fairphone, renowned for its commitment to sustainable and ethical smartphone production, recently unveiled its latest model, the Fairphone 6, in European markets. This device continues the company’s mission to create a phone designed for longevity and repairability. However, accessing Fairphone devices has historically been challenging for customers in North America. The good news is there’s now a specific path for US buyers eager to own the Fairphone 6, though it comes with notable differences and a higher price tag.
Getting Your Hands on the Fairphone 6 in the US
Since Fairphone does not have an official retail presence in the United States, distribution relies on third-party partners. Just like previous models, the Fairphone 6 is being made available to US customers through murena. Murena is a company well-known for offering versions of popular Android devices that have been “de-Googled.” This means they remove proprietary Google mobile services and replace them with a privacy-focused alternative operating system.
The Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) with e/OS/
When you purchase the Fairphone 6 from Murena in the US, you aren’t getting the standard Android version. Instead, it ships pre-installed with e/OS/. This open-source operating system is built on Android but is designed to minimize data collection and dependence on Google’s ecosystem. It’s the same approach Murena used for other devices, such as their de-Googled version of the Google Pixel Tablet. This focus on privacy aligns well with Fairphone’s own ethical stance, offering a unique combination for privacy-conscious consumers interested in sustainability.
Understanding the US Price Point and Differences
Acquiring the Fairphone 6 through Murena in the US comes at a specific cost. The listed price is $899. It’s important to compare this to the European pricing to understand the premium US buyers are paying. In Europe, the e/OS/ version of the Fairphone 6 sells for €649, which is roughly equivalent to $765 USD at current exchange rates. The standard Android version in Europe is even less, priced at €599, approximately $706 USD.
This $899 US price represents a significant increase over both European variants. The premium could be attributed to various factors, including import duties, shipping costs, Murena’s service in flashing and supporting e/OS/, and the complexities of distributing a niche product in a large market like the US. Buyers should be aware they are paying considerably more for the convenience of obtaining the device stateside with the Murena software layer.
Carrier Compatibility: A Crucial Detail
One of the most critical factors for US smartphone users is carrier compatibility. The Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) is sold as carrier-unlocked. However, compatibility details are specific. The product listing explicitly states the phone is compatible with T-Mobile and its associated MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). This means service on networks like Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi (using T-Mobile’s network), etc., should work. Crucially, the listing also clearly notes that the phone is not compatible with Verizon. This is a major caveat for a significant portion of the US market and potential buyers on Verizon’s network should look elsewhere. Compatibility with AT&T is often less certain with unlocked niche phones and may require checking specific bands or user reports.
Availability, Warranty, and the Repairability Catch
Beyond pricing and compatibility, potential buyers should note other key details. The Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) is available in the same color options as its European counterpart: Cloud White, Forest Green, and Horizon Black. Murena expects to begin shipping these devices to customers starting in August.
A significant benefit included with the Murena version is the warranty coverage. The phone comes with a substantial 5-year warranty. This comprises the standard 2-year warranty offered by Fairphone globally, plus an extension provided directly by Fairphone, totaling half a decade of coverage. This aligns perfectly with Fairphone’s focus on product longevity and reducing electronic waste.
However, there is a notable catch related to Fairphone’s core identity: repairability. At the time of the announcement and listing, Murena does not have replacement parts available specifically for the Fairphone 6. This is concerning for a phone designed with modularity and user repair in mind. Murena does sell parts for the older Fairphone 4 model, which suggests they may eventually stock parts for the Fairphone 6. But currently, if a component breaks or needs replacing, users might face difficulties sourcing it directly from the US distributor. This temporary lack of parts undermines one of the primary reasons customers choose a Fairphone.
Why Choose a De-Googled Sustainable Phone?
The combination of a Fairphone and e/OS/ targets a specific user base. Customers interested in the Fairphone 6 are often motivated by ethical and environmental concerns, prioritizing fair labor practices and reduced electronic waste. Adding e/OS/ into the mix appeals to those who also prioritize digital privacy and want to reduce their reliance on large tech ecosystems like Google’s. While the $899 price is high, it represents the cost of combining these values in the US market via this specific distribution channel. The phone offers a unique proposition: a durable, repairable device with an operating system designed to keep your data private.
This approach contrasts sharply with the rapid release cycles and often difficult-to-repair designs of many mainstream smartphones. Choosing a Fairphone is a statement, and buying it through Murena with e/OS/ adds another layer to that statement, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and personal data control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is e/OS/ on the Fairphone 6 from Murena?
The Fairphone 6 sold by Murena in the US runs e/OS/, which is a privacy-focused, open-source mobile operating system based on Android. It removes proprietary Google services and replaces them with open alternatives, aiming to give users more control over their data and digital privacy compared to standard Android distributions.
Where can I buy the Fairphone 6 in the US?
Fairphone does not sell its phones directly in the United States. US customers interested in purchasing the Fairphone 6 must do so through Murena. The Murena website is the official retailer offering this specific version of the phone with the e/OS/ operating system for the US market.
Is the $899 Fairphone 6 from Murena compatible with Verizon in the US?
No, the Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) is explicitly stated as not being compatible with Verizon’s network. The product listing confirms compatibility primarily with T-Mobile and its associated MVNOs. Potential buyers using Verizon should verify compatibility or seek alternative devices.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Fairphone 6 in the US market via Murena is positive news for fans of the sustainable smartphone who previously had limited options. This specific offering provides access to the latest Fairphone hardware combined with the privacy-oriented e/OS/ operating system. However, potential buyers must weigh the significant caveats: a substantially higher price of $899 compared to Europe, limited carrier compatibility (specifically excluding Verizon), and the concerning lack of readily available replacement parts from the US distributor at launch. While the 5-year warranty is a strong point, these factors make the Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) a niche, premium purchase for those prioritizing both ethical production and digital privacy, provided they are on a compatible network and understand the current limitations regarding repair parts.
