Fairphone makes its phones with fairly sourced, conflict-free recycled materials designed to last. The company’s previous model, the Fairphone 2, nearly sold out in April, after launching in 2015 and selling around 100,000 units. The model offered a modular build to simplify repairs and extend its life. The new phone is thinner and gives a more contemporary design.
Seven modules, using fairly sourced and conflict free materials
The Fairphone 3 contains seven modules designed to support simple repairs and upgrades. This means the smartphone will last longer, have a less serious impact on the environment and use less raw materials. The company said their latest model will save more than 30 percent more in CO2 emissions than the previous version.
Fairphone uses fairly-sourced materials (raw materials). With the latest model, the company has further extended its fairer supply chain. A cooperation with assembly partner Arima ensures better conditions for employees, paying a bonus to factory workers in order to bridge the gap between minimum and living wages.
From a material perspective, the telephone is made from responsible and conflict-free tin and tungsten, recycled copper and plastic and Fair Trade gold. Fairphone is also setting up an initiative for better purchasing conditions for cobalt, the most important mineral for batteries. After approval, that programme will be connected to the supply chain of the Fairphone 3.
Specifications
The Fairphone 3 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor with 4GB RAM en 64 GB internal memory, extendable with a microSD card of up to 256GB. The device also sports a 5.7 inch 18:9 Full HD screen with Gorilla Glass 5, a 12 MP camera and 8 MP front camera, a replaceable, long-life and fast-charging battery of 300 mAh. The whole is delivered with a sustainable and reusable packaging.
European operators to launch phone in September
MVNO Sky Mobile will be launching Fairphone’s latest smartphone in the UK on 3 September. Pre-orders opened on 27 August. The phone will be available at Sky from GBP 21 per month on a Swap 24 plan, or GPP 26 per month on Swap 12, which includes 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts.
Magenta Telekom said it has the exclusive on the device in Austria. The Fairphone will be available from EUR 0 with selected plans from 03 September. In Germany, Mobilcom-debitel will offer the device, and Digitec is the launch partner in Switzerland, along with other online retailers.
In the Nordic markets, Fairphone said the phone will launch with Tele2 Sweden, as well as selected retailers, while Orange has the exclusive in the French market and will offer the device in other markets in Europe, too.
