What Makes the Fairphone 5 Worth Buying?
The Fairphone 5 stands out in a market flooded with disposable smartphones by offering something genuinely different: a device built to last. This isn’t just marketing speak—the phone features a user-replaceable battery, modular components, and a commitment to five major Android updates, ensuring it remains relevant long after typical phones become obsolete.
Beyond its sustainability credentials, the Fairphone 5 delivers solid performance with its Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset and a versatile triple-camera setup headlined by dual 50MP sensors. The 6.46-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals, while the 4200mAh removable battery—a rarity in modern smartphones—means you can swap in a fresh cell rather than replacing the entire device when capacity degrades.
What really sets this phone apart is the commitment to longevity. With IP55 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durability certification, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the Fairphone 5 is built to withstand daily wear and tear. The combination of ethical sourcing, repairability, and genuine long-term software support makes this phone a compelling choice for environmentally conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on functionality.
Things to Know Before Choosing the Fairphone 5
While the Fairphone 5 excels in sustainability, prospective buyers should understand its trade-offs. The Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset, though capable for everyday tasks, won’t match the raw power of flagship processors from Samsung or Apple. Gamers accustomed to playing demanding titles at maximum settings might notice performance limitations, particularly in graphics-intensive scenarios.
The phone’s design prioritizes function over form. At 212 grams and 9.6mm thick, it’s noticeably heavier and bulkier than many competitors. The plastic back panel, while contributing to the phone’s repairability, lacks the premium feel of glass or ceramic alternatives. Some users might find the aesthetic trade-off difficult to accept, especially at this price point.
Another consideration is the absence of a headphone jack, which seems contradictory for a phone emphasizing longevity and user choice. Fast charging tops out at 30W—perfectly adequate but slower than the 65W or 120W speeds offered by similarly priced competitors. The camera system, while versatile, doesn’t include a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, relying instead on digital cropping from the main sensor.
Software support is exceptional with five major Android upgrades promised, but the initial Android 13 out of the box means you’re starting one generation behind cutting-edge releases. The display, though sharp at 459 ppi, reaches only 880 nits peak brightness, which may struggle under direct sunlight compared to phones boasting 1200+ nit displays.
Is the Fairphone 5 Right for You?
This phone appeals to a specific audience that values principles alongside performance. Environmental advocates will appreciate the ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and modular design that dramatically extends the device’s lifespan. If you’re tired of the upgrade cycle and want a phone that respects both your wallet and the planet, the Fairphone 5 deserves serious consideration.
Everyday users who primarily browse social media, stream videos, check emails, and take photos will find the Fairphone 5 more than capable. The 90Hz OLED display makes scrolling feel responsive, while the dual 50MP cameras handle most photography scenarios admirably—from landscape shots with the ultrawide lens to detailed close-ups with the main sensor. The removable battery means you can carry a spare for extended trips without hunting for charging ports.
Tech enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering will love the repairability aspect. Replacing a broken screen, worn-out battery, or damaged camera module doesn’t require specialized tools or a trip to the service center. This hands-on approach to ownership appeals to those who value self-sufficiency and want to understand their devices beyond superficial interaction.
However, mobile gamers should look elsewhere. While the Adreno 643 GPU handles casual games fine, it struggles with titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. Professional photographers might find the camera system lacking compared to dedicated photography phones with larger sensors and advanced computational features. Power users who demand the absolute latest chipset, blazing-fast charging, and cutting-edge specs won’t find those here.
Budget-conscious buyers should carefully weigh the value proposition. The Fairphone 5 costs more than many phones with superior specs on paper, but the five-year software commitment and repairability potentially save money over the device’s extended lifespan. Calculate the total cost of ownership rather than just the upfront price.
Best Alternatives to the Fairphone 5
For those seeking similar longevity with different priorities, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offers comparable performance with a more polished design, superior display brightness, and Samsung’s commitment to four years of Android updates. It lacks the repairability and ethical sourcing focus but provides a more premium feel at a similar price point.
The Google Pixel 7a presents another compelling option, delivering superior camera performance through computational photography, clean Android experience with guaranteed updates directly from Google, and flagship-level AI features in a mid-range package. However, it abandons repairability entirely, with a sealed battery and glued construction.
Budget-focused buyers might consider the OnePlus Nord 3, which offers more powerful hardware including faster charging and a higher refresh rate display at a lower price. The trade-off comes in software support—OnePlus typically provides fewer years of updates—and build quality that prioritizes aesthetics over durability.
For those committed to sustainability but wanting more power, the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 provides excellent longevity through Apple’s extended software support, though at a significantly higher price and with zero user repairability. Apple’s recycling program and carbon neutrality goals offer different environmental benefits compared to Fairphone’s approach.
Fairphone 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really repair the Fairphone 5 myself?
Yes, the Fairphone 5 features a modular design that allows users to replace major components without specialized tools or technical expertise. The removable battery can be swapped in seconds, while other modules like the camera, display, and USB-C port can be replaced by purchasing official spare parts and following guided tutorials. This repairability extends the phone’s lifespan significantly, allowing you to fix issues that would require expensive professional service or complete device replacement on other smartphones. Fairphone provides detailed repair guides and sells individual components directly to consumers.
How does the camera performance compare to other mid-range phones?
The Fairphone 5’s triple-camera setup with dual 50MP sensors delivers solid photography results for everyday use, handling various lighting conditions and scenarios competently. The main 50MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization produces sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors, while the 50MP ultrawide captures expansive landscapes and group shots. However, compared to dedicated camera phones in the same price range, you’ll notice less sophisticated computational photography, slower processing speeds, and fewer advanced features like dedicated night modes or AI scene recognition. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps with gyro-EIS stabilization, which is adequate but not exceptional.
Will the Fairphone 5 receive Android updates for how long?
Fairphone commits to providing up to five major Android updates for the Fairphone 5, which represents exceptional software support in the Android ecosystem. Starting with Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14), this means the phone should receive updates through Android 18, potentially extending its usable life to 2028-2029. This commitment surpasses most manufacturers except Google’s Pixel series and Samsung’s flagship devices. Beyond major OS updates, Fairphone also provides security patches to keep the device protected from vulnerabilities, though the exact duration of security support may vary.
Is the removable battery really better than sealed batteries?
The removable 4200mAh battery offers practical advantages that sealed batteries cannot match. When battery capacity inevitably degrades after 2-3 years of use, you can simply purchase a replacement battery for a fraction of the cost of a new phone or professional battery service. This feature proves invaluable for extended trips where you can carry a spare battery instead of portable chargers, and for users who want to maximize their device’s lifespan without dealing with throttled performance from degraded batteries. The trade-off is a slightly thicker design and the absence of wireless charging, but for users prioritizing longevity and convenience, these compromises are worthwhile.
Does the IP55 rating provide enough protection?
The IP55 rating means the Fairphone 5 is protected against dust ingress (though not completely dust-tight) and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. This provides adequate protection against rain, splashes, and dusty environments encountered in daily use. However, it’s not suitable for submersion—you shouldn’t take it swimming or submerge it intentionally like phones with IP67 or IP68 ratings. The MIL-STD-810H compliance adds drop protection and temperature resistance, making the phone durable enough for active lifestyles while maintaining repairability. For most users, this level of protection balances durability with the ability to actually open and repair the device.