Fairphone’s prime Android for 2026 is a little bit sooner with extra reminiscence whereas sustaining full compatibility with its earlier cellphone, together with its repairable and moral chops.
The Fairphone 6+ continues the Dutch cooperative’s mission to make shopper electronics longer lasting and extra sustainable, containing 51% both recycled or ethically sourced supplies whereas being absolutely repairable at residence with simply the one screwdriver included within the field.
Additionally it is the primary mannequin to develop past Europe, occurring sale within the US immediately from Fairphone. However the brand new Android prices £70 (€50) greater than the launch value of its predecessor, accessible from £569 (€649/$650), competing immediately with Google’s £499 Pixel 10a and Apple’s £599 iPhone 17e.
The 6+ is an nearly actual clone of the Fairphone 6, with the identical plastic physique, 120Hz OLED display and fingerprint scanner within the energy button. It additionally helps the identical wonderful modular equipment that merely screw into the again of the cellphone so as to add a lanyard, deal with or pockets.
The brand new mannequin is 2g heavier, however the largest distinction for the 6+ is an upgraded chip to the newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and a further 4GB of reminiscence for 12GB in complete.
The Gen 4 chip is about six to 10% sooner in testing, which locations it firmly within the mid-range class alongside the likes of the Nothing Cellphone 4a Professional with the identical chip. It received’t win any efficiency awards and is considerably slower than chips utilized in Apple, Samsung or Google’s newest smartphones, but it surely feels snappy sufficient in use and can be utilized for mild gaming with out problem.
The battery life is similar to the cellphone’s predecessor, lasting a few day and a half between fees with the display actively used for about 5 hours throughout 5G and wifi, for messaging, note-taking, photographs and searching. Most might want to cost it nightly, which is a bit behind the curve. A full cost takes about 80 minutes utilizing a 30W energy adaptor (not included), hitting 50% in beneath half an hour.
The 6+ additionally has the identical dual-camera system as its predecessor with a 50-megapixel principal and 13MP ultra-wide digital camera. It has improved since its debut final 12 months via software program updates, which have mounted just a few of the problems and inconsistencies. It may shoot fairly good photographs with a bit of labor and manages an inexpensive 2x zoom. It isn’t one of the best in decrease mild situations, although its new Tremendous Evening AI characteristic helps.
Specs
Display: 6.31in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (431ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB + microSD
Working system: Android 16
Digicam: 50MP + 13MP, 32MP selfie
Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4 and GNSS
Water resistance: IP55 (splash/rain)
Dimensions: 156.6 x 73.3 x 9.6mm
Weight: 193g
Google’s Android 16 or e/OS
The 6+ ships with final 12 months’s Android 16, not the most recent Android 17, however can be supported with updates till 2033 not less than, which is roughly the identical as mainstream rivals.
Fairphone’s software program is usually clear and uncluttered with solely a further gallery app and the My Fairphone app for restore and diagnostics from the usual Android app loadout. It has Google’s Gemini in varied bits, however no different AI additions to get in the way in which. It additionally options Fairphone’s “Moments” minimalist interface, activated by the massive yellow swap on the facet, for a much less distracting smartphone expertise.
However for many who need a substitute for Google’s Android, the cellphone is obtainable with the privacy-focused, open-source model of Android, with out Google companies, known as /e/OS.
Sustainability
The battery will preserve not less than 80% of its unique capability for 1,000 full cost cycles and it may be changed at residence utilizing a single screwdriver together with the remainder of the 12 modular elements. Batteries price £34.20, screens £77.00 and the principle digital camera £59.88. The cellphone was awarded 10 out of 10 for repairability by specialists iFixit.
The handset is made with 51% recycled or honest supplies, whereas Fairphone publishes life cycle stories for its merchandise.
Worth
The Fairphone Gen 6+ prices £569 (€649/$649.99) with Google Android or £598.63 (€699.99/$699.99) with e/OS.
For comparability, the Google Pixel 10a prices £499, the Apple iPhone 17e prices £599 and the Nothing Cellphone 4a Professional prices £519.
Verdict
The Fairphone 6+ continues to exhibit that good, stable Android telephones will be made absolutely repairable at residence with out specialist instruments.
It’s only a small spec bump on the unique Fairphone 6, which helps sustain with mainstream rivals with out sacrificing elements compatibility, sustainability or moral credentials. Additionally it is accessible immediately within the US for the primary time. However that additionally means the 6+ shares the identical flaws as its predecessor.
The digital camera, battery life, efficiency and display are all first rate, if removed from one of the best you may get for the cash. Nevertheless, these in search of a high-end smartphone expertise greatest look elsewhere because the Fairphone can’t match a current iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy S with comparable ranges of software program assist.
That makes it arduous to suggest to everybody. However for many who prioritise repairability and moral ethos, that is the cellphone for you.
Execs: alternative of Android working methods, modular equipment, repairable-at-home design, recycled and honest supplies, microSD card slot, good display, five-year guarantee, software program assist to 2033
Cons: mid-range efficiency, common battery life, fingerprint scanner will be difficult to press, common digital camera, can’t be submerged in water, no Android 17 but.
