This Repairable Android Phone is Winning Hearts Everywhere

The Samsung Galaxy S5 holds sentimental value due to its user-friendly design that allowed changing the battery easily. Over time, smartphones have evolved, and that user-repairability feature has faded. Fairphone, however, has been dedicated to reviving this concept, and its latest offering has made a significant push into the U.S. market.

The Fairphone Gen 6 Plus is the first device sold directly in the United States by the company, departing from its previous distribution through Murena. This device runs a standard version of Android equipped with Google services and is priced at $649. Notably, users can replace up to 12 different components, such as the battery, display, cameras, and USB-C port, using just a screwdriver. While the enhancements over the standard Gen 6 are modest, we sought opinions from our readers through a recent poll to gauge interest in the Gen 6 Plus.

The voting results were surprisingly definitive, with 91.5% of over 1,500 voters deeming the Fairphone Gen 6 Plus appealing. Only 8.5% expressed the opposite view, illustrating a strong consensus in favor.

This positive reception is notable, given that the Gen 6 Plus does not hinge on competing with major brands based on specifications. While many other Android phones offer superior hardware in the same price range, the value of this device lies in its repairability, promoting a model that encourages long-term use over frequent replacements.

Earlier this year, a similar poll identified repairability as the second most significant factor for users when considering alternatives to mainstream smartphones. Therefore, the enthusiastic response is unsurprising. In addition, the Gen 6 Plus benefits from direct sales by the manufacturer, making it equipped with Google’s services, effectively overcoming prior barriers in the U.S. market.

Despite the favorable results, some user comments raised concerns. One reader appreciated the repairable aspect but found the absence of a headphone jack to be a significant drawback. Another felt that if the phone included a 3.5mm headphone jack and built-in FM radio, it would have been a much quicker purchase decision.

In defense of larger brands, one user argued that modern devices last long enough that the need for replaceable parts may not be relevant for many consumers. Conversely, another user, drawing from personal experience, expressed admiration for Fairphone but felt that the Gen 6 did not adequately address its early shortcomings to justify the higher price tag.