Fairphone 6+ Brings Speed Boost and Ethical Credentials
Fairphone's latest Android smartphone, the 6+, is a modest yet meaningful update over its predecessor. As reported by The Guardian, the new model is "a little faster with more memory" while maintaining full compatibility with its previous phone, including its "repairable and ethical chops." The Dutch cooperative continues its mission of sustainability, with the device containing 51% recycled or ethically sourced materials, and being fully repairable at home with just the single screwdriver included in the box.
The phone retains the same plastic body, 120Hz OLED screen, and fingerprint scanner in the power button as the earlier Fairphone 6, according to The Guardian. But the 6+ brings an upgraded chip: a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 paired with 12GB of RAM, up 4GB from before. That processor is "about six to 10% faster in testing," placing it in the mid-range category, though it remains significantly less powerful than flagship chips from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
In a separate write-up, the Daily Express highlighted the repairability of the Gen 6+ model, which offers 12 easily replaceable parts. The list includes the battery, display, main camera, USB-C port, and SIM tray, meaning that when things go wrong, users can fix the phone at home rather than sending it to a repair shop. Hardware features cited include fast charging, IP55 water resistance, durable Gorilla Glass, and a customizable side switch button for quick access to favourite features. The phone comes in three colours, including Cobalt Blue and Forest Green.
Pricing, Competition, and US Expansion
The Fairphone 6+ is the first Fairphone model to expand beyond Europe, going on sale in the US directly from Fairphone, as reported by The Guardian. Its starting price is £569 (€649/$650 — a rise of £70 (€50) over the launch price of its predecessor. At that level, it competes directly with Google's £499 Pixel 10a and Apple's £599 iPhone 17e.
The same review notes that the phone has a battery life of about a day and a half between charges, with most users needing nightly charging. It also ships with Android 16, which will be supported with updates until at least 2033, and includes a dual-camera system: its 50MP main and 13MP ultra-wide. The battery is designed to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity for 1,000 full charge cycles.
The repairability ethos is underscored by an iFixit score of 10 out of 10, and the cost of spare parts as documented by The Guardian: battery at £34.20, screen at £77, and the main camera at £59.88.
Two Operating System Options
A key differentiator is the software. The Guardian explains the phone is available either with Google's Android or with /e/OS, a privacy-focused open-source version of Android that strips out Google services. The Daily Express adds that the /e/OS operating system, developed by Murena, is designed not to collect user data, and its Advanced Privacy tools give owners control over the information third-party apps can access.
Gaël Duval, founder and CEO of Murena, is quoted by the Daily Express saying: "Together, Murena and Fairphone are offering the everyday consumer something they haven't had in the smartphone market in the past – freedom of choice."
Pricing differs by operating system. The Guardian states that the price with Google Android is £569, while the /e/OS version costs £598.63 (€699.99/$699.99). These prices are contested by the Daily Express, which says the e/OS version sells for £599 in the UK and $699 in the US, and that it is only available on Murena's website.
The Daily Express also notes the 6+ features a 6.31-inch screen, while The Guardian actually reports a 'snappy enough' performance for the chip. Despite the speed boost, The Guardian's verdict is measured: for those prioritising repairability, it is the phone to choose, though it is "hard to recommend to everyone."
Perspectives
Fairphone and Murena executives
Gaël Duval, founder and CEO of Murena, frames the partnership as offering consumers a choice in the smartphone market. He is quoted saying, "Together, Murena and Fairphone are offering the everyday consumer something they haven't had in the smartphone market in the past – freedom of choice." This perspective underscores the value of an Android smartphone that protects user privacy and allows for easy upgrades.