It’s been a while since we published about any version or revision of the Fairphone, this smartphone that was born as a response to the dark processes and circumstances that exist around the sector, tries to be respectful of the planet and labor rights, it is modular and aims to offer very long-term support. Although the first model met a somewhat premature demise, from Fariphone 2 Yes, it can be said that he has given what was expected of him, since it will reach its end of cycle in March 2023.
The Fairphone 2 was released in 2015 and came pre-installed with Android 5.1. The intention of those responsible is that it had a software support that oscillated between three and five years, but in the end they have gone further to endow it with a little more than seven years of support. Obviously, the version of Android has been changing, with 9 arriving in 2021 and the next one a year later, so the smartphone would have to reach its end of cycle (end of life) with Android 10 and presumably updated on security.
Far from being a toast to the sun, the Fairphone has tried to deliver as promised. It’s not the most powerful smartphone, even when its various iterations were released, but it has traditionally scored very well on iFixit (the Fairphone 2 scored a 10 out of 10), has offered long-term software support, and it is not usually a problematic device for custom ROMs and alternative operating systems. This means that, at least initially, the end of official support should not be a drama.
Another aspect to consider is spare parts. The manufacturer will continue to sell those compatible with the Fairphone 2 while supplies last, with spare batteries that cost 15 euros, screen modules that cost 65 euros each and camera modules at 40 euros per unit. Please be aware that prices may vary as stocks run out.
If you are not interested in keeping the Fairphone 2, the user can return it to the manufacturer for recycling and thus obtain 50 euros that can be used to obtain the Fairphone 4, the latest model on the market, or other devices. In case you are happy with the performance of the smartphone, yours would be to start with the change of the operating system to see if it is possible to further extend its useful life.
