The Fairphone 6 Plus: The Midrange Smartphone We’ve Been Waiting For

The Fairphone 6 Plus is an impressively average midrange Android device, and that’s something to celebrate. Fairphone has always aimed for a noble cause, focusing on ethically sourced materials and high repairability for its products. In the past, this commitment often meant compromising on performance, with underwhelming processors and cameras. However, the latest Fairphone models have made significant strides, and the 6 Plus hits two major milestones: it feels like a typical midrange Android phone and is available for purchase in the US.

The 6 Plus is a minor upgrade from last year’s Fairphone 6, which received positive feedback for its usability. This new model features a more recent midrange Snapdragon chipset and a fresh color option that Fairphone describes as cobalt, but many might call it blurple. Aside from these updates, the phone remains largely unchanged, and replacement parts are compatible with both models. Ultimately, this phone performs adequately, comparable to other mid-tier devices like the Razr or A-series Pixel. It runs a near-stock version of Android, free from unnecessary bloat or gimmicky features. It’s simply a phone, and that’s refreshing.

While the $649 price tag might seem steep for a midrange device, it’s at the upper end of that category. The recent surge in phone prices has made this more understandable. With 12GB of RAM, a five-year warranty, and up to six OS upgrades, the cost feels more justifiable. Plus, you won’t need to worry about additional insurance; you are the insurance. The 6 Plus includes 12 user-replaceable parts, such as the battery, screen, USB-C port, and all three cameras. Repairs are straightforward—if you can handle the tiny screwdriver and follow simple instructions, you’ll be fine. The cost of replacement parts is significantly lower than what you’d pay for repairs on a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. For instance, a battery replacement typically costs between $100 and $180, while Fairphone charges just $39.99. A screen repair can range from $100 to nearly $300, but a new display from Fairphone is only $89.99. Factor in a small amount of your own time, and the long-term value of this phone becomes quite appealing.

At $649, it’s also a better deal compared to the Fairphone 6, which retails for $899 in the US and only comes with the privacy-focused /e/OS, a de-Googled version of Android. That option isn’t for everyone, and the price was hard to justify. The 6 Plus is now available directly in the US, fully compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T, and I’ve had no issues using it with my Verizon SIM, even though it’s not officially certified on that network.

Using the 6 Plus made me rethink how I approach phone longevity. Battery life is decent; I typically ended my day with about 60% remaining after moderate use, even with all the battery-draining features activated. Normally, I’d be concerned about how that performance would hold up over time, but with this phone, I can simply replace the battery myself without a trip to a repair shop. Most phones need a new battery after a few years anyway, and with the Fairphone, you can do it affordably and easily.

The 6 Plus has fewer compromises than earlier Fairphone models, which suffered from outdated designs and subpar cameras. While improvements have been made, some trade-offs remain. The phone is rated IP55, meaning it’s mostly dust and water-resistant but not fully sealed. Achieving complete protection while maintaining repairability is a tough challenge. Additionally, there’s no wireless charging or magnetic attachment options like Qi2 or MagSafe, which I’ve come to appreciate. The display is decent but doesn’t reach the brightness levels of the best screens out there, and the speakers could use some improvement. I also found the wake button and fingerprint scanner a bit tricky to locate without looking, as it sits flush with the side of the phone.

The Snapdragon 7S Gen 4 chipset meets the basic demands of everyday use. While it may not match the performance of the top-tier SoCs found in slightly pricier devices, it handles most tasks adequately. Google Maps can be a bit stuttery on my car’s infotainment screen with wired Android Auto, and scrolling in games like Pocket City 2 shows some juddering. However, it manages dense web pages well, and I can take several Portrait mode shots before the shutter button becomes unresponsive. For anything less graphically intense, it performs just fine.

To be considered a decent midrange Android phone, the Fairphone 6 Plus needs a solid camera system, and it delivers. While it doesn’t exceed expectations, it gets the job done. I used it to capture moments from my son’s fifth birthday, which was a leap of faith for me, but it worked out well! The main camera performs adequately in daylight, and the app includes a 2x crop function that I found useful. The ultrawide lens shows some noise in low light, which is common, and while portrait mode is acceptable, I didn’t notice any major issues in the video clips I recorded. The camera system occasionally makes odd choices, but overall, it’s satisfactory for casual use.

If that were all the Fairphone had to offer, I’d still recommend it. However, there’s more, including modular back panel accessories. The included screwdriver allows you to swap the back plate for one with a wallet or flexible grip. You can even attach a crossbody strap to these panels, though I’m still undecided on whether I can pull off that look. While not as convenient as magnetic attachments, it adds a fun element to the phone.

The bright switch on the side of the phone activates a feature called “Moments,” which are focus modes that limit your app access to help you concentrate. You can customize these modes to decide which apps are available and who can contact you while they’re active.

Fairphone has finally crafted a device that feels ready for the mainstream with the 6 and 6 Plus. It’s not just a phone with admirable ethical qualities; it’s a solid overall package. You get the satisfaction of supporting a company committed to ethical practices, along with the practical benefits of easy self-repair. The trade-offs are no longer as severe, and as midrange phone prices continue to rise, the 6 Plus starts to look like a smart investment.