After thirteen years of operating without a US presence, Dutch manufacturer Fairphone has officially launched its Gen 6+ smartphone in the United States. Priced at $650, the device represents a significant shift in the American market, which has long been dominated by Apple and Samsung due to carrier constraints.
The Fairphone Gen 6+ addresses growing consumer demand for repairable electronics. Key features include affordable replacement parts, a five-year warranty, and guaranteed software updates through 2033. The device runs on Android and offers day-long battery life, expandable storage, and a dedicated distraction-free mode.
While the base Fairphone Gen 6 model reviewed last year received similar acclaim, the Gen 6+ introduces a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor paired with 12 GB of RAM. This memory upgrade is designed to handle increasing artificial intelligence demands in modern software, potentially extending the phone’s useful lifespan. Performance benchmarks indicate a slight improvement over the previous generation, with smooth operation observed during navigation, social media use, and gaming.
The new model is available in a cobalt blue finish, created to honor workers in the cobalt mining industry and the Fair Cobalt Alliance, a nonprofit co-founded by the company. The exterior retains a modular design allowing users to swap backplates using standard screws, though some users may find the accessory system less convenient than magnetic alternatives.
Despite its strengths, the device has notable limitations. The build feels plasticky, and cameras do not compete with leading smartphones from major brands. Additionally, the phone lacks waterproofing. Carrier compatibility remains a concern; it is not supported on Verizon, and users on other networks should verify compatibility beforehand.
For consumers prioritizing sustainability and right-to-repair principles over peak camera quality or premium materials, the Fairphone Gen 6+ offers a viable alternative in a market with limited ethical smartphone options.
Plasticky feel for $650? Hard pass for me.
The cobalt blue color is a thoughtful touch.
Does it actually work on AT&T? That’s my main worry.
No waterproofing is a dealbreaker for me, honestly.
Finally, a phone that lasts five years? Count me in.