In today’s world, most smartphones chase after big profits, leaving the planet to suffer. But there’s one exception, a true hero in the mix – the Fairphone 41. Designed by the Dutch firm Murena, it marks the dawn of a new era. It brings 5G, privacy awareness, and sustainability together, tackling issues the phone industry often ignores.
The Fairphone 4 truly shines through its dedication to a green future and fair labor practices1. With triple the regular warranty at five years, it reduces the rush to swap phones, which is heavy on the environment1. While its price of $629 for 128GB and $699 for 256GB might seem high, you’re paying not just for the phone but also for a better world.
Key Takeaways
- Fairphone 4 is the first 5G privacy-conscious and sustainable smartphone available in the US market.
- It features a modular and repairable design, with a five-year warranty and conflict-free, fairly sourced materials.
- The phone is equipped with a dual 48-megapixel rear camera and a 25-megapixel front-facing camera.
- Fairphone 4 is the only TCO Certified sustainable smartphone option in the US market.
- The device runs on the DeGoogled /e/ operating system, prioritizing user privacy.
Fairphone 4: A Sustainable and Ethical Pioneer
The Murena Fairphone 4 is the latest step in Fairphone’s mission. It offers a green and ethical choice. This phone is both modular and repairable, which helps reduce electronic trash and encourages a smarter way to use smartphones2.
Sustainable and Modular Design
The Fairphone 4 stands out in sustainability and long life. Its modular design lets users easily switch parts like the battery and display. This doesn’t need special tools. It makes the phone last longer and has less of an impact on our planet3.
Fairphone works hard to be ethical. They use materials that are free from conflict and are sourced fairly. They also make sure that people making the phone do so in a good and ethical way. This is their way of setting a new example in making smartphones the right way3.
Choosing the Fairphone 4 means you’re being smart and ethical. It has a modular design and uses materials that are free from conflict. Plus, it’s made by people who are treated well. This phone leads the way in making sustainable and ethical phones normal for everyone234.
| Fairphone Model | Support Period | OS and Chipset Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fairphone 1 | Dec 2013 – Jul 20172 | – |
| Fairphone 2 | Dec 2015 – Mar 20232 | Android 10, Snapdragon 8013 |
| Fairphone 3 | Sep 2019 – Sep 20242 | Linux 4.9, End of Life Jan 20232 |
| Fairphone 4 | Sep 2021 – Sep 20262 | Linux 4.19, Support until Dec 20242 |
| Fairphone 5 | Sep 2023 – Sep 20282 | Qualcomm 782g, Anticipated2 |
How Fairphone cares goes beyond just the phone’s design. They focus on being fair from making the phone to getting the materials. This sets a new standard of being good in the smartphone world342.
The Importance of Ethical Smartphone Manufacturing
The electronics world is seeing more pressure to tackle big issues like the environment and how people are treated. Making phones in a way that is kind to the planet and fair to workers is now very important. The Fairphone 4 leads the charge in being a better choice in smartphone making, changing how the whole industry looks at production.
The Fairphone 4 is all about making things the right way. It chooses materials that don’t come from places where people are treated badly. This means the phones are made without taking advantage of anyone and not causing harm. They also make sure the people making the phones are safe and earn enough to live well56.
Fairphone cares a lot about keeping its phones around for longer without hurting the planet. They did a study that shows their phone is really kind to the earth for five years of use7. They aim to fight the problem of too much electronic trash by making phones that last and are easy to fix.
By using sustainable technology and being socially responsible, Fairphone is making a difference. They work hard to make phones that use less energy and can be easily upgraded. They also make these phones out of materials that are already used, which is great news for the planet6.
Fairphone shows that being open and honest is key to making better electronics for everyone. They share a lot about how they make their phones and how well they last. This helps people choose what’s right, pushing the whole industry to do better.
The Fairphone 4 proves that doing things right is possible even in the tech world. It is a great choice for people who want phones that are good for everyone. With more and more people wanting socially responsible and green electronics, Fairphone’s way of doing things is leading the change for the better567.
Conflict-Free and Fairly Sourced Materials
The Fairphone 4 focuses on using materials that are conflict-free and fairly sourced. This commitment is seen in the use of Fairtrade gold. The gold is mined in ways that are safe for people and the planet8.
Fairphone’s goal is to stop child labor and dangerous work settings. They want to help the communities that work in their supply chain.
Not only gold is ethical in the Fairphone 4. The company uses tin that is 100% recycled. This tin comes from mines in the DRC where there are no fights. Fair tungsten from Rwanda is also used. This metal helps the local economy and ensures mining is done in a way that’s not harmful8.
This work helps the environment and makes sure workers are treated fairly.
Fairtrade Gold and Responsible Mining
Fairphone stands out by using Fairtrade gold. They are the first to put such gold into their phones. It makes a difference for the miners and the way they work8.
This Fairtrade gold helps miners earn more and work better. It also means the mining is done in ways that care for the community and the land8.
But Fairphone’s good choices go beyond gold. Half the copper in their phones is from old sources. They also use over half recycled plastic. These steps reduce the harm to the planet from mining. But they also help make a world where old stuff is used again.
Fairphone keeps looking for better ways to get materials. They are part of making sure lithium is sourced well. This is important for batteries. They also pick aluminum sources that are responsible. Their actions help the places and people they buy from be more sustainable8.
By leading in using good materials, Fairphone changes the smartphone industry. They deal with issues in mining and making things that hurt people and the planet9. Their work is good for the earth and helps workers in the chain that makes the phones8910.
User Privacy: The DeGoogled /e/ OS
The Fairphone 4 is a top pick for those who care about the planet and like to be private. Thanks to the DeGoogled /e/ OS, it keeps users away from data collection and location tracking by big tech like Google11.
/e/ OS is a special version of Android on the Fairphone 4. It lets you use Google apps but keeps your info safe. This makes the Fairphone 4 different from other smartphones because it values user privacy11.
The /e/ OS uses Spot search engine to look up things without being tracked. It also offers search engine choices other than Google. This includes DuckDuckGo, Qwant, and Mojeek11. Plus, the /e/ OS has its own apps and services that are safer than the ones on other Android phones11.
Murena made the App Lounge for apps, similar to Google Play Store. It has open-source apps, web apps, and a little cloud storage for free. This is all about giving people a private choice away from big tech companies11.
Even though /e/ OS is great for privacy, sometimes you need a Google account for mainstream apps. This could lead to privacy problems. But the App Lounge helps by showing which apps are safe with a privacy rating11.
/e/ OS has privacy features for browsing online. It hides your location, blocks trackers, and keeps your IP address hidden. With these tools, the Fairphone 4 is a smart choice for those who want to use a phone that respects their privacy11.
Repairability and Longevity
The Fairphone 4 stands out in the smartphone world because it’s made for easy modular design and repairability. This means it lasts longer and helps reduce e-waste12.
Its modular design lets users swap out parts like the battery and display with just a standard screwdriver. You won’t need special skills to fix or upgrade your phone, making the Fairphone 4 truly repairable12.
What’s more, it comes with a five-year warranty. Most other phones only offer 1-2 years of coverage. This shows that Fairphone is serious about making devices that last12.
Having a modular phone with a long warranty is key to Fairphone’s goal of being eco-friendly. It encourages people to keep their devices longer, cutting down on e-waste from old smartphones12.
Modular Components and Easy Repairs
The Fairphone 4 leads the way with its modular design. Users can change out important parts easily, like the battery and camera, with a simple screwdriver. This not only makes the phone last longer but also lets users adjust and care for their device better, saving money and resources12.
Five-Year Warranty
Fairphone shows its dedication to the environment with the five-year warranty on the Fairphone 4. A warranty this long is rare in the phone world, where 1-2 years is the norm. It encourages keeping phones longer, which is good for the planet and promotes a circular economy12.
Thanks to its modular design and a lengthy warranty, the Fairphone 4 is a top pick for anyone who values sustainability. It helps each user and the planet by offering a long-lasting and repairable phone option12.
Environmental Impact and Waste Reduction
The Fairphone 4 aims to be eco-friendly and cut down on e-waste. It’s built to last longer with easy repair and updates13. Fairphone also cares about where their materials come from, choosing fair and recycled sources13.
Electronic Waste Neutrality
Every sale of a Fairphone 4 means they handle another used phone. This makes the Fairphone 4 the first of its kind, electronic-waste-neutral13. Besides, its design allows for fixes and upgrades, reducing the need for new phones and lessening e-waste13.
Fairphone pushes for a circular economy by supporting the repair and reuse of devices. They work on better recycling too, aiming to lower global e-waste levels13. What’s more, they team up with suppliers for fairer labor conditions. This helps improve workers’ lives and supports a healthier industry13.
The consumer electronics market is on the rise, but so is e-waste. Millions of tons of electronic garbage are produced yearly, with only a fraction getting recycled14. Fairphone and others are tackling this problem, pushing for more sustainability in the tech world14.
It’s not just about the product; Fairphone believes in an all-encompassing approach. This means using green materials, focusing on product lifespan, and pushing for circular practices, making it a leader in phone eco-friendliness131514.
Fairphone 4: Uncompromising Performance
The Fairphone 4 shows how the brand stays true to great performance while being sustainable and ethical16. It’s powered with a 64-bit octa-core processor and 5G tech. So, it gives you an experience like top smartphones16.
The Fairphone 4 doesn’t just have great tech. It also has a dual 48-megapixel camera for amazing photos. It’s tough with Gorilla Glass and an aluminum body. And it looks good too. This shows you can have cool style without harming the planet16.
Powerful Specs and Features
The Fairphone 4 is strong inside with its advanced parts16. With its 64-bit octa-core chip and 5G, you can smoothly use the phone. This is perfect for watching videos, video calls, and playing games. Its great camera and sturdy build make it even better16.
It’s also made to last a long time16. The Fairphone 4 comes with a five-year warranty. This is more than the usual two years. It shows how much Fairphone believes in its quality16.
Fairphone cares a lot about the planet and people. They prove this with the Fairphone 4. It’s a balance of top quality and being responsible. Fairphone changes what we expect from smartphones16.
The Journey to Fairphone 4
The Fairphone 4 is the latest milestone in Fairphone’s amazing journey. They are a leading name in eco-friendly electronics. Every smartphone they make is a step forward in being good for the planet and fair to workers17.
Raising the Bar for Sustainability
The Fairphone 1 was the first to use materials free from conflict. The Fairphone 2 and 3 were designed to be easily repaired and upgraded. The Fairphone 4 takes these steps further, showing Fairphone’s true commitment to making a difference in the tech world17.
They are open about where they get their materials. In 2024, they shared a report that breaks down their supply chain. It talks about all their second-tier suppliers. Plus, they are looking into the suppliers beyond that. Using Sourcemap, they made a map. It shows where the parts of the Fairphone 4 come from, like mines and factories. This kind of detailed info lets people see the Fairphone 4’s journey to their hands17.
Fairphone wants to be clear that sharing supplier names doesn’t mean they work directly with them. And it doesn’t guarantee they are better than their competition17. They know there could be mistakes in the data. But they promise to constantly check and correct these errors. They even offer a way for people to reach out with any concerns they have about a supplier on the map. This shows how much they care about being honest and making things right17.
The road to the Fairphone 4 is full of efforts for a better future. It’s about making smart technology that’s good for people and the planet. Fairphone aims to lead not just in making phones, but in doing it the right way17.
Fairphone 4: Mainstreaming Ethical Consumerism
The Fairphone 4 is now available in the US, making ethical consumerism in the smartphone industry grow. This phone is high-performing, sustainable, and focuses on privacy. Fairphone shows that ethical and responsible technology is a good choice for those who care18.
More people are choosing to buy socially and environmentally responsible products. The Fairphone 4 is leading the way for businesses aiming to meet these new consumer needs18. The demand for fairtrade goods has steadily grown over the years. It has shown steady growth, even when the economy is not doing well18. Most people aim to buy ethically, presenting a big chance for ethical businesses18.
Fairphone’s model of using crowdfunding and creating durable products supports ethical consumption, despite possibly limiting its market. Other ethical businesses have also made their way into the mainstream market. They do this by offering top-notch ethical products and starting conversations about social and eco issues. Brands like Divine Chocolate and Lush Cosmetics show this can be done effectively1819.
The Fairphone 4’s release in the US is a big step in making sustainable technology mainstream and desirable. As the idea of ethical consumerism spreads, Fairphone and similar brands will be key. They will help bring about positive changes in the smartphone industry and elsewhere18.
Conclusion
The Fairphone 4 is a unique option in the smartphone world. It blends advanced tech, eco-friendly design, and fair manufacturing20. It’s all about using materials without conflict, treating workers well, and respecting your privacy. This steps up the game for electronic devices.
The phone is not just a phone. It has many features that make it good for the planet and people. Like its changeable parts and a long-lasting warranty. Plus, it doesn’t add to the growing problem of electronic trash21.
The phone’s shell is partly made from old plastic bottles. And for each one sold, the company will help recycle or fix another phone20. It comes with a five-year guarantee and support for software updates. This shows how much Fairphone cares about keeping its phones working for a long time20.
It’s true the Fairphone 4 isn’t the fastest out there. But its strong stand on ethics and the environment makes it a choice worth considering. The phone is built to be easy to fix and upgrade, which means less waste and more use22. Choosing the Fairphone 4 means helping the world use electronics in a better way.
Source Links
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/fairphone-4-sustainability-not-megapixels-are-the-focus-of-this-phone/ – Finally, a Phone For People Who Care About Sustainability, Not Megapixels
- https://forum.fairphone.com/t/is-fairphone-really-interested-in-sustainability/99302 – Is Fairphone really interested in sustainability?
- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36653224 – Fairphone 4 is coming to the US
- https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/fairphones-path-to-the-top-of-the-sustainability-pyramid/ – Fairphone’s Path to the Top of the Sustainability Pyramid – Counterpoint
- https://murena.com/why-choose-a-fairphone-an-eco-responsible-smartphone/ – Why choose a Fairphone: an eco-responsible smartphone – Murena – deGoogled phones and services
- https://thefixsolutions.com/sustainable-smartphones-eco-friendly-initiatives-that-matter/ – Sustainable Smartphones: Eco-Friendly Initiatives That Matter – The Fix Phone Repair – Computer and Tablet Repair
- https://thenextweb.com/news/fairphone-sustainable-phone-repair-modules-interview – How Fairphone is building an ethical phone for our immoral world
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/impact/fair-materials/ – Our approach: Responsible mining and recycled materials
- https://www.fairphone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fairphone_Fair-Material-Sourcing-Roadmap.pdf – PDF
- https://medium.com/@sophiejeanwilson/how-fair-is-fairphone-f3f0e046e40d – How ‘Fair’ is Fairphone?
- https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/05/murena-eos-fairphone-4/ – A closer look at e/OS: Murena’s privacy-first ‘deGoogled’ Android alternative | TechCrunch
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/impact/long-lasting-design/ – Longevity Fairphone – Improving smartphone longevity
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/impact/ – Our impact – How do you make a fairer phone?
- https://sustainablebrands.com/read/waste-not/e-waste-no-more-fairphone-and-framework-show-a-better-way-forward-for-personal-electronics – E-Waste No More: Fairphone and Framework Show a Better Way Forward for Personal Electronics | Sustainable Brands
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/2015/01/22/first-fairphones-environmental-impact/ – Examining the Fairphone’s environmental impact
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/2021/09/30/fairphone-4/ – Making the fair choice easier: Fairphone 4 is here
- https://www.fairphone.com/en/impact/source-map-transparency/ – Mapping the journey of your phone – Fairphone
- https://wheredoesitcomefrom.co.uk/moving-into-the-mainstream/ – Moving into the Mainstream – Where Does it Come From?
- https://medium.com/the-future-we-create/taking-a-gamble-and-being-brave-how-companies-can-empower-consumers-to-make-sustainable-choices-79095572d4d – Taking a gamble and being brave: how companies can empower consumers to make sustainable choices
- https://www.zdnet.com/article/fairphone-4-5g-review/ – Fairphone 4 5G review: A sustainable smartphone for ethical consumers
- https://www.vegard.net/fairphone-4-quick-review/ – Fairphone 4 Quick Review
- https://www.reddit.com/r/fairphone/comments/rferf0/honest_review_of_the_fairphone_4_after_a_week_of/ – Reddit – Dive into anything
