This New Android Phone Eliminates Repair Bill Fears

I’ve been klutzy. As my iPhone slipped out of my hand one day, there was about one second to feel the gamut of fear, shock, remorse, self-blame and anger. Then I heard a shattering sound on the cement below, which translated in my head to a cash register ringing. Can’t remember exactly what I paid to replace the screen, but it was north of $100. And I remember thinking I got away easy, after price-shopping the repair.

Drops are common. In fact, they’re so common that the U.S. smartphone independent shops’ repair market is about $5 billion, according to reports I’ve seen online – driven by countless device drops and battery degradations each year. Apple’s internal after-sales and authorized repair ecosystem alone is said to generate more than $10 billion globally per year. Screen replacements can run $120 to $350, while batteries generally cost between $60 to $120. Then there are the charging ports, cameras, and water damage to speakers and electronics that make up the remaining bulk of service requests. Right now, I have a five-year-old iPhone that needs a new battery. Apple wants $89 for it. It’s probably more worthwhile to just upgrade the phone, or join the company’s upcoming iPhone lease program.

But I was recently pitched by a phone maker named Fairphone, which is known in Europe for its modular and sustainable electronics. Its new Fairphone (Gen. 6+) – an Android mobile device – sets out to let Americans fix their own phones for far less money. And quickly. The removable back cover lets users swap add-ons with just two screws, offering practical options for finger loops, lanyards, and credit card holders – in addition to batteries, camera lenses and screens.

Officials cite the Right-to-Repair movement gaining momentum across America, supporting consumer choice and repairability – to protect consumers from forced upgrades and spiraling repair costs. That way, of course, you can keep using the phone for years without worrying about how much potential repairs will cost.

The unit I tested arrived with several phone backings to interchange. Honestly, the two screws came out easily with the included screwdriver the first time, but it took me a while to figure out how to pop off the back – just press down the plate and slide it off.

The phone itself works fine, with a bright screen, decent cameras (50 MP main with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size, a 12 MP ultra-wide, and a 32 MP selfie), and running the latest version of Android 16 while powered by the new Snapdragon® 7s Gen 4 mobile platform. It’s fast, the speakers are good, and watching videos was seamless. True to the company’s origins, it’s made with 50+ percent fair or recycled materials. Accessories are also made with recycled materials, including recycled plastics and aluminium. And I love the phone’s new cobalt blue color – several people commented positively about it while I was toting it around. In America, it only runs on T-Mobile or AT&T. I have neither, so I only tested it on WiFi. However, I did use it for GPS in the car – you don’t need to be connected to a network for that. And it worked flawlessly.

I’m sure some people will find all of this attractive, especially given the commendable sustainability aspect. I’ve personally had no problem using the same phone for years until I absolutely need to get a new one. But I also know that many Americans think nothing of upgrading their iPhones every year or two. The phone carriers thrive on this cycle. So how Fairphone does in America will be an interesting watch.