Fairphone 4 Is A ‘Sustainable Smartphone’ Made From Conflict-Free Materials
Image via Fairphone
Most people carry a smartphone of some kind, be it an iPhone or Android, and for good reason. Everyone’s lives have become so much more convenient with a “pocket computer;” plus, with the never-ending feature upgrades and camera improvements, each model is getting better and better every year.
There are, as with everything else, certain gripes consumers have about the smartphone market. Namely, there are so few players that there isn’t much competition, with Apple and Samsung as the go-tos.
Image via Fairphone
With these brands releasing new devices every year, it would only be a short while before your “brand-new” smartphone has become obsolete. This cycle of buying a new mobile phone every one or two years has contributed to a huge amount of electronic waste, and is inherently excessive.
Enter the Fairphone, a “social enterprise” gadget from the Netherlands that wants to disrupt the smartphone industry. Unlike other electronic brands, the Fairphone is built using conflict-free materials, and offers a five-year warranty to slow down the cycle of consumption.
“From the earth to your pocket, a smartphone’s journey is filled with unfair practices. We believe a fairer electronics industry is possible. By making change from the inside, we’re giving a voice to people who care,” reads the company’s mission statement.
Image via Fairphone
One of the most important questions, even for those who are willing to give the Fairphone a go, is if it’s comparable with other devices in the market. While it’s not a top-of-the-line iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, its specs are probably still good enough for the regular user.
According to Input, the Fairphone 4 runs on Android 11 software, and boasts a 6.3-inch HD display. The mobile phone also comes with 5G capabilities, and two rear 48MP cameras—one regular and one ultra-wide lens. These cameras are also able to shoot 4K videos.
Users who prefer the DIY model will also appreciate that all of the Fairphone’s components can be removed using a regular screwdriver. Its parts can be bought online, too. Any repair job won’t be costing you hundreds for just the display, nor will certain features be deactivated should you fix it at a third-party retailer.
It seems that while the Fairphone is poised to revolutionize the smartphone industry, it first needs to get its name out and present itself as the new “cool” device. Otherwise, despite its eco-conscious sensibilities, it could prove difficult to pry users away from their preferred smartphone brands.
Image via Fairphone
[via Input, images via Fairphone]
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