Fairphone 6 Plus Marks Direct US Debut for Sustainable Smartphone Pioneer
Amsterdam, Netherlands – [Date of Publication] – Fairphone, the Dutch social enterprise renowned for its ethical and repairable smartphones, has officially launched its latest device, the Fairphone 6 Plus, directly into the US market. This pivotal move signifies a significant expansion for the company, making its sustainable technology more accessible to American consumers for the first time without reliance on third-party distributors. The Fairphone 6 Plus is available now for $649.99, sold unlocked through Fairphone’s official website and Amazon, offering compatibility with both T-Mobile and AT&T networks. In Europe, the device retails for €649, a €50 increase from its predecessor.
While Fairphone devices, starting with the Fairphone 4, have previously been available in the US, their distribution was exclusively handled through a partnership with Murena, the developer of /e/OS, a privacy-focused "de-Googled" version of Android. This arrangement compelled US buyers to adopt Murena’s specialized software – a capable but niche operating system – and often resulted in a substantial price premium. For instance, last year’s Fairphone 6 retailed for a higher $899 under this model. The direct sales approach for the Fairphone 6 Plus eliminates this intermediary, offering a more streamlined and potentially cost-effective route for US customers.
The Fairphone 6 Plus, while a minor hardware refresh, builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor. It maintains the core principles of durability and repairability that have become synonymous with the Fairphone brand. A notable upgrade comes in the form of a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, a robust mid-range processor, paired with an impressive 12GB of RAM – a generous allocation that defies industry trends at this price point.
Beyond the upgraded chipset and RAM, the Fairphone 6 Plus shares much of its DNA with the Fairphone 6. It features the same 6.31-inch OLED display (the "Plus" designation does not indicate an increase in screen size), a functional double rear camera setup, and a 4,415mAh battery. Storage remains at a healthy 256GB, expandable by an additional 2TB via a microSD card slot. The device launches with Android 16 and is slated to receive extensive software support until 2033, underscoring Fairphone’s commitment to longevity.
Crucially, the design of the Fairphone 6 Plus is identical to its predecessor, ensuring it will likely inherit the perfect 10/10 repairability score awarded to the Fairphone 6 by iFixit. This commitment to user-led repairs is central to Fairphone’s ethos. Replacement parts will be readily available for purchase in the US, ranging from $7.99 for a SIM tray to $89.99 for a new display. The entire phone can be disassembled with a single Torx T5 screwdriver, a testament to its user-friendly repair architecture.
Complementing the phone’s design are a range of modular accessories, including a card holder and lanyard, which securely screw onto the phone’s rear. These accessories are consistent with last year’s Fairphone 6 range, with the addition of a new "Cobalt Blue" color option, also available for the phone itself. This new hue serves as a symbolic nod to Fairphone’s ongoing initiatives to promote more ethical cobalt mining practices throughout its supply chain.
The direct US launch of the Fairphone 6 Plus follows Fairphone’s strategic efforts to establish a stronger presence in the American market. This began with the introduction of its audio products, such as the Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones, to Amazon US last November. Looking ahead, Fairphone has also confirmed the upcoming launch of new earbuds, the Fairbuds 2, in Q4 of this year. The company promises that these new earbuds will "set a new bar for repairability and performance," with further details expected to be revealed in October.
The Fairphone 6 Plus represents a significant step forward for the company, not just in terms of product evolution, but more importantly, in expanding its reach and making sustainable, repairable technology a more accessible option for a broader audience. With its direct availability and commitment to longevity, the Fairphone 6 Plus aims to challenge the traditional consumption model of the smartphone industry.
