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Fairphone Launches Repairable Fairphone 6+ Smartphone in the US at $649

Dutch electronics manufacturer Fairphone has officially released its latest repairable smartphone, the Fairphone 6+, in the United States with a starting price of $649. Known for prioritizing sustainable design, the company is offering its hardware directly to American consumers in its standard configuration for the first time.

What Happened

Fairphone announced on Tuesday that the Fairphone 6+ is now available to buyers in the U.S. market. While the Dutch brand previously collaborated with French open-source software maker e/OS to provide a de-Googled device to American customers, this rollout marks the first time its phones can be bought directly in the U.S. without modifications. The smartphone is confirmed to work with AT&T and T-Mobile networks at launch.

Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck stated that the company is delivering a device built specifically to be opened, fixed, and maintained over an extended lifespan.

Key Highlights

  • Modular Design: The phone includes 12 replaceable components—such as the display, battery, USB-C port, and cameras—that owners can replace using a single screwdriver.
  • Extended Support: Fairphone provides a five-year warranty along with software update support scheduled to last until 2033.
  • Core Hardware: The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM.
  • Display and Battery: It sports a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED screen with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, alongside a 4,415 mAh battery supporting 30W fast charging.
  • Camera Setup: The rear system features a 50-megapixel Sony primary sensor (f/1.88) and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens (f/2.2), complemented by a 32-megapixel front camera (f/2.0).
  • Environmental Impact: Fairphone reported reducing the manufacturing carbon footprint for each unit to 30 kg of CO2 equivalent.
  • Colors and Accessories: Color options include Horizon Black, Forest Green, and Cobalt Blue. Modular accessories such as a lanyard, finger loop, and card holder can be attached by taking off the back panel.

Why This Matters

With consumer electronics prices rising amid component shortages, the introduction of a mid-range device designed for user repairability offers an alternative focused on product longevity. Offering five years of warranty coverage and software backing up to 2033 ensures that users can maintain functional hardware and security updates over a nine-year horizon rather than replacing devices prematurely.

What to Watch Next

U.S. availability is currently focused on carrier compatibility with T-Mobile and AT&T networks. Observers will be monitoring the delivery of promised software updates and replacement parts through 2033.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Fairphone 6+ cost in the U.S.?

The smartphone starts at a retail price of $649.

Which U.S. carriers are supported at launch?

According to Fairphone, the device supports AT&T and T-Mobile cellular networks at launch.

Can users repair the phone themselves?

Yes. The Fairphone 6+ has 12 modular components—including the display, cameras, battery, and USB-C port—that can be removed and swapped using a single screwdriver.

How long will the Fairphone 6+ receive software support?

Fairphone has committed to providing software support for the handset until the year 2033, alongside a five-year warranty.

Source: TechCrunch report by Ivan Mehta.