Fairphone 5 has 5-8 years of hardware and software support
In recent times, mobile manufacturers have been emphasizing their devices’ capability to run seamlessly for two to three years. However, a mere few years down the line, while the software might remain smooth, vital hardware components like the battery, screen, and camera tend to falter. Hence, a smartphone that’s easily repairable becomes increasingly attractive. Enter Fairphone, a Netherlands-based company, which has just unveiled its latest model, the Fairphone 5, designed with repairability at its core.
From its inception, Fairphone has endeavored to design its parts for easy replacement. The battery, naturally, adheres to the conventional removable design, while components like the screen, I/O, and camera modules are crafted for effortless self-replacement. This design philosophy not only champions consumer empowerment but is also an eco-conscious move to mitigate electronic waste. Furthermore, the Fairphone boasts a body replete with recyclable materials and sustainably-conceived manufacturing processes.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Fairphone 5 boasts a 6.46-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1224×2770. Its camera setup features a 50-megapixel primary sensor, while a 4200mAh battery, capable of 30W charging, powers the device. The smartphone’s internals are fairly contemporary. Intriguingly, it’s powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 platform, a chipset tailored for enterprise-grade requirements. This chipset promises extended manufacturer support compared to consumer-grade chips like the Snapdragon 778G, aligning perfectly with Fairphone 5’s ethos of prolonged usability.
Given its niche offering, the Fairphone 5 does not come cheap, with a starting price tag of 699 euros. For this price point, one could procure a top-tier flagship smartphone from domestic manufacturers. However, the Fairphone 5 pledges an impressive five years of major software updates and eight years of security patches. Coupled with its repairability, the cost seems more palatable when amortized over an eight-year span.
