Fairphone 5 goes official with 5 years warranty, up to 10 years of software support [GSMArena]

[tvshacker]

Fairphone 5 goes official with 5 years warranty, up to 10 years of software support

The company is promising 8 years of support but thinks that 10 years is possible too. It will deliver at least 5 OS updates to the phone.

www.gsmarena.com

Fairphone chose a Qualcomm QCM 6490 chipset, an industrial part with long-term software support – this is why it can promise support up to 2031. It’s comparable to the Snapdragon 778G in terms of hardware.

The first time I heard about Qualcomm "industrial part with long-term support", I wonder if that's what makes it more expensive and how much more.

Unfortunately I won't be getting one because of screen size (too big) and the price is still a bit too high. From what I've seen from the Framework laptops, the modularity and repairability don't come at such a high cost as these Fairphones

 

[TheLostSwede]

It appears to be a custom, extended product life version of the Snapdragon 780G/782G. It apperas to be used in some other phones too.

QCM6490

QCM6490 is designed for robust IoT applications that require virtually every connectivity and computing option available, including 5G, cellular, Wi-Fi, etc. Use smartphone technology in your enterprise product.

www.qualcomm.com

AGM G2 Guardian | 5G Unlocked | Qualcomm QCM6490 | Long Range Thermal Monocular | Android 12 | 108MP | 7000 mAh

AGM G2 Guardian 5G Unlocked Rugged Smartphone | Thermal Monocular Long Detection Range: 500m/yd Main Features * Qualcomm QCM6490 * Long Range Thermal Monocular * 6.58' FHD+ 120Hz Display * 108MP Rear Camera * 7000 mAh Battery * Waterproof...

forum.xda-developers.com

 

[P4-630]

Fairphone is a Dutch smartphone brand that focuses on fair and sustainable devices.
Fairphone's Android smartphones contain a lot of recycled material. In addition,
Fairphone only produces smartphones in factories where working conditions are good.

Here's a review in Dutch, might need to translate...

Review: Fairphone 5. Dankzij repareerbaarheid en goede softwareondersteuning de perfecte smartphone?

De Fairphone 5 is een smartphone die je makkelijk kunt repareren, en daarnaast biedt het merk langdurige garantie en software-ondersteuning. Is het een...

nl.hardware.info

 

[tvshacker]

Fairphone is a Dutch smartphone brand that focuses on fair and sustainable devices.
Fairphone's Android smartphones contain a lot of recycled material. In addition,
Fairphone only produces smartphones in factories where working conditions are good.

Here's a review in Dutch, might need to translate...

Review: Fairphone 5. Dankzij repareerbaarheid en goede softwareondersteuning de perfecte smartphone?

De Fairphone 5 is een smartphone die je makkelijk kunt repareren, en daarnaast biedt het merk langdurige garantie en software-ondersteuning. Is het een...

nl.hardware.info

Very cool (from that review):

Prices parts:
- Battery: 39.95 euros
- Screen: 99.95 euros
- Back: 24.95 euros
- Main camera: 69.95 euros
- Selfie camera: 34.95 euros
- Wide-angle camera: 44.95 euros
- USB-C port: 19.95 euros
- Loudspeaker ('on speaker' calls and audio): 24.95 euros
- Loudspeaker ('normal' conversations): 19.95 euros
- Top with SD and SIM card slot, among other things: 39.95 euros

 

[TheLostSwede]

English review.

Fairphone 5 Review: The Phone That Wants to Save the World

The Fairphone 5's eco credentials are impressive. But there are problems to be aware of.

www.cnet.com

 

[Kyan]

It most certainly will be the replacement for my Honor 9. I'm lurking on the Fairphone 4 since 2022 but some thing was bothering me; the phone was 1 year old with an already old chip when it came out and my Honor 9 was still working fine. But now with the 90Hz OLED screen and much less negative review about the camera, I will happily sell or recycle my honor 9.

 

[Chrispy_]

Too big and too thin to last 10 years.

Honestly, long-life phones need to be pocket-friendly to avoid getting bent, and something you can use in one hand without having to shuffle your phone around in your hand to reach UI elements to reduce the likelihood of it getting dropped.

People want impossibly large, light, and thin phones - and that just means fragile, droppable, and bendable for the overwhelming majority of people.

 

[P4-630]

Too big and too thin to last 10 years.

Honestly, long-life phones need to be pocket-friendly to avoid getting bent, and something you can use in one hand without having to shuffle your phone around in your hand to reach UI elements to reduce the likelihood of it getting dropped.

People want impossibly large, light, and thin phones - and that just means fragile, droppable, and bendable for the overwhelming majority of people.

That's why I went with a Galaxy S23, just a 6" screen.
I hate larger phones.

My wish is a Moto Razr V3 with it's physical dial keys and the rest smart......

 

[GerKNG]

10 year software support... should be a law.

 

[Chrispy_]

That's why I went with a Galaxy S23, just a 6" screen.
I hate larger phones.

My wish is a Moto Razr V3 with it's physical dial keys and the rest smart......

Battery life and software support are coming to an end for my Pixel 3a and all of the potential replacements are far too big for my liking.
Early rumours are that the Pixel 8 (non-pro) will be a 6" edge-to-edge display and the 8a might be even smaller than that.

I do understand that some people play games or watch a lot of media on their phones and will want a large device, but there are so many devices that cater to that audience already, and so few that cater to the market segment that is actually huge; People who mostly just want a camera, mapping, a search engine, and messaging in the most unobtrusive package possible.

Honestly, if Apple, Google, or Samsung made a 4" phone I guaran-f***ing-tee you it would sell. Not everyone wants to game or watch movies on their phone. The fact that the Galaxy Z flip and RAZR+ are a thing is because people *do* want smaller phones - enough to overlook the drawbacks of an insane price tag and compromised screen with a crease in the middle of it. Can we just have a small phone without the fragile, non-waterproof, non-dustproof folding screen please?

 

[tvshacker]

That's why I went with a Galaxy S23, just a 6" screen.
I hate larger phones.

I thought about bringing this up in the OP, but I have an S21 (I got it almost 2 years ago), and it was cheaper and is more powerful than this Fairphone.
Also the main reason I went for the S21 one instead of an A52s was precisely the screen size.

Honestly, if Apple, Google, or Samsung made a 4" phone I guaran-f***ing-tee you it would sell.

I wouldn't go that far. But I do believe there is space for a decent performing midrange within 5.5" to 6.2" (depending on the screen ratio - looking at you Sony!).

Honestly, long-life phones need to be pocket-friendly

Fixed it for you!
To me the sweet spot is for the phone height to be below 150mm. The best phone I had "handling wise" was the Huawei P8.
When I got the Huawei Mate 10 I actually went and got some of my pants pockets extended.

 

[Shou Miko]

Well if they can hold up for 4 or even 5 years support would be great but 10 years shows a bit much software wise because of the change of hardware requirements.

It looks to be easy to repair which is a good thing.

 

[Kyan]

Battery life and software support are coming to an end for my Pixel 3a and all of the potential replacements are far too big for my liking.
Early rumours are that the Pixel 8 (non-pro) will be a 6" edge-to-edge display and the 8a might be even smaller than that.

I do understand that some people play games or watch a lot of media on their phones and will want a large device, but there are so many devices that cater to that audience already, and so few that cater to the market segment that is actually huge; People who mostly just want a camera, mapping, a search engine, and messaging in the most unobtrusive package possible.

Honestly, if Apple, Google, or Samsung made a 4" phone I guaran-f***ing-tee you it would sell. Not everyone wants to game or watch movies on their phone. The fact that the Galaxy Z flip and RAZR+ are a thing is because people *do* want smaller phones - enough to overlook the drawbacks of an insane price tag and compromised screen with a crease in the middle of it. Can we just have a small phone without the fragile, non-waterproof, non-dustproof folding screen please?

I use an Iphone SE at work, for mail, maps and call/message, it's a small smartphone nowadays, and it works nice. I didn't need an apple account since it's the work enrolment that install all apps needed.

I actually really don't like large phone too, but i'm willing to make this sacrifice to have a repairable phone and support a good initiative. My actual honor 9 with a silicon protection is the same thickness and width as the Fairphone 5, the aspect ratio of 20:9 will make it taller. I don't intend to put a protection on it, since the back of the phone is plastic and that the screen is replaceable (screen protection will be needed).

 

[Kyan]

Really great video about Fairphone and the Fairphone 5. It really confirm my choice for my next phone.

Last time I didn't have real problem with my Honor 9 but now, one of my app require android 10 and I'm stuck with android 9 since 2019 (thanks Huawei), so I simply can't use it anymore.
Seeing the Fairphone 2 getting android 10 in 2023 after launching in 2015 is really impressive, and makes me kinda sad about my situation

 

[Dr. Dro]

Really great video about Fairphone and the Fairphone 5. It really confirm my choice for my next phone.

Last time I didn't have real problem with my Honor 9 but now, one of my app require android 10 and I'm stuck with android 9 since 2019 (thanks Huawei), so I simply can't use it anymore.
Seeing the Fairphone 2 getting android 10 in 2023 after launching in 2015 is really impressive, and makes me kinda sad about my situation

An Android 10 implementation this late is what actually impresses me. It's something like 4 years out of date by now.

When it comes to OS support and global service availability, Apple has had anyone else beat by miles. It's no contest, the iPhone 6s (from 2015) got updated right up to iOS 15.5, it still receives software maintenance updates and incredible as it sounds, there are still parts and servicing available for them in Apple Stores worldwide.

I think it's noble that Fairphone wants to bring the same support schedule but giving the user total freedom about it instead... it's just a shame they have to walk this minefield of LTS Android sw+hw combination. No Android phone was ever designed to be supported or maintained for very long, which is about why Google had to push to compartmentalize the system updates and implement minimum API tiers, because the phones just tend to get abandoned, especially the generic brand ones. Apple's pressure on Samsung had them do something about it, which may be tilting the industry in that direction overall, but there is still a long way to go.

 

[Kyan]

An Android 10 implementation this late is what actually impresses me. It's something like 4 years out of date by now.

When it comes to OS support and global service availability, Apple has had anyone else beat by miles. It's no contest, the iPhone 6s (from 2015) got updated right up to iOS 15.5, it still receives software maintenance updates and incredible as it sounds, there are still parts and servicing available for them in Apple Stores worldwide.

I think it's noble that Fairphone wants to bring the same support schedule but giving the user total freedom about it instead... it's just a shame they have to walk this minefield of LTS Android sw+hw combination. No Android phone was ever designed to be supported or maintained for very long, which is about why Google had to push to compartmentalize the system updates and implement minimum API tiers, because the phones just tend to get abandoned, especially the generic brand ones. Apple's pressure on Samsung had them do something about it, which may be tilting the industry in that direction overall, but there is still a long way to go.

I get the argument with apple update on their iphone and it's really a good thing for everyone who enjoy ios and apple. But it's really not that much comparable to android that is used with hundred or thousand brand across the world. Fairphone being able to put android 10 on such an old device officially supported and not by a custom ROM is really impressive, the hardware is no longer supported by the manufacturer and yet, they manage to make it work while the fairphone 3 and 4 are software supported too. For such a small company, it shows how much they stand behind their words and product.

 

[Dr. Dro]

I get the argument with apple update on their iphone and it's really a good thing for everyone who enjoy ios and apple. But it's really not that much comparable to android that is used with hundred or thousand brand across the world. Fairphone being able to put android 10 on such an old device officially supported and not by a custom ROM is really impressive, the hardware is no longer supported by the manufacturer and yet, they manage to make it work while the fairphone 3 and 4 are software supported too. For such a small company, it shows how much they stand behind their word and product.

It is, it truly is, which is why I brought it up. They are walking a very difficult minefield there, I recognized that right away. Props.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

Terrible battery life. sigh :/

I just want a basic android phone, with decent performance, large battery, and long updates. Is that so much to ask?

Fairphone needs to get its OS in order. Android 10 is obsolete. Battery drain like that (16% in 45 minutes) shows some serious optimization is needed. And they need to partner with someone like zero lemon to offer an old fasioned mega battery + case like ye olden days. And actually offer services in the US.

Battery life and software support are coming to an end for my Pixel 3a and all of the potential replacements are far too big for my liking.
Early rumours are that the Pixel 8 (non-pro) will be a 6" edge-to-edge display and the 8a might be even smaller than that.

I do understand that some people play games or watch a lot of media on their phones and will want a large device, but there are so many devices that cater to that audience already, and so few that cater to the market segment that is actually huge; People who mostly just want a camera, mapping, a search engine, and messaging in the most unobtrusive package possible.

Honestly, if Apple, Google, or Samsung made a 4" phone I guaran-f***ing-tee you it would sell. Not everyone wants to game or watch movies on their phone. The fact that the Galaxy Z flip and RAZR+ are a thing is because people *do* want smaller phones - enough to overlook the drawbacks of an insane price tag and compromised screen with a crease in the middle of it. Can we just have a small phone without the fragile, non-waterproof, non-dustproof folding screen please?

There's always the 5" zenphone.

I get the argument with apple update on their iphone and it's really a good thing for everyone who enjoy ios and apple. But it's really not that much comparable to android that is used with hundred or thousand brand across the world. Fairphone being able to put android 10 on such an old device officially supported and not by a custom ROM is really impressive, the hardware is no longer supported by the manufacturer and yet, they manage to make it work while the fairphone 3 and 4 are software supported too. For such a small company, it shows how much they stand behind their words and product.

I mena I can install windows 95 on a pentium II. That is also old hardware and software that is no longer supported, so impressive right?

Doesnt mean I should take it to the shop and try to sell it though.

 

[Kyan]

I just want a basic android phone, with decent performance, large battery, and long updates. Is that so much to ask?

Buy a pixel then, or an iphone. I don't know other manufacturer who do long term software update.

I mena I can install windows 95 on a pentium II. That is also old hardware and software that is no longer supported, so impressive right?

Doesnt mean I should take it to the shop and try to sell it though.

You really don't know how phone works then. Strangely enough, a lot of manufacturer don't take the time to push such an easy update, strange right ?
Just go find custom rom for a model of phone on the xda developer forum and you will see that it's hard to make an OS reliable on a phone and make all his function working properly.

Fairphone needs to get its OS in order. Android 10 is obsolete. Battery drain like that (16% in 45 minutes) shows some serious optimization is needed. And they need to partner with someone like zero lemon to offer an old fasioned mega battery + case like ye olden days. And actually offer services in the US.

The Fairphone 5 is on android 14, not android 10. I don't know where you get this info.

And by the way, modern android version optimize battery usage after some weeks of usage. You should always take early review with a grain of salt when it comes to battery life, it just show how quick the hardware can drain the battery. User experience can be really different in a positive way generally.

Going back to the fairphone 5, you can buy a second battery and easily change it on the go to make it the phone with the biggest battery on the market. I understand that's not really practical but it's feasible compared to the rest of the market.

 

[Shou Miko]

Fairphone 5 goes official with 5 years warranty, up to 10 years of software support

The company is promising 8 years of support but thinks that 10 years is possible too. It will deliver at least 5 OS updates to the phone.

www.gsmarena.com

The first time I heard about Qualcomm "industrial part with long-term support", I wonder if that's what makes it more expensive and how much more.

Unfortunately I won't be getting one because of screen size (too big) and the price is still a bit too high. From what I've seen from the Framework laptops, the modularity and repairability don't come at such a high cost as these Fairphones

You are actually correct it's a industriel soc from Qualcomm which is also why the life span should be a lot better since the industrial world doesn't change parts every 3 years like a normal consumer so I am really interested to see how this ride with the Fairphone 5 will go for Fairphone with updates and everything but with the same price tag as my Samsung Galaxy S23 I am not sure how many phones they will sell because more will than look to buy the S23 for this price.

 

[Kyan]

You are actually correct it's a industriel soc from Qualcomm which is also why the life span should be a lot better since the industrial world doesn't change parts every 3 years like a normal consumer so I am really interested to see how this ride with the Fairphone 5 will go for Fairphone with updates and everything but with the same price tag as my Samsung Galaxy S23 I am not sure how many phones they will sell because more will than look to buy the S23 for this price.

You don't buy a Fairphone for what it's worth in terms of price. If I had to choose another phone, I'd probably go for one in the 500-600€ range, not 700€ like the Fairphone 5. The extra price of Fairphone phones is justified by the value you place on ecological and social impact.
I gotta admit that the S23 are really appealing and are smaller, i like smaller phone in general.

 

[Vayra86]

Too big and too thin to last 10 years.

Honestly, long-life phones need to be pocket-friendly to avoid getting bent, and something you can use in one hand without having to shuffle your phone around in your hand to reach UI elements to reduce the likelihood of it getting dropped.

People want impossibly large, light, and thin phones - and that just means fragile, droppable, and bendable for the overwhelming majority of people.

Yep... Among Iphones I can't go higher than the SE. It also happens to be a fully functional phone, pretty neat how that's possible after several decades of innovation eh.

Honestly, these Fairphones... I've seen how the previous versions faired ... I'm staying miles away. Nice initiative, but mobile phones are still a branch of pure and absolute waste and this won't change it. It just gives you the ability to say you're all conscious about the environment while continuing to feed the same industry. In the end all we have now is yet another way and another company to produce phones, not exactly the peak of efficiency. If we want efficiency, we need standardization. And guess what... that would immediately push Fairphone out of the market. If everyone did what they started, they'd go out of business in a year.

I know, I'm a pessimist asshole, but if we really want change... this is not the way.

 

[Kyan]

Yep... Among Iphones I can't go higher than the SE. It also happens to be a fully functional phone, pretty neat how that's possible after several decades of innovation eh.

Honestly, these Fairphones... I've seen how the previous versions faired ... I'm staying miles away. Nice initiative, but mobile phones are still a branch of pure and absolute waste and this won't change it. It just gives you the ability to say you're all conscious about the environment while continuing to feed the same industry. In the end all we have now is yet another way and another company to produce phones, not exactly the peak of efficiency. If we want efficiency, we need standardization. And guess what... that would immediately push Fairphone out of the market. If everyone did what they started, they'd go out of business in a year.

I know, I'm a pessimist asshole, but if we really want change... this is not the way.

Having companies like Framework and Fairphone is what will make future product better. I don't care if Fairphone will stop producing phones, and it wasn't their original goal so I think they will be able to focus on why Fairphone was created in the beginning, do thing for the environment and slavery.
It's companies with those sort of goal that serve to push regulation for other companies because they prove that it's possible and that everyone can do the same.
EDIT: and as Fairphone say, the more ecological phone is the one you have in your hands and for as long as possible.

 

[Vayra86]

Having companies like Framework and Fairphone is what will make future product better. I don't care if Fairphone will stop producing phones, and it wasn't their original goal so I think they will be able to focus on why Fairphone was created in the beginning, do thing for the environment and slavery.
It's companies with those sort of goal that serve to push regulation for other companies because they prove that it's possible and that everyone can do the same.
EDIT: and as Fairphone say, the more ecological phone is the one you have in your hands and for as long as possible.

Irrelevant, its still carried by a system that forces companies to always sell and earn more than they did before. Greenwashing 2.0

And because of that, it is all marketing. Not reality. We just love to believe it.

 

[Kyan]

Irrelevant, its still carried by a system that forces companies to always sell and earn more than they did before. Greenwashing 2.0

And because of that, it is all marketing. Not reality. We just love to believe it.

Yes the system is broken to begin with no doubt about it.

In the case of Fairphone, they don't make a lot of margin on their product as shown on the video here

Really great video about Fairphone and the Fairphone 5. It really confirm my choice for my next phone.