In broad strokes, it’s possible to categorize phone buyers into two main groups. The first group comprises those who eagerly enter the market for a new device. They take pleasure in exploring how phones have advanced since their last upgrade and look forward to reaping the benefits of improved features like enhanced low-light camera performance, more attractive displays, and premium build quality.
The second group, on the other hand, comprises individuals who dread the process of shopping for a new phone. For them, it feels like an endeavor fraught with costs and few benefits. These individuals often respond with frustration when they learn that their phone has reached the end of its software support period or that it’s no longer economically viable to repair what seems to be a minor hardware issue.
Fairphone has traditionally catered to the second type of phone buyer, those who view the process of buying a new phone with reluctance and frustration. However, the new Fairphone 5 represents a middle ground. It retains its modular design, with a user-replaceable battery, an extended warranty, and readily available spare parts. Simultaneously, it incorporates technological advancements such as a contemporary OLED display with a high refresh rate, enhanced waterproofing, and a larger-capacity battery.
Starting at a price of €699 (approximately £619 or around $740, though it’s not currently available in the US), the Fairphone 5 still comes at a premium compared to some of its similarly equipped competitors. However, for individuals who are averse to the idea of replacing their phone every few short years, this price may be justifiable.
The Fairphone 5 is available in three colors: black, blue, and transparent. However, I would argue that the transparent version is the one that every prospective owner should consider. While it may not offer the same level of transparency as Nothing’s devices, it provides a more functional kind of transparency. With the transparent back, you can see not just aesthetically pleasing internals but also the exposed screws and user-replaceable battery that are crucial for keeping the phone operational for an extended period.
In addition to the transparent design, Fairphone also aims to be transparent about its production processes. The company ensures that over 2,000 workers on key production lines for the phone receive a living wage bonus. Fairphone also strives to source raw materials sustainably, including Fairtrade gold and recycled aluminum, tin, nickel, zinc, copper, magnesium, indium, and plastics. Out of these materials, which constitute about 42 percent of the phone’s total weight, Fairphone claims that 70 percent come from fair or recycled sources. Fairphone is not the only company working to source raw materials sustainably; Apple, for instance, states that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are made from 20 percent “recycled or renewable content,” including 100 percent recycled cobalt in its battery.
Accessing the inside of the Fairphone 5 is a straightforward process. You can simply use your fingernail to unclip the cover from the bottom right of the phone. From there, you can easily remove the battery without the need for any tools, which is helpful when inserting a physical SIM or microSD card into the phone. Additionally, you can remove other replaceable modules using a small Phillips-head screwdriver.
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The ease of removing these modules is essential for repairability, allowing users to replace them when they break over time. While Fairphone has experimented with selling upgraded modules in the past, the primary focus with the Fairphone 5 is on repairability rather than upgradability. In this model, there are even more individually accessible modules, making it convenient to replace specific components, such as a broken rear camera or a faulty SIM card tray.
Fairphone is committed to providing spare parts for the Fairphone 5 for eight to 10 years, matching its intention to support the phone with software updates for the same duration. The company will also replace faulty components under warranty for five years following the purchase. Fairphone has learned from its past experiences, such as running out of some Fairphone 2 parts in 2020, and has improved its spare parts inventory management. This effort ensures that users can keep their phones operational well into the next decade from a hardware perspective.
Fairphone 5 – A Sustainable Choice with a Focus on Longevity
The Fairphone 5’s IP55 rating for dust and water resistance falls short of allowing full immersion in water, unlike many other phones in its price range and above, which typically have an IP68 rating. However, it’s an improvement from the IP54 rating of the Fairphone 4.
The Fairphone 5 features an OLED display, offering a bright, colorful, and sharp 1224 x 2700 resolution with a snappy 90Hz refresh rate. The selfie camera now has a hole-punch cutout instead of a teardrop notch. To optimize the display settings, users can navigate to Settings > Display > Visual Enhancement and select “Natural” for color mode and temperature, as the default “Vivid” mode is considered excessive.
While an OLED screen is a standard feature in phones priced at €699, it’s a significant improvement compared to Fairphone’s previous devices, which often lagged behind mainstream smartphones in terms of screen technology. However, the Fairphone 5’s stereo speakers may sound somewhat hollow when compared to other devices.
In terms of construction, the Fairphone 5, with its aluminum frame and plastic back (made from 100 percent recycled plastic), may not feel as premium as some of its competitors. Despite being slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, it still isn’t as svelte as many other contemporary smartphones.
The Fairphone 5 is equipped with a Qualcomm QCM6490 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, which can be expanded by up to 2TB using a microSD card. While the processor may not be a familiar name to many consumers, Fairphone selected it to ensure a longer support period. This approach allows Fairphone to guarantee “at least” five major Android upgrades after Android 13, meaning the Fairphone 5 should receive updates until at least Android 18, which is expected to be released in 2027. In terms of security patches, Fairphone is committed to providing updates until 2031 and is even aiming to extend support until 2033, offering a total of 10 years of support.
Fairphone’s commitment to providing at least 10 years of software support for the Fairphone 5 is indeed impressive and exceeds the support periods offered by many other Android manufacturers. For comparison, Google currently provides five years of support for its Pixel phones, and Apple has historically supported its iPhones for several years, although it doesn’t provide explicit guarantees about future support periods.
Fairphone’s track record of supporting its older devices, such as the Fairphone 2, which received support for seven years, suggests a commitment to long-term support. However, the actual performance of the device with Android 18, scheduled for release in 2027, cannot be guaranteed at this point. Fairphone’s assurance is that the device will receive updates and run the new Android version, but its performance may vary as newer software may demand more resources.
It’s understandable that you found the performance of the Fairphone 5 to be somewhat lacking, despite its technically equivalent processor. While the QCM6490 chip may offer the advantage of extended support and longevity, its performance under heavy use scenarios, including occasional stutters when switching between apps, can be a concern for users who value smooth and responsive performance.
Balancing the need for extended software support with competitive performance is a challenge, and it’s possible that Fairphone prioritized longevity over top-tier performance. However, it’s important for users to have a device that can handle their everyday tasks without noticeable slowdowns, so this aspect may be a trade-off for those who prioritize long-term software support above all else.
“Fairphone 5 Camera Review: Balancing Sustainability with Photography Needs”
It’s good to hear that the Fairphone 5 provided you with decent battery life, with around five hours of screen-on time per charge. However, the lack of wireless charging and the absence of an included charging brick and cable may be seen as drawbacks, especially when other phones in the same price range offer these features.
Regarding camera quality, while the Fairphone 5 has made improvements compared to its predecessors, it’s understandable that the 50-megapixel main camera and 50-megapixel ultrawide may not deliver class-leading results. Some people care a lot about how good a phone’s camera is when they’re buying one, and if you’re one of those people, you might be disappointed with the Fairphone 5’s camera system. It’s not bad, but it’s not as good as some other phones in its price range.
It’s clear that the Fairphone 5’s camera system has its limitations, especially in challenging shooting conditions and in low light. The struggle to maintain image quality in less ideal situations, such as low light, is a common challenge for smartphone cameras. The issue of overprocessing, particularly in selfies, can be a drawback for users who prefer more natural-looking photos.
While the Fairphone 5 has made strides in camera quality compared to previous Fairphone models, it may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize camera performance and image quality. Those looking for a smartphone with a strong focus on photography might consider other options in a similar price range that offer more advanced camera capabilities.
That’s a fair assessment. The Fairphone 5’s camera system may not be among the top performers in the midrange smartphone market, but it still provides users with usable photos for everyday photography needs. For users who prioritize camera performance and image quality, there are indeed other mid range smartphones available that offer more advanced camera capabilities. However, the Fairphone 5’s focus on sustainability and longevity may be a compelling factor for environmentally conscious consumers who are willing to make some trade-offs in camera quality.
Verdict
The Fairphone 5 seems to cater to a specific audience, those who prioritize sustainability, longevity, and repairability over cutting-edge features and immediate performance gains. While other smartphones in a similar price range might offer better specifications and features, The Fairphone 5 is a phone for people who care about the environment and want to reduce electronic waste. It’s made with ethically sourced materials and is designed to be easy to repair and upgrade, so you can keep it for longer.
For those who are committed to reducing electronic waste and want a phone that can be repaired and upgraded over time, the Fairphone 5 could be a compelling choice. It offers an extended support period and a modular design that allows for easy repairs and component replacements, emphasizing sustainability and longevity. It may not have the latest and greatest hardware, but it appeals to a different set of priorities and values.
