The wait is finally over for ethically minded smartphone shoppers: Dutch modular phone pioneer Fairphone has officially landed in the U.S. market through a partnership with privacy-focused tech company Murena. The Fairphone 6, priced at $899, promises repairability, sustainable materials, and a clear conscience. But before you hit "buy," here’s what you need to know.
The Ethical Dream Phone
Fairphone built its reputation in Europe by challenging throwaway tech culture. The Fairphone 6 features:
- User-replaceable parts: Batteries, cameras, and displays can be swapped in minutes.
- Ethical sourcing: Conflict-free minerals and recycled materials (aluminum, plastic, tin).
- 5-year warranty: Double the industry standard, with software support until 2031.
- Repairability score of 9.7/10: iFixit’s highest rating ever for a smartphone.
Spec-wise, it’s no slouch: a Snapdragon 778G chipset, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 50MP dual cameras, and a 4,200mAh removable battery powering a 6.4-inch OLED display.
The Murena Twist—and the Caveat
Here’s where Murena steps in. Unlike the stock Android Fairphone sells in Europe, U.S. models exclusively run Murena’s /e/OS—a de-Googled Android fork focused on privacy. It strips out Google services, replacing them with open-source alternatives (Murena Cloud, Bliss Apps, and the Epiphany browser).
The catch? While /e/OS delights privacy purists, it may frustrate mainstream users:
- No Google Play Services: Apps like Gmail, Maps, or Uber require workarounds.
- Carrier limitations: Though unlocked, it’s optimized for T-Mobile and AT&T. Verizon/Sprint support is spotty.
- Price premium: At $899, it’s $150+ pricier than European models (blame import costs and Murena’s services).
Murena’s CEO Gaël Duval defends the approach: "We’re offering more than hardware—it’s a privacy ecosystem. If you want Google, this isn’t your device."
Where to Buy
Ready to embrace the experiment? The Fairphone 6 is available exclusively through Murena’s U.S. portal:
👉 Murena Fairphone 6 Store
Prefer Amazon? A third-party listing exists, but confirm it’s the Murena edition:
👉 Fairphone 6 on Amazon
The Verdict
The Fairphone 6 is a triumph for sustainable design and a bold privacy play—but it’s niche. If you’re willing to ditch Google and prioritize ethics over convenience, it’s a milestone. For others? The compromises may outweigh the conscience.
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