphone 6+ could appeal to consumers who want a smartphone that is easier to repair, lasts longer and takes a different approach to the traditional “replace it when it breaks” model.
source: techcrunch
