What Makes the Fairphone 4 Worth Buying?
The Fairphone 4 stands out in a market flooded with sealed devices by offering something genuinely different: a smartphone you can actually repair yourself. Released in October 2021, this Dutch-made device comes with a removable 3905 mAh battery and a standard 5-year warranty that puts most competitors to shame.
Beyond its modular design, the phone delivers solid mid-range performance through its Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset. The 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with Gorilla Glass 5 protection provides sharp visuals at 1080 x 2340 resolution. Camera enthusiasts get a versatile triple-lens setup featuring two 48 MP sensors for both wide and ultrawide shots, complete with optical image stabilization on the main lens.
What really sets this device apart is its commitment to durability. The Fairphone 4 carries IP54 water resistance and MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification, meaning it can handle everyday bumps and splashes. Combined with the ability to swap out broken parts, this phone is built to last far beyond the typical two-year upgrade cycle.
The environmental angle matters too. This phone uses responsibly sourced materials and supports fair trade practices, making it appealing for consumers who care about where their electronics come from.
Things to Know Before Choosing the Fairphone 4
While the modular design is brilliant, there are trade-offs. The phone weighs 225 grams and measures 10.5mm thick, making it noticeably heavier and bulkier than sleek flagship devices. That plastic back panel, though durable and replaceable, doesn’t feel as premium as glass or metal alternatives.
The display uses IPS LCD technology rather than AMOLED, which means you won’t get the deep blacks and vibrant colors found on more expensive phones. There’s also no high refresh rate here, so scrolling won’t feel as buttery smooth as on 90Hz or 120Hz screens.
Audio enthusiasts will immediately notice the missing 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need USB-C adapters or wireless headphones for your music. The 20W charging speed is adequate but falls behind competitors offering 65W or faster charging solutions.
Camera performance is decent for everyday photography, but low-light situations expose the limitations of the sensor. The 4K video recording maxes out at 30fps on both front and rear cameras, which might disappoint content creators looking for smoother motion.
Software support is strong initially with Android 11 upgradable to Android 15, but the Snapdragon 750G chipset from 2020 shows its age when handling demanding games or heavy multitasking.
Is the Fairphone 4 Right for You?
This phone appeals most to environmentally conscious buyers who value longevity over cutting-edge specs. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a dead battery forcing you to replace an entire phone, the Fairphone 4’s removable power pack is genuinely liberating.
Students and budget-conscious users appreciate the long-term value proposition. That 5-year warranty means you’re not gambling on a device that might fail after 13 months. The modular design lets you fix a cracked screen or worn-out USB port for a fraction of what a new phone costs.
Casual users who primarily browse social media, stream videos, and take occasional photos will find the performance perfectly adequate. The 128GB or 256GB storage options, expandable via dedicated microSD slot, provide plenty of space for apps and media.
However, mobile photographers seeking professional-grade results should look elsewhere. The camera setup handles daily snapshots well but lacks the computational photography prowess of Google Pixels or the hardware superiority of Samsung flagships.
Gamers will find the Adreno 619 GPU struggles with graphically intensive titles at high settings. The 60Hz display also limits the gaming experience compared to high-refresh-rate alternatives.
For corporate users or those needing robust productivity features, the Fairphone 4 delivers solid performance with NFC for contactless payments, dual-SIM functionality including eSIM support, and USB 3.0 with DisplayPort output for external monitors.
Best Alternatives to the Fairphone 4
The Google Pixel 6a offers superior camera performance and cleaner Android software at a similar price point, though without the repairability features. Samsung’s Galaxy A54 provides an AMOLED display and longer battery life but locks you into the traditional replacement cycle.
For those prioritizing sustainability but wanting better specs, the Fairphone 5 (released after this model) improves on several fronts while maintaining the modular philosophy. Nokia’s XR20 matches the rugged credentials with similar durability but lacks the ethical sourcing commitment.
OnePlus Nord 2 delivers faster performance and better cameras at comparable pricing, though it abandons any pretense of repairability. The Motorola Edge 30 offers a lighter build and faster charging speeds for users willing to sacrifice the modular design.
Fairphone 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery myself on the Fairphone 4?
Yes, the Fairphone 4 features a removable 3905 mAh battery that you can swap out without any special tools. Simply remove the back cover and replace the battery when it degrades, eliminating the need for professional repair services or expensive battery replacement programs.
Does the Fairphone 4 support 5G networks?
The device includes full 5G connectivity alongside LTE, HSPA, and GSM networks. The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides reliable 5G performance across both sub-6GHz bands, though it lacks mmWave support found in some premium devices.
How durable is the Fairphone 4?
The phone carries IP54 certification for dust and water splash resistance, plus MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability compliance. The front features Gorilla Glass 5 protection, while the aluminum frame and replaceable plastic back panel can withstand typical drops and impacts better than sealed flagship phones.
What kind of warranty does the Fairphone 4 include?
Fairphone includes a standard 5-year warranty, which significantly exceeds the typical 1-year coverage most manufacturers provide. This extended warranty reflects the company’s confidence in the device’s longevity and supports their sustainability mission.
Is the camera quality good enough for social media and daily photography?
The dual 48 MP camera system handles everyday photography well, with the main sensor featuring optical image stabilization for steadier shots. You’ll get good results in adequate lighting for Instagram, Facebook, or casual use, though professional photographers or low-light specialists might find it limiting compared to flagship devices.