The Fairphone 5 has gained significant attention for its repairability and sustainable design. Marketed as a device for users who value longevity, ethical sourcing, and ease of maintenance, the Fairphone 5 aims to challenge the status quo of modern smartphones. But at a price point comparable to the iPhone 15, is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into its features, performance, and unique selling points.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Fairphone 5 arrived in eco-friendly packaging, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Customs inspections may have added a layer of intrigue to the unboxing experience, but the device itself steals the show. The transparent model, with its visible internal components, offers a unique aesthetic, giving it a futuristic yet grounded feel.
Compared to its predecessor, the Fairphone 4, the design improvements are notable. The sleek profile, upgraded camera module, and refined build quality reflect the brand’s evolution.
Display and Build Quality
One of the standout upgrades in the Fairphone 5 is its 6.46-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This is a significant leap from the LCD used in the Fairphone 4, offering sharper visuals, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 ensures durability, making the screen resistant to scratches.
The phone has an IP55 rating, meaning it can handle splashes of water but isn’t fully waterproof—a reasonable compromise considering its modular design. The removable back cover adds to its repairability while maintaining a sturdy feel in hand.
Camera Upgrades
The Fairphone 5 sports dual 50MP cameras: a wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an ultra-wide-angle lens without OIS. Side-by-side comparisons with the Fairphone 4 revealed subtle improvements in image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. However, the difference isn’t groundbreaking, and the Fairphone 4 occasionally outperformed its successor.
Sustainability and Repairability
This is where the Fairphone 5 truly shines. Designed to last, it comes with an 8-year software update guarantee and a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. The modular design allows users to replace most components, including the battery, display, and USB-C port, using just a standard Phillips screwdriver. Color-coded screws simplify the process further, making this phone an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts.
Performance and Internal Components
The Fairphone 5 is powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset, paired with the Adreno 643 GPU. While this chipset might not rival flagship processors, it offers solid performance for everyday tasks. The phone features 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and files.
One unique feature is the map of the Democratic Republic of Congo etched onto the motherboard, symbolizing Fairphone’s commitment to ethical material sourcing. This detail underscores the brand’s mission to address issues like exploitative mining practices.
What’s Missing?
Despite its many strengths, the Fairphone 5 has some limitations:
- No Wireless Charging: While not a dealbreaker, this omission feels noticeable given the phone’s price.
- Non-Replaceable Buttons: Unlike other components, the power button (which doubles as a fingerprint scanner) and volume rockers aren’t user-replaceable. This is an area Fairphone should improve in future models.
- Speaker Quality: The bottom speaker produces average sound due to a lack of adhesive sealing, resulting in some sound leakage.
Experimenting with Part Swapping
In a bold move, I tested part compatibility between the Fairphone 4 and Fairphone 5. While the charging port worked (albeit awkwardly), other components like the cameras and OLED display failed to function due to hardware differences. This highlights the potential for modular upgrades in future iterations, even if it’s not feasible yet.
Is the Fairphone 5 Worth It?
The Fairphone 5 isn’t just a phone; it’s a statement. It’s perfect for those who value repairability, sustainability, and long-term usability over cutting-edge specifications. While it may not compete with flagship phones in raw performance, its ethical design and unmatched repairability set it apart.
At a price comparable to premium smartphones, the Fairphone 5 is an investment in a sustainable future. If you’re tired of the throwaway culture of tech and want a device that grows with you, the Fairphone 5 is a worthy contender.
