Most of us use smartphones every day, but very few people stop to think about how these devices are made or who makes the materials inside them. Modern smartphones look sleek and advanced, yet the process behind them often hides harsh realities. In many regions, especially in central Africa, essential minerals like gold, tin, tungsten, and tantalum are mined under unsafe and unfair conditions. Workers, including children in some areas, face low wages, dangerous environments, and very little protection. These issues have been reported for years by global human rights organizations.
In response to these concerns, a unique company stepped forward and created something different—a phone designed to challenge the traditional smartphone industry. This idea led to the creation of Fairphone, a brand that focuses on fairness, repairability, and environmental responsibility. It has become one of the most talked-about ethical smartphone brands in 2026.
What Is Fairphone?
Fairphone is a smartphone brand based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company began as a social initiative that aimed to create awareness about conflict minerals and poor labor conditions in the electronics industry. Over the years, it has grown into a full-scale manufacturer known globally for its ethical values and transparent approach.
Visit Fairphone’s official website
The goal of the company is simple: build phones that cause minimal harm to people and the planet. Every part of their production—from sourcing materials to assembling the handset—is done with fairness and responsibility in mind. While no company can be 100% perfect, Fairphone openly shares the steps it is taking, what it has achieved, and what challenges still remain. This transparency is a major reason why many users trust the brand.
You’re not just buying a smartphone,
you’re buying into an ethical ecosystem.
– Newsweek
Ethical Material Sourcing
Modern smartphones require several rare minerals. Many of these are mined in regions where conflict, unsafe labor, and exploitation are still common. Fairphone tries to break this cycle by sourcing materials responsibly.
Here are the key materials used in Fairphone devices:
1. Tantalum and Tin
Fairphone sources these minerals from conflict-free mines. These suppliers follow strict guidelines to ensure miners work in safe conditions and receive fair wages.
2. Gold
The brand uses Fairtrade-certified gold, which is mined under ethical standards that protect workers and the environment. Fairtrade gold also ensures that miners receive better compensation compared to conventional gold mining operations.
3. Tungsten
The company continues to work with partners to increase the availability of traceable and conflict-free tungsten. Although challenges still exist in this area, Fairphone publicly documents progress each year.
4. Recycled Plastics and Metals
Fairphone uses recycled plastic for the phone casing and other small parts. The aim is to reduce the amount of new plastic produced and cut down on electronic waste—one of the fastest-growing waste categories in the world.
According to Fairphone’s official reports and independent sustainability analysts, the brand consistently ranks as one of the most ethical and transparent smartphone manufacturers in Europe.
Fairphone and Sustainability in 2025
One of the biggest strengths of Fairphone devices is their modular design. Unlike most smartphones that are sealed shut, Fairphone models can be opened easily. Users can replace parts like the battery, screen, cameras, and USB port using simple tools. This makes the device last much longer than a typical smartphone.
In a statement by the company in 2024, CEO Eva Gouwens explained:
“A longer-lasting phone is the simplest way to reduce environmental impact.”
This modular approach supports the right-to-repair movement, which has gained strong momentum in the EU and many other countries. Fairphone users save money because they can repair the device themselves instead of buying a new phone every two or three years. This reduces both e-waste and manufacturing emissions.
Fairphone’s repairability score remains among the highest on independent platforms like iFixit, which rates devices based on how easy they are to repair.
Read How To Select And Buy The Best Smartphone
Why Fairphone Costs More Than a Budget Smartphone
Some people wonder why Fairphone models cost more compared to budget brands. The reason is not related to performance or marketing. Ethical sourcing, fair wages, safe factory conditions, and sustainable materials naturally increase the cost of production.
Buyers of Fairphone are not just paying for a device. They are supporting:
- Responsible mining
- Safe working environments
- Living wages
- Recyclable materials
- A longer-lasting product
- Reduced electronic waste
This makes the brand attractive to people who care about environmental and social impact.
Fairphone Models and Features in 2025
Fairphone continues to improve its devices every year. The most recent models offer:
- Long software support
- Modular parts for easy repairs
- Strong battery life
- Good-quality cameras
- Clean and secure Android experience
While Fairphone phones are not designed to compete with flagship cameras or high-end gaming devices, they provide reliable performance for everyday tasks. Most importantly, they are built with responsible production practices, which is rare in today’s smartphone market.
For complete specifications visit https://www.gsmarena.com/fairphone_6-13955.php
For an unbiased description of Fairphone, please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairphone
Why You Should Consider Buying Fairphone
1. Ethical Production
Fairphone supports safe labor practices, fair wages, and conflict-free materials. When you buy a Fairphone, you support these values.
2. Long Life and Easy Repair
The modular design allows you to replace damaged parts quickly. Even beginners can repair basic modules using online guides.
3. Good Environmental Impact
Using recycled materials and reducing waste makes Fairphone one of the greenest smartphone brands available.
4. Transparent Business Practices
Fairphone publicly shares its supply chain details, sustainability goals, and challenges. This builds trust and shows the company’s dedication to being fair.
5. Support for Right-to-Repair Movement
Many countries are now encouraging repair-friendly electronics. Fairphone has been a leader in this movement since its first model.
Final Thoughts
Fairphone is more than just another smartphone. It is a statement. It challenges the traditional electronics industry and proves that ethical production is possible. Users who choose Fairphone support a fairer supply chain, safer working conditions, and a cleaner environment.
As the need for sustainable technology grows in 2025, Fairphone stands out as a strong example of how a modern device can be built with care, fairness, and transparency. If you want a phone that aligns with responsible values and lasts longer than most regular smartphones, Fairphone is a brand worth considering.
Please do let us know your views about the fairphone in the comments below.











