Fairphone 6 Achieves Perfect Repairability Score from iFixit

The Fairphone 6 has garnered significant attention following its recent perfect score of 10/10 on iFixit’s repairability test, marking it as the fifth consecutive model in the Fairphone lineup to achieve this accolade. This announcement, made on July 4, 2025, underscores the company's commitment to sustainability and user repairability in an industry often criticized for planned obsolescence.

The assessment by iFixit, a well-known authority in product teardown and repairability ratings, highlighted that the Fairphone 6, despite moving away from tool-less battery replacements, remains highly modular. Reportedly, users can replace the battery using only a T5 Torx screwdriver, with just seven screws standing between them and a battery swap. Fairphone promotes the ease of this process, claiming that users can complete a battery replacement in approximately two minutes. Such design decisions align with Fairphone's ethos, emphasizing sustainability through user empowerment and repairability.

According to Fairphone's official website, the device features a soft-pouch battery that necessitates the use of screws for a slimmer profile, a design choice that has drawn some criticism. However, the only adhesive used is found on the mainboard, which the company advises against user repair. Other components, including the USB-C port and camera sensors, can be replaced with minimal effort, ensuring longevity and enhanced user experience.

The Fairphone 6 also boasts an IP55 rating, which, while not the highest in the market, is notable for a phone designed with screws instead of glue. This rating indicates the device’s resistance to dust and water, further enhancing its appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, Fairphone commits to providing seven years of Android OS updates and eight years of security patches, accompanied by a five-year warranty and a loyalty program encouraging users to retain and repair their devices.

However, while the repairability features are commendable, industry analysts, including Dr. Emily Thompson, a technology analyst at the University of Cambridge, have noted that opting for the Fairphone 6 may come with trade-offs in performance. Dr. Thompson points out that the device's dual rear camera setup is relatively basic and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chipset does not position it as a high-performance smartphone. Furthermore, the USB port is limited to USB 2.0, contrasting sharply with competitors offering faster data transfer capabilities.

The Fairphone 6 is now available across Europe at a retail price of €599 (approximately $705), while in the United States, it is priced at $899, where it can only be purchased through Murena, a privacy-focused retailer. The device is set to ship with /e/OS, an operating system designed to enhance user privacy by reducing reliance on Google services.

In comparison to its predecessors, every model since the Fairphone 2 has achieved a perfect score in iFixit’s teardown tests, a feat unmatched by any other smartphone manufacturer. As the mobile technology landscape continues to evolve, Fairphone’s approach to modular design and repairability presents a compelling case for sustainability in an industry increasingly leaning towards disposable devices.

The implications of the Fairphone 6's success extend beyond consumer electronics into broader discussions about environmental responsibility and the role of manufacturers in fostering a sustainable economy. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of their purchases, the demand for repairable products may lead to a shift in industry practices, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt similar sustainable design principles. The Fairphone 6 stands not only as a testament to innovative engineering but also as a beacon for future advancements in the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship.