The Fairphone 5 gets 8 years of updates for €699

Fairphone has been one of the most salvageable and longest supported Android smartphones out there, and with the latest generation, the company is once again upping the ante. The Fairphone 5 gets the best part of a decade in software support and easier fixes, all for €699.00.

Announce today and indeed Available for pre-orderThe Fairphone 5 is a very salvageable smartphone that continues the legacy the company has had over the past few generations.

It has a user replaceable battery and is designed with modular components. Users can replace simple tool components such as the battery, cameras, USB-C charging port, and screen. Many parts are made from recycled materials as well, with 70% of the material being recycled or “fair concentrate” (Referring to sustainability, human rights, etc.).

This also goes beyond just hardware, as Fairphone is committed to eight years of software support. The Fairphone 5 will get updates until 2031, mainly focusing on security updates. The device will get at least five major Android OS updates and will run on Android 13.

Fairphone says the extended support is due in part to Qualcomm’s unique chip.

Your Fairphone 5 is fast – very fast. The unique extended life Qualcomm® QCM6490 (Octa Core) chipset and industry-leading support promise will ensure it outlasts most phones: it’s backed by OS*, software and security updates until 2031.

The QCM6490 isn’t an entirely new chip, as it was released in 2021. However, given its usual focus on IoT devices, it has an extended software support commitment from Qualcomm, as the company Notes in the product summary. In terms of the actual hardware, the chip has a Kryo 670 CPU and Adreno 642L GPU, which makes it similar to the Snapdragon 780G (also released in 2021).

Furthermore, the spec sheet is relatively mid-range. There’s a 6.46-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage with microSD expansion, and a 4,200mAh battery with USB-C charging. The rear camera module includes two sensors. One is a 50MP Sony IMX800 for normal shots, and the other is a 50MP Sony IMX858 with an ultra wide lens. A third 50MP sensor is used for the selfie camera. The entire phone, while repairable, is also IP55 water and dust resistant.

Verfone 5 Available for pre-order today for €699.00. As usual, it will not be sold in the US but will be available across Europe. It will be sold in three colors – black, blue and translucent gray.