Fairphone 3+ Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Design and Build Quality

The Fairphone 3+ showcases a thoughtful design that emphasizes sustainability and durability. With dimensions of 158 x 71.8 x 9.9 mm and a weight of 189 grams, it provides a comfortable grip. The phone features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against everyday scratches and impact. It boasts a plastic back and frame, which are responsibly sourced, promoting an environmentally friendly design ethos. The dual SIM functionality supports nano-SIMs, offering versatility for users who require separate numbers for personal and business use.

Display Quality

The device is equipped with a 5.65-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and a 427 ppi pixel density. The screen offers crisp, clear visuals with an 18:9 aspect ratio, optimizing viewing for videos and browsing. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5 means the display is not only visually appealing but also robust, providing excellent protection against potential damage from drops.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Fairphone 3+ is powered by the Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 chipset, built on a 14nm architecture. The octa-core CPU, consisting of four 1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold cores and four 1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver cores, ensures efficient performance for multitasking and daily operations. The Adreno 506 GPU enhances the device's capabilities for gaming and video playback. It initially runs on Android 10, with the option to upgrade to Android 13, ensuring an up-to-date user experience with access to the latest features and security updates.

Camera Capabilities

The Fairphone 3+ is equipped with a robust camera system that appeals to photography enthusiasts. The main camera features a 48 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, enabling excellent wide-angle shots even in low-light conditions. Additional camera features include dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes. The device supports 4K video recording at 30 fps, as well as 1080p recording with gyro-EIS for stability. For selfies and video calls, the 16 MP front camera provides quality images with HDR support and 1080p video capability.

Memory and Storage

Fairphone 3+ is equipped with 4 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking abilities. The internal storage capacity of 64 GB can be extended via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, providing ample space for apps, media, and data.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable 3040 mAh Li-Ion battery, which supports optimal usage throughout the day. The benefit of a removable battery is its ease of replacement, enhancing the device’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste. Although the battery capacity isn’t among the largest in the market, its efficient usage and removable nature compensate for this, aligning with Fairphone's sustainable values.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options on the Fairphone 3+ include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct support, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE standards, and NFC for convenient contactless transactions. The positioning systems supported include GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, providing accurate location tracking. The device houses a USB Type-C port, ensuring compatibility with modern charging and data transfer standards. Additionally, there’s a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside other sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass.

Network Support

The Fairphone 3+ supports a wide array of network bands, catering to global connectivity needs. With technology ranging from GSM, HSPA to LTE, and support for 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, the device offers reliable mobile data access across varying regions. Factors such as dual SIM capability enhance its flexibility, allowing users to switch between networks without hassle.

Price and Availability

Launched in August 2020 and released in September of the same year, the Fairphone 3+ is available at approximately 440 EUR. This pricing reflects not only its hardware capabilities but also the ethical and sustainable practices involved in its production, making it an appealing option for environmentally and socially conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The Fairphone 3+ is not just another smartphone; it represents a shift towards sustainable and ethical technology consumption. With a commendable design that emphasizes repairability, robust performance, and comprehensive connectivity options, it aligns with the needs of modern users who value both functionality and responsibility. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw specifications, its unique value proposition lies in promoting a more sustainable approach to technology, presenting a viable choice for the conscientious consumer.