Fairphone has confirmed that it will not upgrade the Fairphone 4 to Android 14, as was previously announced. Instead, the company is now set to skip one full major OS version and directly upgrade to Android 15 on some later date. 

The company announced the changes in the plan via a community forum post. Apparently, resource limitations and internal capacity are the main reasons behind the decision. 

Fairphone says it had assessed the development workload required for Android 14 and decided that it would make the most effective use of its time and staff resources by focusing efforts on Android 15 instead.

The previous OS upgrade that the Fairphone 4 has is on Android 13 back in 2023. While Android 14 was initially bound to release in the first half of 2025, there is no chance now. 

We have no confirmed date

That change means that the users waiting for more incremental Android update versions will have to get along with Android 13 until the company completes the development and testing process for Android 15.

Fairphone hasn’t committed to stepping out with Android 15 on a firm date.

The most recent Fairphone 5 which is still available on sale in a few markets for €499, also has not received Android 15 update as of yet. And the company hasn’t clarified whether both devices will get it at the same time. 

Despite those major update delays, the Fairphone 4 still pumps out bi-monthly security updates. The official support for the device will run out in 2026; the company is considering extending it for another two years. That would still keep the brand’s wider brand goal of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste on some kind of track, even if the brand is hitting some practical limitations with their relatively small software development scale. 

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The digital age has brought us many conveniences, but the cost to our planet is significant. The electronics industry, specifically the production of smartphones, significantly contributes to climate change and environmental degradation. Each smartphone, consisting of over 60 different elements, many mined in harmful ways, leaves a substantial carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the incessant demand for the latest models leads to an average smartphone lifespan of just 2-3 years, resulting in millions of phones discarded annually, winding up in landfills or being recycled improperly. Fortunately, the rise of ecofriendly phones aims to mitigate these harmful impacts.

What are Ecofriendly Phones?

Ecofriendly phones embody sustainability and environmental consciousness. They are often constructed from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, engineered to consume less energy and designed for easy repairability. For instance, a phone like the Fairphone 4 features a body made from recycled aluminum and a back cover made from 100% recycled plastic.

Ecofriendly phones also capitalize on energy efficiency through elements like power-saving modes, energy-efficient components, and optimized software. A defining characteristic of these phones is their repairability, being modularly designed for easy part replacement and accompanied by spare parts and repair guides.

Popular Brands that Make Ecofriendly Phones

Several brands are at the forefront of creating ecofriendly phones.

Fairphone 4

The Fairphone 4 is a 5G smartphone that is made from recycled materials and sustainably sourced components. It is also designed to be easy to repair.

PinePhone

The PinePhone is a Linux-based smartphone that is designed to be open source and repairable.

Shiftphone 

The Shiftphone is a modular smartphone that is made from recycled materials.

Teracube 2E

The Teracube 2E is a rugged smartphone that is made from recycled materials and has a long battery life.

A Closer Look at What Fairphone Does and How is it Different?

Among ecofriendly phone manufacturers, Dutch company Fairphone shines for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. With an aim to create a smartphone that is “better for people and planet,” Fairphone’s production is based on recycled materials and responsibly sourced components.

Fairphone focuses on environmental responsibility, and the wellbeing of workers involved in production. The company ensures that its suppliers pay a living wage and provide safe working conditions, enhancing the ethical value of their phones. So environment focused brands focus more than just repairable and recycled smartphones.

Their latest model, the Fairphone 4, continues this philosophy, with a body of recycled aluminum, a back cover of 100% recycled plastic, and a battery composed of responsibly sourced cobalt and lithium. Apart from its sustainable features, it offers good technical specifications like a Snapdragon 750G processor, a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, and an advanced camera system, making it a viable contender in the competitive smartphone market.

If you are in the lookout for a smartphone that’s environment friendly with fair production practices, Fairphones are a popular option right now.

Fairphone vs. Regular Smartphones

While comparing sustainable smartphones with regular smartphones, the devices might be comparable in functionality, but there is a significant difference when it comes to their environmental footprints. Smartphones like Fairphone shines through its use of recycled materials, ethical manufacturing processes, repairability, and extended lifespan, stark contrasts against typical industry practices.

How Mainstream Smartphone Brands are Moving Towards Sustainable Smartphones

Even Mainstream brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and Lenovo are making small but meaningful strides towards sustainability.

Apple

Apple has been forging ahead in the journey towards eco-friendly phone production, evidenced by the environmental initiatives in its iPhone 14 series. The company now utilizes 100% recycled gold in the wiring of all its cameras and the plating of multiple printed circuit boards, showing a commitment to resource efficiency and reduction of environmental harm.

The packaging for Apple products has also evolved, now being 94% fiber-based as the company has worked diligently to eliminate plastic from its packages. Further demonstrating a commitment to the environment, all of the wood fiber used is either recycled or responsibly sourced.

Apple’s environmental efforts extend to energy use as well, with over 25% of the electricity used in the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 series being sourced from clean energy projects initiated by their suppliers.

Moreover, the iPhone 14 series has made strides in removing harmful materials from its devices. Its phones are designed with arsenic-free glass, and they’re free from mercury, brominated flame retardants, PVC, and beryllium, showcasing Apple’s intention to create products that are not just user-friendly but also eco-friendly.

Google

Google has been intensifying its efforts to enhance the sustainability of the Pixel 7 series. One of the primary initiatives involves increasing the use of recycled materials. Approximately 30% of all materials used in Google’s new products launched in 2022 were recycled content, spanning across components made of aluminum, stainless steel, rare earth magnet, glass and plastic. In particular, 48% of the plastic materials came from recycled content.

The carbon footprint of product manufacturing is also significantly reduced with recycled materials. For instance, the aluminum in the phone enclosures of Pixel 7 and 7 Pro is made with 100 percent recycled content, leading to a reduction in carbon footprint by over 35% compared to primary aluminum use.

In addition to sourcing materials, Google has partnered with iFixit to provide genuine Pixel spare parts, tools, and repair documentation for models as far back as Pixel 2, enhancing repairability and prolonging device lifespan.

Google’s commitment to sustainability also extends to its product packaging. With a goal to eliminate plastic from its hardware product packaging by 2025, the packaging for Pixel 7 already uses 99% plastic-free materials. This effort led to a 97% reduction in Pixel packaging plastic in 2022, along with a 54% decrease in package volume and over 50% reduction in weight compared to the first Pixel phone.

Samsung

Samsung’s recent push for eco-friendly smartphone production with the S23 series is represented through a wide array of sustainable practices in its manufacturing process. The company now incorporates recycled plastics with 5% repurposed fishing nets and 15% recycled water barrels in the construction of its bottom speaker module lower. The top speaker module, volume keys, and power keys also utilize recycled plastics, with a composition of 20% recycled water barrels.

Furthermore, Samsung’s use of recycled materials extends to the deco film for the back glass, with 80% recycled PET bottles and 10% recycled plastic applied to the front case.

Pre-consumer recycled aluminum, accounting for 30% of recovered scrap from the manufacturing process, is employed in the construction of volume keys, the side key, and the SIM tray. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 with an average of 22% pre-consumer recycled glass is incorporated into the front screen and back cover.

In an effort to minimize waste, 100% recycled paper is used for the packaging box paper, front and back cover protector. Samsung’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions has also been recognized with the Carbon Trust’s certified ‘Carbon Footprint’ label, showing a dedication to environmentally friendly production practices.

Other brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, Lenovo etc are also working towards making smartphone manufacturing and packaging sustainable with biodegradable packing and recycled materials in their products.

The Role of Authorities in Promoting Sustainable Smartphones

The journey to sustainable smartphones is not a solitary venture. Government bodies and international organizations worldwide are slowly stepping up, enforcing stringent environmental regulations and guidelines.

• The European Union, the United States, and other countries have set targets to reduce the environmental impact of smartphones, such as increasing the use of recycled materials and making smartphones easier to repair.
• Global organizations like the United Nations have published detailed reports and guidelines to make smartphones more sustainable.
• Additionally, numerous non-profit organizations are working tirelessly to advocate for sustainable smartphones. For example, Greenpeace has conducted several campaigns and published reports on the environmental impact of smartphones.

Stepping into the Era of Sustainable Smartphones

We live in an age where our reliance on smartphones is a fundamental part of life, dictating everything from communication to productivity. This digital necessity, however, comes with an environmental price tag. Hence, the shift to sustainable smartphones is not just a viable option, but a critical necessity.

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The first week of July 2023 was pretty interesting with new product releases to pivotal legislative decisions, the period was a whirlwind of activity that shaped the trajectory of various tech sectors. Twitter also saw a brand new rival in the form of Threads from Meta. 

In the realm of consumer electronics, major brands like Asus, OnePlus, Fairphone, and Samsung marked their presence by unveiling innovative devices. Asus’ ROG Ally handheld gaming console found its way into the Indian market, offering gaming enthusiasts a blend of performance and convenience. OnePlus added to its Nord lineup, with the Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 capturing attention due to their impressive specs. Fairphone, known for its sustainable and ethical approach, made its much-awaited Fairphone 4 5G available in the US. Samsung quietly launched the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy S21 FE in India, while Apple revealed more details about its 15-inch MacBook Air, illustrating how the transition to Apple Silicon made its larger format possible.

Amidst these product announcements, a significant legal development took place in France, as lawmakers passed a bill allowing police to remotely access and activate suspects’ digital devices. This move sparked intense debates about privacy rights and the potential for state surveillance.

In essence, last week exemplified the ongoing interplay between rapid technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and evolving societal norms.

Here were the top tech news stories from last week.

Reliance Jio and HMD Global Release Feature Phones with UPI Support

Reliance Jio and HMD Global unveiled new affordable feature phones, including the Nokia 110 4G and Nokia 110 2G, all supporting UPI payments. The 4G model, offering Bluetooth 5.0 and Micro USB 2.0, is priced at Rs. 2,499, while the 2G model, with 2G network support, is set at Rs. 1,699. Both models feature wireless FM radio functionality and long-lasting batteries.

Nokia and Apple Sign New Long-Term Patent Agreement 

Nokia and Apple have entered a new long-term patent cross-license agreement, focusing on Nokia’s 5G technology and other critical patents. With the previous agreement set to expire by year-end, the new deal will ensure Apple’s payment to Nokia for multiple years from 2024. The partnership highlights Nokia’s contributions to cellular standards and affirms Apple’s plan to incorporate Nokia’s technology into its future 5G-enabled devices.

Xiaomi Gears Up for New Flagship Release with Advanced Manufacturing System 

Xiaomi has launched its new manufacturing line, the Xiaomi Smart Manufacturing Digital Intelligence System 2.0, at its Beijing Yizhuang Smart Factory. The new system promises enhanced precision and intelligence, leading to stronger and thinner products. Xiaomi’s upcoming MIX Fold 3, scheduled for an August release, will be the first product manufactured under this new system. Featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a quad-camera setup with a 5X periscope telephoto lens, the new foldable phone will also support 67W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. The phone’s international availability remains uncertain.

Xiaomi Bolsters Customer Service with 3-Layer Escalation Matrix in India 

Celebrating its 9th anniversary in India, Xiaomi has rolled out a new customer service initiative, the 3-Layer Escalation Matrix. Intended to streamline the resolution process for customer complaints, the system promises swift, efficient responses to issues within a specified time frame. Customers can lodge complaints via multiple platforms, including the Mi Store app, Xiaomi Service+ app, or Xiaomi’s official website. Complaints that remain unresolved within 48 hours automatically escalate to higher levels, ultimately reaching the company’s President’s office if necessary, promising a response within 12 hours. Customer complaint statuses can be tracked via the Xiaomi Service+ app.

Xiaomi Preps MIUI 15 Update, Improved Animations and More Expected

Ahead of the Android 14 release, Xiaomi has been found testing alpha builds of its latest MIUI 15 software, hinting that development began several months ago. The new update, potentially based on both Android 13 and 14, is expected to offer improved animations and numerous other upgrades. Specific features remain under wraps, but the release timeline should mirror MIUI 14, suggesting a rollout to compatible Xiaomi phones by Q1 2024. Initial testing appears to be taking place on a device codenamed  garnet,  rumored to be part of the forthcoming Redmi Note 13 lineup.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Launching in Europe: Enhanced Display and Audio Features

Set to hit European shelves on July 10, the Xiaomi Pad 6 offers an improved tablet experience with upgraded display and audio features. The device boasts an 11-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10/Dolby Vision support. The Pad 6 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, up to 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, along with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable connectivity. The tablet caters to multimedia use with a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers. It’s also compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2nd Gen and comes with a battery life bolstered by an 8,840mAh battery and 33W fast charging.

Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Console Now Available on Flipkart in India

Asus’s new ROG Ally Z1 Extreme handheld gaming console is now on sale in India via Flipkart. The device, featuring a 7-inch IPS display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, offers an immersive gaming experience on Windows 11. The console is priced at Rs 69,990, with various bank offers and EMI options available.

OnePlus Expands Nord Lineup with New Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 Models

OnePlus unveiled two additions to its Nord lineup, the feature-rich mid-ranger Nord 3, and the more affordable Nord CE 3. The latter sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 782G chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. Available in two variants, 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB, Nord CE 3 will be released in August, with prices starting at Rs 26,999.

Eco-Friendly Fairphone 4 5G Debuts in the US with Emphasis on Repairability and Privacy

The environmentally conscious and repairable Fairphone 4 5G has launched in the US, underlining the brand’s commitment to sustainability and privacy. The device, which uses 100% recycled plastics and offers easily replaceable parts, runs Murena’s privacy-centric /e/OS, devoid of Google services. The phone comes in two variants, starting at $599, and features a 6.3-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

Samsung Quietly Launches Snapdragon 888 Variant of Galaxy S21 FE in India

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, has quietly gone on sale in India for INR 49,999, with an introductory price of INR 44,999. Replacing the Exynos processor, this model retains the same features, including a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,500mAh battery, and a camera setup featuring a 12MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera. The device also offers water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating.

Apple’s 15-Inch MacBook Air: A Triumph of Apple Silicon Over Intel’s Constraints

Apple’s marketing executives disclosed that they had wanted to create a 15-inch MacBook Air for years but were restricted by the high power consumption of Intel’s chips. The shift to Apple Silicon enabled the company to maintain a slim, light design without compromising on battery life or performance. This new, larger MacBook Air is not only beneficial for consumers but also serves enterprise customers who have long requested such a device. This demonstrates Apple’s commitment to its transition to Apple Silicon and its responsiveness to customer demands.

Threads by Instagram Gaining Traction Despite Missing Features

Despite lacking key features like search, hashtags, and a following feed, Threads by Instagram, Meta’s bid to challenge Twitter’s dominance, is gaining user momentum. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, assured that these features are underway, although no timeline was given. Threads’ successful integration with Instagram has been instrumental in its initial success, having already attracted over 30 million signups and being the top free app in Apple’s App Store.

France Grants Police Remote Access to Suspects’ Devices, Stirring Privacy Concerns

French lawmakers have passed a justice reform bill granting police the power to remotely access and activate suspects’ device cameras, microphones, and GPS systems, stirring controversy. Critics argue the measure infringes on fundamental liberties and leans towards authoritarian surveillance. Although the law restricts usage to serious crimes and requires judicial approval, privacy advocates are concerned about the potential for abuse. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti argues the law is a necessary tool for saving lives.

Top Specials We Wrote From Last Week

• Do we really need 24GB RAM on smartphones?
• Quick Take: Is Nothing’s Transparent Cable Innovative?
• Nothing Phone (2) Roundup: Everything We Know So Far
• Does it make sense to buy Xbox Series S 512GB in 2023?

The post Top Tech News From Last Week: MIUI 15, ROG Ally Sale, Nokia UPI Phone, Nothing, Nord CE 3 & More appeared first on Gizmochina.

After a nearly two-year wait, the Fairphone 4 5G has made its debut in the US market. This smartphone stands out for its focus on ethics, sustainability, and minimizing environmental impact. One of its notable features is its fully repairable design, with easily accessible parts such as the motherboard, camera assembly, battery, speakers, etc. that can be replaced by the brand or the user by using a simple screwdriver. Moreover, the back of the Fairphone 4 is constructed entirely from 100 percent recycled plastics, showcasing its commitment to eco-conscious materials and manufacturing processes.

Catering to privacy-conscious individuals, Fairphone has partnered with Murena, a company specializing in “de-Googling” Android phones, to bring the Fairphone 4 to the US market. Instead of the usual Android OS, the device comes preloaded with Murena’s /e/OS, which emphasizes privacy and excludes Google services. /e/OS is designed to address concerns about data sharing with the search giant, offering a privacy-focused alternative. It features its own app store and Murena Cloud apps for essential functions like email, calendar, and cloud storage.

Fariphone 4 specs

The Fairphone 4 boasts a 6.3-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, delivering sharp visuals with a pixel density of 410ppi. The screen supports 16.7 million colors and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. With an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, the display provides an immersive viewing experience.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor and equipped with the Qualcomm Adreno 619 GPU, the Fairphone 4 offers smooth performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. It comes with options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Additionally, the device supports microSD cards up to 2TB (SD 3.0), allowing for expandable storage.

In terms of photography, the Fairphone 4 features a 48MP main sensor with a large 1/2″ sensor size and an f/1.6 aperture, ensuring excellent image quality. It also incorporates a 48MP ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture for capturing wide-angle shots. On the front, there is a 25MP selfie camera with a 1/2.78″ sensor and an f/2.2 aperture, delivering impressive selfies.

The device is equipped with a 3905mAh battery and comes with a 20W charger for convenient and efficient charging. It offers a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and fingerprint reader for enhanced security and functionality.

It provides connectivity options such as Bluetooth v5.1 + LE, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, and supports GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou for accurate positioning. The device offers 5G network support and has dual SIM capability with one physical Nano-SIM slot and one eSIM slot. With an IP54 certification, the Fairphone 4 is resistant to water splashes and dust. The device also offers an impressive warranty of up to 5 years, providing peace of mind to users.

Price & availability

The Fairphone 4 is available in two variants: one with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at $599, and another with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $679.

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(Source)

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Fairphone has rolled out a new Android 12 update for the Fairphone 4. The new update is a generation higher than the Android 11 OS that the phone ships with. The OS upgrade will be available for Fairphone 4 owners in most regions.

The company also states that the current performance of the update in France and Switzerland falls short of the company’s expectations. The company is thus silent on when the update will be available in both France and Switzerland. For most other markets, the upgrade rolled in on February 1, but notifications may not be immediate. Fairphone sources say that delays are also possible for some mobile carriers, and it could be up to several weeks.

Fairp21hone has announced its first major OS update for the Fairphone 4. The Fairphone 4 was released in 2021 and users are now getting the Android 12 upgrade. Fairphone has also stated its plans for a timely Android 13 upgrade for the smartphone later. The new Android 12 update will offer greater stability, performance, and security for the smartphone.

Fairphone hopes to leverage the incremental architecture of Android 13 to deliver its upgrade within a shorter period. The company is expected to provide a timeline for the Android 13 rollout. The current OS update will come with the December 2022 Android security patches. More details about the upgrade can be viewed from Fair phone’s community forums and postings on its website.

RELATED:

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The modular Fairphone 4 smartphone is different from the common smartphones which are sometimes very delicate and not to be disassembled. The modern smartphone is indeed designed not to be tinkered with but the Dutch phone maker Fairphone is fast creating a niche for itself with its lineup of rugged phones. Fairphone’s design philosophy for its phones incorporates easy repairability and durability. The company sells repair kits and parts to customers who may want to carry out some DIY repairs on their devices.

The Fairphone 4 has gone through the paces of JerryRigEverything’s full durability test. This included a teardown of the device without the aid of a heat gun, a quick reassembling of the device, and several layers of stress and durability testing. The Fairphone 4 sports a Gorilla Glass 5 panel that withstands higher degree scratches and scores 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The frame of the smartphone is made of anodized metal while the removable matte-finished plastic back panel withstood scratches using a razor.

The Fairphone 4 also performed impressively under extended heat situations as it lasted about 10 seconds when placed in the range of a fire source. The sturdy design of the Fairphone 4 also showed in the bend test which it survived as well. It is hoped that the impressive performance of the Fairphone 4 will draw potential customers to the Fairphone brand as it continues to carve a niche of ruggedness and sustainable smartphones.

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The Dutch company Fairphone, famous for its modular phones and ethical practices, released the Fairphone 4 in September as the latest addition to their module smartphone line. The phone was recently tested on its durability and sustainability claims by the famous Youtuber, JerryRigEverything.

The Youtuber Zack Nelson first puts the phone through a disassembly and reassembly test, suitable for a phone claiming to be designed for easy dismantled and repaired by the end-user, prolonging the useful life as long as possible.

The Youtuber easily removes the back case and battery of the phone, complimenting the brand for offering the easiest battery replacement experience of 2021. Zack proceeds to easily remove the bottom module containing the speakers, the USC-C connector, the top module containing the rear camera, and the front-facing camera in a matter of minutes.

He also points out that an expert screwer can replace the display on the Fairphone 4 in about 5 minutes. It is as easy as removing 8 Phillips head screws and running a fingernail around the exterior edge of the phone.

Following that easy reassembly, the Gorilla Glass 5 screen of the smartphone is put through a scratch resistance test which shows no marks when scratched by materials with a level 5 hardness on the Mohs scale of hardness.

The aluminum chassis of the phone holds up admirably as well, only losing some color to a scrape from a box cutter. The screen is also put through the burn test with a lighter under it for 10 seconds resulting in the pixels turning black, but they recover their functionality only a few seconds later.

The Youtuber concludes the durability assessment with a bend test that sees the phone passing with flying colors as it handly has any flex when bent from both back and front. Although the Fairphone 4 may have sacrificed a slim form factor for the sake of replaceable components, it hasn’t come at the cost of its durability.

Zack’s only gripe about the phone was its lack of availability outside Europe. He concludes his video by speculating that the Fairphone might be a massive success in the U.S.A if released as not all people want the latest and greatest in tech, and some want the phone to last long.

If you are interested in this modular device by Fairphone, you can check out its specs by clicking this link.

 RELATED:

• Android 10 announced for the six-year-old Fairphone 2
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• Fairphone 4 5G arrives with a Snapdragon 750G SoC, modular design & a 5-year warranty!

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Dutch company Fairphone has finally taken the wraps off the Fairphone 4. The phone retains the modular design of its predecessor and indeed, it takes over from the Fairphone 3+ that was launched last year.

The Fairphone 4 arrives as the brand’s first 5G smartphone and sports a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display coated with Gorilla Glass 5. The display features a slim bezel design with a waterdrop notch at the top. The notch houses a 25-megapixel selfie camera.

The modular phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor that had earlier been utilized on premium mid-rangers like the Galaxy A52 5G and Moto G 5G. The processor pairs with 6GB RAM with 128GB storage on some models while others pack an 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage. There is a microSD card slot that can be used to expand the storage up to 2TB.

At the rear, the device sports a dual camera setup at the rear comprising a Sony ½-inch Exmor IMX582 sensor with OIS, 8x digital zoom, and capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps, or HD slow-motion at 240fps. The second camera is a 48-megapixel f/2.2 120-degree wide-angle lens for landscape photography. There is also a time-of-flight sensor for better autofocus. So you can call it a triple camera setup if you like.

The Fairphone 4 can support both a physical nano-SIM as well as an eSIM, both of which support 5G. It crams a 3,905mAH battery under the hood. The phone runs on ANdroid 11 out-of-the-box but Fairphone has promised to deliver five-years warranty and Android support terminating at 2027. Parts for the phone will also be available till 2027.

As for the pricing and availability, the Fairphone 4 will be available to pre-order on September 30th but will start shipping on October 25th. The phone starts at €579 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB model while the 8GB + 256GB model will retail for €649.

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The yet-to-be-released Fairphone 4 smartphone has been the subject of several leaks, some of which are very credible. The leaks also include some seemingly compelling renders of the smartphone. These images indicate that the Fairphone 4 will supersede its predecessors in terms of its innovative features and overall performance. The rumored starting price of 600 Euros (about $708) for the Fairphone 4 also shows that it is on the mid-level of the spectrum.

Based on multiple leaks by different tipsters, two variants of the Fairphone 4 may be introduced, both having 6GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage for the higher model. Both variants will have a 6.3-inch display and a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. There is a 48MP main camera, and possibly two smaller rear camera sensors. The Fairphone 4 smartphone will be powered by a 5G-enabled chipset. From the renders, it would seem that some of the images are coming from official quarters, and this could indicate an imminent launch of the devices.

We have not had any official announcement on the release date but it may be close. It is still unclear what are the full distinguishing features of the two variants of the Fairphone 4. We already know that the higher model will cost more and have additional internal storage. But we are still in the dark on several important details of the Fairphone 4 including its battery capacity, the full details of its processor, as well as the operating system.
The Fairphone 4 will be the successor to the Fairphone 3 Plus which is still available via Amazon.

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(via)

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FairPhone is carving a niche for itself as a smartphone manufacturer with its modular smartphones. Their design takes into consideration sustainability and ethical conduct in the production of environmentally safe products, using fair labor practices.

A report monitored in Germany says the FairPhone 4 5G has been certified by Wi-Fi Alliance on August 9. With this key certification obtained, we may be close to the eventual launch of the smartphone.

The FairPhone 4 5G will come with Android 11 and 5G network connectivity, which implies that its processor, possibly from Qualcomm will pack some power. FairPhone smartphones are designed to be more sustainable than most smartphones using a modular design. They are high in repairability and upgrades can be easily achieved due to the modular design.

There are also ethical considerations in the choice of materials and labor practices. FairPhone will not source materials from regions mired in conflict.

The wireless certification usually provides an indication that the product will soon hit the market. So we may be just weeks away from the unveiling. Maybe we could expect some official word from FairPhone in the coming days or weeks for the device.

Indeed, little is known about FairPhone 4 5G. Apart from the Android 11 OS and 5G network support, we are still in the dark about the product. It could be sold between €420 ($495) and €500 ($ 590) in Europe, as the two previous FairPhone phones lie in the range.

RELATED:

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• Google account sign in will not work on Android Gingerbread and lower from September 27

(source)

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