After more than a decade, the ethical, repairable Fairphone is finally available in the U.S. I tested it out—and talked to the company’s CTO about the unique design. When I unpacked a new Fairphone from its box, I noticed something that doesn’t come with any other phone: a screwdriver.
I tried the new Fairphone, a phone designed to be repaired
Why This Matters
Fairphone's U.S. debut signals a growing push toward sustainable, repairable consumer electronics in an industry dominated by disposable, sealed devices. Its inclusion of a screwdriver highlights a design philosophy that could influence how other manufacturers approach repairability and longevity as 'right to repair' movements gain traction.
Key Takeaways
- Fairphone is now available in the U.S. after more than ten years of development abroad.
- The phone ships with a screwdriver, emphasizing its user-repairable design—a rarity among smartphones.
- This launch reflects broader consumer and regulatory interest in sustainable, repairable tech products.
Worth a Look
Fairphone 5 — The Fairphone 5 is exactly the phone this article describes—modular, repairable, and now available to US buyers. If you like the idea of swapping your own battery or screen with the included screwdriver instead of replacing the whole device, this is a rare chance to buy that philosophy off the shelf.
See Fairphone 5 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Get alerts for these topics