Upgrade instead of buying new: The Fairphone 3+ is actually not a new smartphone, but the predecessor model with new camera modules. And because sustainability is the manufacturer's concept, this is also available to Fairphone 3 owners.
If you don't want to buy a new smartphone at least every two years and value environmental protection, sustainability and fair conditions for workers, you may already know the Dutch company Fairphone. It has now introduced a new smartphone that is actually not all that new. Because the Fairphone 3+ is basically the model from last year with new modules for the front and main camera. They also fit the Fairphone 3, which is why the exchange snaps are the real novelty. In addition, the manufacturer has almost doubled the proportion of recycled plastic to 77 percent.
The Fairphone 3+ disassembled into its interchangeable parts.
(Photo: Fairphone)
The new main camera has 48 instead of 12 megapixels, the front camera 16 instead of 8 megapixels. According to the manufacturer, this should result in significantly improved photo and video quality, more precise object tracking, faster autofocus and more effective image stabilization. The main camera module costs just under 60 euros, the replacement front camera 35 euros. For the complete Fairphone 3+ you pay around 470 euros. Modules and smartphones can be pre-ordered now and will be available from November 14th.
Solid mid-range hardware
Technically and optically, the Fairphone 3+ is not a delicacy, but that's not what the project is about. The device has a 5.65 inch full HD display in 18: 9 format, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. If it breaks, the replacement screen costs 90 euros. The device is powered by Qualcomm's mid-range Snapdragon 632 chip, which can access 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. The flash memory is 64 GB and can be expanded with MicroSD cards.
The capacity of the battery is only 3040 milliampere hours, but you can get a second battery for 30 euros and you can safely get by for two days without a power supply. A fingerprint scanner sits on the back and a slot for two SIM cards on the side. With WLAN AC and Bluetooth 5.0, the device transmits using the latest standards.
The operating system is important for longevity. The Fairphone 3+ comes with Android 10, the predecessor should receive the update in autumn. Further updates are to be expected, the 2015 Fairphone 2 got the update to Android 9 in the summer. Owners of other Android smartphones can only dream of this.
. (tagsToTranslate) technology (t) smartphones (t) Android (t) sustainability