Overview of Fairphone 3

The Fairphone 3 is a unique entry in the smartphone market, best known for its ethical and environmental focus. Released in 2019, this device stands apart not for its cutting-edge technology but for its repairability, sustainability, and the company's commitment to fair labor practices. Designed for durability and longevity, the Fairphone 3 champions the idea of responsible consumer electronics.

Design and Build

The design of the Fairphone 3 is functional and straightforward, featuring a black plastic shell that measures 158 x 71.8 x 9.9 mm and weighs 189 grams. It's not the slimmest or lightest phone on the market, yet it provides a solid feel that promises durability. Its most notable design feature is its modular build, allowing consumers to easily replace parts like the battery, screen, and camera. This approach significantly extends the device's lifespan and reduces electronic waste.

Display

The Fairphone 3 is equipped with a 5.65-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 427 pixels per inch. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring a level of resilience against scratches and drops. While not as edge-to-edge as some modern smartphones, the display offers crisp and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Fairphone 3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset. Its octa-core CPU includes four Kryo 250 Gold cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and four Kryo 250 Silver cores also clocked at 1.8 GHz, paired with an Adreno 506 GPU. While this setup is not the most powerful on the market, it provides sufficient performance for standard applications, web browsing, and media consumption. The device features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Fairphone 3 houses a single 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. The camera can capture detailed images in good lighting conditions and includes features such as dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode. It is capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps as well as 1080p videos at 30fps, benefiting from gyro-EIS for stabilization. The 8 MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture handles selfies and video calls effectively, recording at 1080p@30fps.

Battery and Charging

One of the standout features of the Fairphone 3 is its removable 3040 mAh Li-Ion battery. This is a significant plus for users who prefer to swap out the battery instead of charging. The battery capacity is modest compared to some modern hefty batteries, yet it supports a day of typical use. The removable design furthers the mission of sustainability and user convenience.

Software and Updates

Originally shipping with Android 9.0 (Pie), the Fairphone 3 is upgradeable to Android 13, highlighting the company's commitment to software longevity and security updates. This flexibility ensures users can benefit from the latest features and security enhancements without needing to purchase a new device.

Connectivity Options

The Fairphone 3 supports a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct for robust and flexible wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE offers efficient and stable connections with peripherals. NFC support opens the doors for contactless payments and exchanges. Additionally, the dual-SIM capability offers versatility for users needing to manage multiple numbers.

Network Support

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, featuring an array of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands to ensure wide compatibility across networks. Users can experience reliable data speeds, with the device capable of achieving up to 300 Mbps download and 150 Mbps upload via LTE (2CA) Cat6 technology.

Additional Features

The Fairphone 3 is equipped with several sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, adding to the device's functionality and user experience. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who value traditional audio connections.

Ethical and Environmental Impact

Central to the Fairphone 3 is its ethical and environmental impact. The company places a strong emphasis on fair labor conditions and sustainable material sourcing, setting it apart in an industry often criticized for environmental neglect and labor issues. Fairphone’s commitment extends to working closely with suppliers on implementing fair wages and safe working conditions.

Conclusion

The Fairphone 3 represents more than just a smartphone; it's a statement about consuming technology responsibly. While it may not compete with flagship devices on a technical level, its modular design, ethical manufacturing, and sustainability credentials make it a standout option for conscientious consumers. As a mid-range device, it efficiently serves the needs of users who prioritize ethical consumption and device longevity.