Fairphone 5 smartphone defies the disposable culture of tech

The back panel remains easily removable, granting access to the beefier 4200mAh battery (up from the 3905mAh of its predecessor). While the larger size is welcome, it necessitates compromises in other areas.

Individual camera modules can now be replaced, significantly improving the single unit in the previous model. The USB-C port remains easily replaceable thanks to its clever design.

Longevity in mind

However, the most significant change lies within. Instead of the core module in previous models, the Fairphone 5 utilizes a motherboard and daughterboard similar to traditional Android smartphones. Fairphone explains that this change was necessary due to the increased battery size, but it still needs to be improved for those who embraced the modularity of earlier models.

Despite this, iFixit praised the clear labeling on the components, preventing accidental damage during repairs. "Intuitive repair design," they explained, "makes it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing."

While the Fairphone 5 doesn't boast the most powerful processor, it utilizes the fastest industrial chip offered by Qualcomm, placing it comfortably within the mid-range category. However, this trade-off becomes negligible when considering the phone's longevity.

Fairphone promises five Android version upgrades and at least eight years of security updates to achieve a total lifespan of a decade. Whether its performance will remain adequate for all users' needs throughout that time remains to be seen.

What the industry can learn

In a world dominated by disposable electronics, the Fairphone 5 stands out. The Fairphone 5 offers a different excitement – the thrill of a phone built to last. With its modular design, long-term software support, and commitment to sustainability, the Fairphone 5 is a game-changer for anyone who wants a smartphone that's both good for their pocket and the planet. While the EU is pushing for a removable battery for all smartphones by 2027, making USB-C already a standard , more needs to be done.