Renowned for its commitment to producing highly repairable and eco-friendly products coupled with enduring software support, the brand has unveiled its latest marvel in the realm of smartphones. Echoing its predecessors, the Fairphone 5 showcases modest hardware capabilities, but it presents a plethora of attributes that might allure those with an environmental consciousness.
At the outset, the device boasts an impressive composition, constructed from a commendable 70 percent of responsibly sourced and recycled materials. Moreover, its creation involves laborers who are not only compensated with a “living wage,” as the company asserts, but also adhere to principles of fairness. The official listing for the Fairphone 5 highlights that over 70 percent of its materials are “fair focus or recycled,” incorporating conscientiously obtained minerals.
The centerpiece of the Fairphone 5 is its 6.46-inch FullHD+ (2700 x 1224) OLED display, which exhibits a 90Hz refresh rate and reaches a peak brightness of 880 nits. Guarded by the durable Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and fully laminated with an oleophobic coating, the screen exudes quality. Beneath this refined exterior lies Qualcomm’s QCM 6490 SoC, an industrial IoT processor preferred by Fairphone due to its prolonged software support, exceeding that of conventional Snapdragon consumer SoCs. The engine houses a robust 2.7GHz octa-core CPU alongside the Adreno 642L GPU. Complementing this powerhouse is 8GB of RAM and a capacious 256GB storage, expandable by up to a staggering 2TB through a microSD card. Fueled by a 4,200mAh battery, equipped with 30W fast charging capability, the Fairphone 5 pledges a full day of usage on a solitary charge.
Photographic prowess is realized through a dual-camera configuration at the rear, spearheaded by a 50MP Sony IMX 800 primary sensor featuring OIS+EIS technology. Additionally, a 50MP SONY IMX 858 ultra-wide lens with EIS captures an expansive 117-degree field of view. The device facilitates 4K video recording at 30 fps and 1080p video at 60 fps. On the front, the Fairphone 5 accommodates a 50MP Samsung JN1 image sensor, housed within a discrete punch-hole.
Connectivity options encompass Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, sub-6 GHz 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS. The device caters to dual-SIM functionality, housing both a physical SIM and an eSIM. In addition, a USB-C port handles charging duties, while an IP 55 rating guarantees resistance to water and dust.
Unquestionably, the Fairphone 5’s most compelling attribute lies in its unprecedented software support, spanning a minimum of 8 years. This entails a confirmed 5-year stream of Android updates and an added 3 years of security patches. The company even entertains the possibility of extending this update regimen to an astounding 10 years, contingent upon hardware compatibility. Notably, the Fairphone 5 distinguishes itself with its remarkable ease of repair compared to contemporaneous smartphones, a feat achievable with a mere Phillips head screwdriver.
Modularity is a cornerstone of the Fairphone 5’s design philosophy, boasting ten replaceable modules that empower users to undertake replacements without the need for professional intervention. Modules encompass the OLED display assembly, rear and front cameras, USB port, and battery. These modules can be directly procured from Fairphone or its authorized retail partners.
Pre-orders for the Fairphone 5 are now open, with shipping scheduled to commence on September 14. In the eurozone, prices commence at €699 (approx. $764), and in the U.K., they start at £619 (approx. $787). While no immediate plans for a U.S. launch are evident, this scenario remains subject to change, considering the Fairphone 4’s current availability in the country.