Fairphone’s new smartphone, the Fairphone 6, has achieved a perfect 10/10 repairability score from iFixit, cementing its status as a leader in sustainable technology. Announced on July 5, the top rating praises the phone’s highly modular, glue-free design that makes it exceptionally easy to fix.
For the first time, US consumers can purchase the device, available exclusively through retailer Murena for $899. This model ships with the privacy-centric e/OS instead of standard Android and comes with a significant caveat: it is only compatible with T-Mobile and its partner networks, excluding Verizon.
The launch and iFixit’s endorsement underscore a growing demand for long-lasting, user-serviceable electronics. This move challenges the disposable nature of modern gadgets, offering a tangible alternative for consumers frustrated with planned obsolescence.
A Perfect Score: Inside the Radically Repairable Design
The perfect score from iFixit is no accident; it is the result of deliberate engineering choices aimed at maximizing the phone’s lifespan. The teardown reveals a design philosophy that prioritizes accessibility, using standard screws instead of the adhesive common in flagship devices.
This approach makes key repairs remarkably straightforward. The Fairphone 6 features 12 distinct modular components. The display, battery, and cameras can all be replaced with little more than a screwdriver. Even the USB-C port, a frequent point of failure, is a separate, swappable module.
One notable change from its predecessor is the battery. It is now secured by four screws, a departure from the previous tool-free design. Fairphone reportedly made this change to accommodate a thinner, soft-pouch battery, but the repair remains simple, taking just minutes to complete.
Despite the minimal use of glue, the device still achieves an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. While this falls short of the IP68 rating on phones from Apple or Samsung, it provides solid protection against everyday hazards without compromising its core repairability.
Coming to America: The Murena Partnership and Its Caveats
The Fairphone 6’s arrival in the United States is a major milestone, but it comes with specific conditions. The device is sold exclusively through Murena, a company known for its privacy-focused, de-Googled smartphones. This partnership fundamentally alters the user experience.
Priced at $899, the US model carries a substantial premium over its European counterpart, which starts at €599 (roughly $706) for the standard Android version. This version ships with Murena’s e/OS, an open-source operating system designed to function without Google’s apps and services.
The most critical caveat for potential buyers is carrier compatibility. The Murena Fairphone 6 is certified only for T-Mobile and its Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). According to the official product listing, it will not work on the Verizon network, a major limitation in the US market.
Beyond Repairability: A Commitment to Longevity and Sustainability
Fairphone’s mission extends far beyond just making phones easy to fix. The company is making a powerful statement on electronic waste and corporate responsibility. It backs the Fairphone 6 with an industry-leading five-year warranty and an unprecedented promise of support.
The company guarantees the availability of spare parts and software updates until 2033. This long-term commitment directly combats the short upgrade cycles that dominate the industry, encouraging users to keep their devices for much longer.
This strategy is backed by data. A study by the Fraunhofer Institute found that extending a phone’s life from three to five years can cut its annual carbon footprint by nearly a third. Fairphone also emphasizes its use of ethically sourced and recycled materials in its construction.
This launch arrives at a pivotal moment for the “Right to Repair” movement. With legislation like the bipartisan REPAIR Act being debated in the US Senate, there is growing political momentum to empower consumers to fix their own electronics.
Hardware, Software, and the ‘Moments’ Switch
Under the hood, the Fairphone 6 offers respectable mid-range specifications. It features a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot. A 4415 mAh battery powers the device.
A unique hardware addition is the “Fairphone Moments” switch. This physical button on the side of the phone activates a minimalist mode, stripping the user interface down to just five essential apps. The feature is designed to help users reduce distractions and foster healthier digital habits.
