Tech Blog #107 | Fairphone 5 - Sustainability to Smartphones...
Fairphone is a smartphone brand that comes with a real sustainable approach for the smartphone industry. They present a groundbreaking approach to smartphones focusing on sustainability, durability, and ethical manufacturing. Their prior models looked not that eye-catching. But this time, they'd thought about it. And they came up with Fairphone 5. Here's a comprehensive review of its key features.
The Fairphone 5 is designed with the environment and ethical practices in mind. Made from 70% fair and recycled materials, this smartphone stands as a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability. The device is built by workers who receive a living wage, ensuring social responsibility. The option to choose from colors like Matte Black, Sky Blue, and Transparent adds a touch of personalization.
The smartphone is equipped with a Foldable LTPO OLED display measuring 6.46 inches. This display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and IMAX Enhanced certification, offering a visually captivating and fluid viewing experience. With a resolution of 1.2K, the display ensures sharp visuals and vibrant colors. Additionally, the use of Gorilla Glass 5 and a peak brightness of 880 nits enhances durability and outdoor visibility.
The Fairphone 5 features an impressive camera system hardwarevise, that includes a 50 MP Samsung JN1 sensor for the selfie camera and a 50 MP Sony IMX800 sensor for the main rear camera. Both cameras support 4-in-1 binning for improved low-light performance. The main camera is equipped with a f/1.88 lens and optical image stabilization, while the ultra-wide camera offers a 117° field of view and autofocus for macro images. The Time of Flight sensor adds depth sensing capabilities.
Powered by the Qualcomm QCM 6490 chipset, the Fairphone 5 ensures robust performance and longevity with its long-term software support until at least 2031. Ity's basically Snapdragon 778+ with added features. With 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, the device handles multitasking and storage demands effectively. The inclusion of a microSD slot allows for further storage expansion up to 2 TB.
The Fairphone 5 comes with a larger 4,200 mAh battery compared to its predecessor. Supporting 30W fast charging, the device can charge up to 50% in just 20 minutes, offering a day and a half of usage on a single charge. The device's focus on replaceable modules extends to the battery, making it easy to swap out and maintain the device's longevity.
The smartphone offers comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless performance, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and dual-SIM support (one physical SIM slot and one eSIM). While it supports 5G, there's no mention of availability in North America. The Fairphone 5 is designed for durability and repairability. It carries an IP55 rating for better water resistance compared to its predecessor. The phone's flexible design makes it easy for users to repair and replace components without the need for professional assistance. It's drop-tested from a height of 1.8m (6ft), showcasing its better build quality.
The device comes with Android 13 out of the box and promises at least 5 years of software support, guaranteeing up-to-date performance and security. The company's commitment to longevity and repairability is reflected in the 5-year warranty and the availability of replacement modules. The Fairphone 5 is priced at €700/£620, reflecting its unique ethical manufacturing and sustainable design approach.
The Fairphone 5 is more than just a smartphone; it's a statement about responsible consumer electronics. With its focus on sustainability, longevity, repairability, and ethical manufacturing, it stands as a symbol of progress in the tech industry. While its specifications are competitive, the true performance lies in the combination of performance, and software. The Fairphone 5 is a step towards a more conscious and sustainable future for smartphones. And that's a good news for Planet Earth.