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Fairphone is now officially available in the United States (fairphone.com)

380 points by Vinnl · 8 days ago · 180 comments on HN

Article summary

Fairphone is now officially available in the United States, offering a sustainable and repairable smartphone option. The Fairphone (Gen. 6+) features upgraded internal hardware, improved performance, and a modular design. The device is available for purchase through Fairphone's US web shop, but does not support Verizon's LTE network. Fairphone prioritizes ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental sustainability.

Main themes

  • Sustainable smartphones
  • US mobile market
  • Security and privacy
  • Repairability and modular design
  • Ethical sourcing and labor practices
  • Consumer choice and trade-offs

What commenters say

  • The lack of Verizon support is a significant drawback for some potential customers.
  • The US mobile market has limited options for consumers, with few choices beyond major brands like Apple and Samsung.
  • GrapheneOS has concerns about Fairphone's security and privacy features, citing issues with updates and hardware configuration.
  • Some commenters disagree with GrapheneOS's assessment, arguing that Fairphone's priorities on repairability and ethical sourcing are more important.
  • Others suggest that consumers have limited choices in the US market, with few options for secure and private devices.
  • The discussion highlights the trade-offs between different values, such as security, sustainability, and affordability, in the smartphone market.
  • Some argue that Fairphone's expensive price and slow updates may not be justified, even considering its unique features and mission.