By: Bryan Tropeano
When most people shop for a new phone, they’re focused on the fastest processor, the best camera, or how sleek the design looks. Very few think about where that phone came from or whether it can be repaired instead of replaced. With new right-to-repair bills gaining traction around the world, that idea is starting to change. The Fairphone 6 challenges that mindset. It’s the latest attempt to prove that an ethical, sustainable smartphone can compete with mainstream devices from the biggest brands.
But can it really hold up in day-to-day use? Let’s find out.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Fairphone 6 doesn’t try to impress you with luxury finishes or razor-thin edges. Instead, it’s built with purpose. The slightly thicker frame allows for something rare in modern smartphones: full repairability. You can pop off the back cover, swap the battery, or replace a cracked screen yourself with just a screwdriver.
The phone feels sturdy in hand and gives off the sense that it was built to last. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and rated IP55 for dust and splash resistance, which is good enough for everyday life. The Fairphone 6 may not win beauty contests, but it’s one of the few phones that encourages ownership in the true sense. It’s yours to maintain, not toss aside.
Display and Performance
The Fairphone 6 features a 6.31-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Colors are vivid, text looks crisp, and outdoor visibility holds up well. It’s a solid panel for streaming videos, browsing, or gaming.
Under the hood, you’ll find Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s not a flagship processor, but it handles everyday use with ease. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels smooth, and general performance sits comfortably in the midrange category.
This Fairphone 6 review wouldn’t be complete without noting one major plus: Fairphone promises long-term software support. The company has committed to at least seven Android OS upgrades and eight years of security updates. That’s nearly unheard of in the Android world.
Camera Performance
The Fairphone 6 sports a dual rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. Photos look balanced and colorful in daylight, with enough detail to rival most mid-tier phones. Low-light shots lose some clarity, but that’s expected in this price range.
The 32MP selfie camera does a good job for video calls and social media photos. While the camera system won’t replace a flagship iPhone or Pixel, it’s impressive for a phone that’s built around ethical sourcing and repairability.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another strong point in this Fairphone 6 review. The 4,415 mAh battery lasts a full day of moderate use, and the best part is that it’s removable. If performance starts to fade after a few years, you can simply swap in a new one. That’s something you just can’t do with most phones today.
Charging speeds top out at 30W, which isn’t the fastest but still gets the job done quickly. It’s a nice balance between performance and longevity, ensuring the battery stays healthy over time.
Repairability and Longevity
This is where the Fairphone 6 truly stands out. Every major part, from the display to the camera modules, can be replaced by the user. Fairphone even sells parts directly through its website, along with easy repair guides.
This design, combined with the extended software updates and a 5-year warranty, makes the Fairphone 6 one of the most future-proof smartphones available. If you care about reducing electronic waste and keeping your devices longer, this phone delivers on that promise better than anyone else in the industry.
Everyday Use
Using the Fairphone 6 feels refreshingly straightforward. It runs a near-stock version of Android with minimal preloaded apps, keeping things simple and responsive. Calls are clear, 5G connectivity is strong, and everyday tasks feel smooth and reliable.
It’s not a flashy phone, but it’s dependable and doesn’t come with the guilt of questionable supply chains or short lifespans.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond specs and benchmarks, the Fairphone 6 represents a shift in how we think about technology. Fairphone focuses on fair labor practices, recycled materials, and responsible sourcing of minerals. It’s proof that a company can make a difference in an industry known for waste and exploitation.
Still, the challenge is convincing people that sustainability and performance can coexist. The Fairphone 6 isn’t a phone for everyone, but it’s a model for what the tech industry could become if consumers demanded more transparency and accountability.
Verdict
To wrap up this Fairphone 6 review, it’s clear that Fairphone continues to push boundaries in all the right ways. It’s not the most powerful or stylish phone, but it’s one of the most responsible. You get solid performance, a clean design, a replaceable battery, and years of software support, all from a company that actually cares about the planet and the people behind the product.
If you want a phone that aligns with your values and won’t end up in a landfill after two years, the Fairphone 6 is one of the best choices you can make. Ethical tech can compete, and this phone proves it.
About the author: Bryan Tropeano is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
