Fairphone 5 Comprehensive Insight into Specs Pricing Features & Drawbacks

Design and Build Quality

The Fairphone 5 sports a unique and environmentally conscious design that reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability. The phone consists of a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back. It is available in three elegant colors: Matte Black, Sky Blue, and Transparent, providing users with a choice of minimalist sophistication or a futuristic see-through design.

Weighing in at 212 grams and measuring 161.6 x 75.8 x 9.6 mm, it feels solid in hand. Despite its weight, which is slightly above average, the ergonomics and the use of high-quality materials make it comfortable to hold and use. The removable back, though plastic, facilitates easy repair and upgrade, staying true to Fairphone's ethos of repairability and prolonging product life.

Display Features

The Fairphone 5 comes equipped with a vibrant 6.46-inch OLED display that delivers an impressive visual experience. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 82.7%, creating an immersive viewing experience with minimal bezels. The resolution of 1224 x 2700 pixels translates to a high pixel density of around 459 ppi, ensuring crisp and clear images and text.

With a peak brightness of 880 nits, visibility under direct sunlight is commendable, while the 90Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and enhanced responsiveness. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection offers durability against scratches and accidental falls, making it suitable for everyday use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Fairphone 5 is powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset built on a 6nm process. The Octa-core processor, which includes a 2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 core, three 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, and four 1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, ensures efficient multitasking and performance across various applications.

Accompanying the processor is the Adreno 643 GPU, which handles graphic-intensive tasks with ease, making it suitable for casual gaming and media consumption. The device comes with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance when switching between apps or engaging in demanding multitasking environments.

Storage Capacity

The Fairphone 5 offers ample storage with its 256GB internal memory, providing sufficient space for apps, photos, music, and videos. For users requiring additional storage, the phone features a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing for expansion without sacrificing dual SIM capabilities, demonstrating thoughtful design in terms of flexibility and user needs.

Camera Capabilities

The dual-camera setup on the Fairphone 5 covers a range of shooting scenarios. It includes a primary 50 MP wide camera with an f/1.9 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp images even in low-light conditions. The secondary 50 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture allows users to capture expansive views without compromising quality. Additionally, a TOF 3D depth sensor aids in portrait mode photography.

For video enthusiasts, the phone supports 4K video recording at 30fps, along with slo-mo options at various resolutions. The front-facing camera, also 50 MP, features an f/2.5 lens that supports 4K video recording and HDR, catering to selfie lovers and video content creators alike.

Network and Connectivity

The Fairphone 5 is a well-connected device, supporting a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G for high-speed internet. The presence of both nano-SIM and eSIM slots provides flexibility in managing personal and business lines.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6e for fast and reliable internet connections. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures energy-efficient connections with peripherals, while NFC enables convenient tap-and-go payments. The USB Type-C 3.0 port supports OTG and DisplayPort, enhancing the phone’s functionality.

Battery and Charging

Fairphone 5 houses a 4200 mAh Li-Ion removable battery, respecting the company’s repair-friendly philosophy. The 30W wired charging capability ensures the battery can reach a 50% charge in just 20 minutes, minimizing downtime.

The battery endurance rating of 88 hours indicates that the device is well-suited for prolonged use, making it a reliable companion for both work and play.

Software and Updates

On the software front, the Fairphone 5 runs Android 13 out of the box, with a planned upgrade to Android 14. This future-proofing approach ensures users will benefit from the latest features and security updates, prolonging the device's usability over time.

Fairphone’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in their software support, offering longer software updates compared to industry standards, thus reducing electronic waste.

Additional Features and Sensors

The phone includes a suite of sensors such as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance user experience by providing secure access, motion detection, and navigation capabilities.

The stereo speakers deliver decent audio output, although the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be disappointing for some users. However, wireless and USB Type-C audio solutions are readily available.

Value Proposition and Conclusion

The Fairphone 5, priced at approximately $764, offers a compelling package of features, eco-friendly design, and repairability. It is an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on technology and performance.

By choosing Fairphone 5, users are investing in a product that aligns with ethical considerations, exemplified by the brand’s dedication to fair material sourcing and labor practices. Overall, the Fairphone 5 is more than just a smartphone; it is a statement of values and a step towards a more sustainable future.