The smartphone market is a duopoly, with Apple and Samsung dominating the landscape. But what if there was an alternative? Enter Fairphone, a Dutch company that has been selling its ethically built, repairable smartphones in Europe for over a decade. Now, they're expanding to the US, offering a sustainable and affordable option for consumers tired of the duopoly and the planned obsolescence of major brands. But what makes Fairphone truly unique? And how does it stack up against the competition? Let's dive in.
A New Kind of Smartphone
Fairphone's devices are designed with repairability in mind. Each one comes with a screwdriver, and replacement parts are easily accessible and affordable. For example, a replacement screen costs just $90, and a new USB-C port is only $20. This makes Fairphone a great option for those who want to extend the life of their device and avoid the hefty fees associated with screen replacements from major brands. But what about the rest of the device? Well, Fairphone's Gen 6+ is made with over 50% fair-trade or recycled materials, and the company supports living wages for factory workers in its supply chain. It's also assembled with renewable energy and is 100% e-waste neutral, making it a truly sustainable option.
A New Market for Repairable Phones
The US market is a tough one to crack, with a duopoly held by Apple and Samsung. But Fairphone is already in discussions with major carriers and MVNOs to sell its device through their stores, and it's officially certified to work on T-Mobile and AT&T's networks. This is a big deal, as carriers drive as much as 66% of smartphone sales according to a 2025 report from the International Data Corporation. While Google's Android powers the company's mobile hardware, there's also a version powered by Murena's de-Googled /e/OS for $699. Fairphone's focus on repairability and sustainability is a refreshing change in a market where many companies have pulled out, including OnePlus, HMD Mobile, Sony, and LG Mobile.
A New Marketing Strategy
Fairphone's expansion to the US is also a result of a newfound marketing strategy. Instead of focusing on the company's ethical mission, they're now emphasizing the quality of the product. This has led to year-over-year growth for the fourth quarter in a row, with phone shipments jumping 74% in the first half of 2026 compared to the prior year. And it's not just the US market that's seeing growth. Fairphone is also expanding towards a more mainstream crowd, with 80% of people who bought the Fairphone Gen 6 also being new to the brand.
A New Perspective on Smartphone Ownership
But what does this mean for the future of smartphone ownership? Well, it raises a deeper question: Why isn't more of our technology easy to fix? Fairphone's success in the US could incentivize Big Tech to improve the repairability of their own hardware. After all, there's a market for people who want modular, fixable phones. And as prices continue to rise, people are going to start thinking of smartphones as longer-term investments. So, while Fairphone may be a small player in the US market, its impact could be significant.
In my opinion, Fairphone's expansion to the US is a welcome development. It's proof that it can be done - if companies wanted to make eminently fixable modular products, they could. And as the market becomes more crowded with sustainable and affordable options, it's clear that Fairphone is on the right path. So, if you're in the market for a new smartphone, consider giving Fairphone a try. You might just find that you don't need to give a damn about the duopoly and planned obsolescence anymore.
