Android

I'm starting to like the specs more than previous gens. At this rate, I might buy the 7 or 8 - 6 still seems like a downgrade from my current phone in some respects and I don't NEED a new phone anytime soon.

I'm still kinda salty about the missing headphone jack starting with the FP4. But mostly because with that they also released their unrepairable bluetooth buds. Like what? These things are unsustainable af. Every company is and was jumping on that bandwagon because of the insane profit margins of those things. Made me really suspicious of their claimed mission statement of beeing fair and green. All their messaging since then just reeks of bullshit in that regard (imho).

Back then atleast i could still find phones which fullfilled my hardware wishlist. Today its a different story. So all things considered the FP6 seems to be a solid phone in the current market conditions. Something, something perfect is in the way of... and my life with an usb-c dongle on the Pixel 7 isnt too bad tbh. I had issues with phones in the past where the usb-c port started wear out after a year or two and couldnt hold a solid connection while in the pocket with an adapter. The Pixel 7 port is super solid in that regard so far and with a Fairphone you could easily get a spare usb-c port. So i think its time to just move on for me on that matter.

The only thing which rubs me the wrong way this time with the FP6 is that it only has an USB 2.0 port. Which is a downgrade compared to the last two FPs. I regularly connect my phone to other devices for different reasons. No USB3, no buy(for me).

I like this new version. I won't be buying it since my FP3 is still working great, but I'll recommend people around me needing a new phone to look into it.

The usage of LTPO will mean more efficient battery usage. Props for being fair. Although could have a higher ram model for future proofing.

What makes it 'modular'?

We're still stuck with curved screens, camera holes and no headphone jacks? I mean I'd still buy this one if I had to buy one, but I'm glad I got Fairphone 3 when it was still on the shelves. Even if it is a bit slow and memory starved.

Why no headphone jack 🥲

The body gives me Nexus 5 vibes.

Officially the Fairphone (Gen. 6). They are doing away with the numbered names to combat FOMO/unnecessary upgrades, but since they will have to include the generation every time to.distinguish each subsequent Fairphone this seems kind of pointless.

The major changes this time seem to be the slightly snaller size, the return to a more conventional Snapdragon chipset, the modular back/accessories and the new switch which enables a distraction-free mode.

The size reduction is a nice improvement, albeit a small one (this is still a big phone). The chipset change is interesting, considering they made a very bold choice to go with an unusual IIoT chipset last time that did end up causing issues for some users as I understand. Seems like a good change, considering they are sticking to the same minimum 8 years support guarantee.

As for the modularity and 'Moments' switch - both seem like gimmicks, although I think as far as gimmicks on smartphones go these are relatively harmless and could prove useful to some. Fairphone has said on social media that it will look into opening up the modular accessories to community printable designs, which could make this feature genuinely great. I know a lot of people here probably won't see the point of the 'Moments' switch, but there are people out there who do want this kind of feature and if it helps them switch off then I think it's a positive. I'd much rather have this on my phone then a dedicated AI button/switch, like other manufacturers have announced recently.