The Fairphone 6+ is a solid mid-range Android alternative that gets a little faster with more memory while maintaining full compatibility with its predecessor, including its repairable and ethical chops. It is the first Fairphone model to expand beyond Europe, going on sale in the US directly from Fairphone. The new Android costs £70 (€50) more than the launch price of its predecessor, available from £569 (€649/$650), competing directly with Google's £499 Pixel 10a and Apple's £599 iPhone 17e.
Design and Performance Upgrades
The 6+ is an almost exact clone of the Fairphone 6, with the same plastic body, 120Hz OLED screen and fingerprint scanner in the power button. It also supports the same modular accessories that screw into the back to add a lanyard, handle or wallet. The new model is 2g heavier, but the biggest difference is an upgraded chip to the newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and an additional 4GB of memory for 12GB in total.
The Gen 4 chip is about six to 10% faster in testing, placing it firmly in the mid-range category alongside the Nothing Phone 4a Pro with the same chip. It won't win performance awards and is significantly slower than chips in Apple, Samsung or Google's latest smartphones, but it feels snappy in use and can handle light gaming without issue.
Battery and Camera
Battery life is very similar to the predecessor, lasting about a day and a half between charges with the screen actively used for about five hours across 5G and wifi. Most will need to charge it nightly, which is a bit behind the curve. A full charge takes about 80 minutes using a 30W power adaptor (not included), hitting 50% in under half an hour.
The 6+ has the same dual-camera system as its predecessor with a 50-megapixel main and 13MP ultra-wide camera. It has improved through software updates, which fixed some issues and inconsistencies. It can shoot pretty good photos with a bit of work and manages a reasonable 2x zoom. It isn't the best in lower light, though its new Super Night AI feature helps.
Software and Sustainability
The 6+ ships with Android 16, not the latest Android 17, but will be supported with updates until 2033 at least. Fairphone's software is clean with only an additional gallery app and the My Fairphone app for repair and diagnostics. It features a "Moments" minimalist interface, activated by a yellow switch on the side. For those wanting an alternative, it is available with the privacy-focused, open-source /e/OS without Google services.
The battery will maintain at least 80% of its original capacity for 1,000 full charge cycles and can be replaced at home using a single screwdriver along with the rest of the 12 modular components. Batteries cost £34.20, screens £77.00 and the main camera £59.88. The phone was awarded 10 out of 10 for repairability by iFixit. The handset is made with 51% recycled or fair materials, and Fairphone publishes life cycle reports.
Price and Verdict
The Fairphone Gen 6+ costs £569 (€649/$649.99) with Google Android or £598.63 (€699.99/$699.99) with e/OS. For comparison, the Google Pixel 10a costs £499, the Apple iPhone 17e costs £599 and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro costs £519.
The Fairphone 6+ continues to demonstrate that good, solid Android phones can be made fully repairable at home without specialist tools. It is only a small spec bump on the original Fairphone 6, which helps keep up with mainstream rivals without sacrificing parts compatibility, sustainability or ethical credentials. It is also available directly in the US for the first time. But it shares the same flaws as its predecessor: the camera, battery life, performance and screen are decent, if far from the best for the money. Those looking for a high-end experience should look elsewhere. For those who prioritise repairability and ethical ethos, this is the phone for you.
