The Fairphone entity unveiled its namesake smartphone, continuing a modular design philosophy that prioritizes repairability, long-term support, and a measurable commitment to sustainability. The device is positioned as a practical option for users who value upgradability and responsible manufacturing, with Android Authority noting the lineage and strategic goals of the Fairphone 5 within the broader ecosystem of modular mobile devices.
Core to the Fairphone 5 is a generous support policy. Beyond the manufacturer’s five-year hardware warranty, the company pledges five years of Android OS updates and eight years of security patches. There is even an announced intention to extend support further, moving from eight to ten years in future update cycles. This policy underscores the brand’s emphasis on providing a longer useful lifespan for its devices, reducing total cost of ownership and minimizing environmental impact for customers who prefer to keep their phone longer rather than upgrade frequently (Android Authority).
In terms of sustainability, the Fairphone 5 stands out for its modular construction, which is broken down into ten distinct components designed for straightforward part replacement. This approach mirrors the company’s legacy of encouraging independent maintenance and replacement rather than discard. The removable battery remains a focal point, engineered to be swapped quickly to minimize downtime and extend device longevity. The modular philosophy is paired with attention to repairability, making routine upkeep more accessible for everyday users and tech enthusiasts alike (Android Authority).
As for everyday performance, the Fairphone 5 sits in the mid-range segment and offers a balanced feature set. It sports a 6.46-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution that translates to clear, vibrant visuals for media consumption and daily tasks. The front glass is sealed with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability, while a 50-megapixel selfie camera captures high-resolution self-portraits under various lighting conditions, confirming the device’s focus on practical, real-world usage rather than flagship-level specifications alone (Android Authority).
The device is powered by the Snapdragon QCM6490 chipset, which provides solid performance for everyday apps, multitasking, and smooth interaction. It is comparable to the Snapdragon 778G in terms capabilities, and is paired with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD for users who need additional space. This configuration supports responsive app experiences, gaming at modest settings, and the ability to keep a growing library of media at hand without frequent file management concerns (Android Authority).
Power comes from a removable 4200 mAh battery, supporting 30W fast charging to minimize downtime between uses. The phone also includes environmental resistance features consistent with IP55 standards, stereo speakers for a richer audio experience, and a fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button for convenient access. Connectivity is modern, featuring Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless performance, and dual SIM capability, including an eSIM option for flexible carrier arrangements. The software ships with Android 13, aligning with current platform expectations and delivering a familiar, updated user experience (Android Authority).
Price-wise the Fairphone 5 is positioned in the mid-to-upper mid-range bracket, with estimates around €699, a figure that translates to roughly 72,000 rubles in some markets. Availability has been described as pre-order while the distribution and regional launch details continue to evolve. This pricing strategy mirrors the device’s emphasis on repairability, long-term software support, and a sustainable ethos, rather than chasing the single-best-in-class hardware score. Prospective buyers should monitor official channels for confirmation of regional availability, pricing, and delivery timelines (Android Authority).
In related industry news, there have been credible statements about other manufacturers adjusting their support commitments for popular smartphone lines, signaling a broader shift in how the market treats software updates and service longevity. These developments underscore a growing consumer expectation that devices should remain capable and secure well beyond the first year of use, reinforcing the value proposition that fold into the Fairphone 5’s stated philosophy of longevity and responsible design (Industry commentary).