Fairphone 2 Design and Sustainability Overview

The Fairphone 2 is a unique device that combines innovative design with a focus on sustainability. The phone's modular design allows for easy repair and upgrade of individual components, reducing electronic waste.

The Fairphone 2's design is centered around the concept of "modularity", which enables users to replace or upgrade specific parts of the phone. This approach reduces electronic waste and makes the phone more sustainable.

One of the key benefits of the Fairphone 2's design is its use of conflict-free minerals. The phone's manufacturer, Fairphone, has implemented a rigorous sourcing process to ensure that all minerals used in the phone are free from conflict zones.

The Fairphone 2's modular design also makes it easier to repair and maintain, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the resulting electronic waste.

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The Fairphone 2's design is a deliberate choice to make the phone more sustainable and repairable. The phone has a modular design that allows users to easily replace components, making it a great choice for those who want to reduce electronic waste.

The phone's dimensions are 73 mm wide, 143 mm tall, and 11 mm thick, making it a relatively compact device. It weighs 148 grams, which is light enough to fit in most pockets.

The Fairphone 2 consists of seven removable parts, including the main chassis, battery, display assembly, rear camera module, top module, bottom module, and back protective cover. This makes it easy to repair and upgrade individual components, extending the phone's lifespan.

Here are the phone's dimensions in different measurement units:

The Fairphone 2's modular design is a game-changer. It makes the phone easy to open and repair, allowing users to upgrade their cameras and extend the phone's lifespan.

The phone consists of seven removable parts, including the main chassis, battery, display assembly, rear camera module, top module, bottom module, and back protective cover. You can replace individual components within each module with just a screwdriver.

The modular design is designed to increase longevity and recyclability. The phone received a 10 out of 10 score for smartphone repairability from iFixit, making it the first phone to achieve this score.

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Here's a breakdown of the removable parts:

The phone's dimensions are also noteworthy. It measures 73 mm in width, 143 mm in height, 11 mm in thickness, and weighs 148 grams.

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a crucial aspect of mobile device design, and it's essential to understand what it means. SAR measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the body when using a device.

In Europe, the SAR limit for hand-held mobile devices is set to 2 W/kg per 10 g of tissue. This standard is specified by the CENELEC and complies with the IEC standards and follows the ICNIRP Guidelines 1998.

The SAR head rating shows the highest level of exposure to electromagnetic radiation measured when the device is held next to the ear in a talk position. It's a critical safety feature that ensures devices are designed to minimize radiation exposure.

Here are the SAR ratings for this device:

These ratings indicate that this device meets the European safety standards for SAR, providing peace of mind for users.

The Fairphone 2 is designed to have a lower environmental impact than comparable mass-market smartphones, with an expected lifespan of five years.

The phone's modular design allows components to be replaced individually, reducing electronic waste and the need for frequent replacements.

The Fairphone 2's supply chain was audited to ensure that conflict minerals come from mines that do not fund armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The phone includes recycled plastic, copper, and tungsten, and its gold is Fairtrade certified.

Greenpeace gave the Fairphone 2 their top score for green electronics in their sustainable tech report, and it got the first perfect 10 on iFixit's repairability score.

The Fairphone 2 is a greener electronics leader due to its modular design, which allows components to be replaced individually, extending its lifespan to five years.

The phone's supply chain was audited to ensure that conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo are sourced from conflict-free mines that support local communities.

The Fairphone 2 includes recycled plastic, copper, and tungsten, reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable practices.

Greenpeace gave the Fairphone 2 their top score for green electronics in their sustainable tech report, recognizing its efforts to reduce environmental impact.

The phone's repairability is unmatched, earning a perfect 10 on iFixit's repairability score, making it easy to fix and extend its lifespan even further.

The Fairphone 2's use of Fairtrade certified gold, sourced from a mine in Peru, sets a new standard for responsible material use in the industry.

As an active user of the Fairphone 2, it's essential to understand the impact of the device's end-of-life cycle on your daily experience. In March 2023, the final software update for Android 10 will be released, marking the end of software support.

You can continue to use your device as normal after the update, but you won't receive any further security patches or bug fixes. This means that if you're using sensitive apps, such as banking apps, you should avoid them after May 2023.

Some security-critical apps will eventually stop running on the Fairphone 2, likely a few years from now, as they'll view the device as outdated. Regular apps will continue to run for years to come.

For another approach, see: Two Apps at Once Iphone

The Fairphone 2 has a 5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

This display is protected by Gorilla Glass 4, which helps prevent scratches and cracks.

The Fairphone 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, which provides fast performance and efficient battery use.

The display is one of the most important aspects of a mobile device, and it's characterized by its type/technology, which determines its performance.

The display type in this device is IPS, which is known for its excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.

The diagonal size of the display is 5 inches, which is equivalent to 12.7 cm or 127 mm.

The display width is approximately 2.45 inches, or 62.26 mm, and the height is about 4.36 inches, or 110.69 mm.

The aspect ratio of the display is 16:9, which is a common ratio for widescreen displays.

The resolution of the display is 1080 x 1920 pixels, which provides a clear and detailed visual experience.

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The pixel density of the display is 441 ppi, or 173 ppcm, which is relatively high and ensures that text and images appear sharp and clear.

The display can show 16777216 different colors, thanks to its 24-bit color depth.

Here are the display's key specifications:

The display also features capacitive and multi-touch capabilities, making it responsive to gestures and touch input. It's also scratch-resistant, thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Sensors play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of a device. They can be found in various types and purposes.

Proximity sensors are used for detecting the presence or absence of objects or people. They're often used in smartphones to enable features like screen locking.

Light sensors are used to measure the amount of light in the environment. This information is then used to adjust the device's screen brightness.

Accelerometer sensors measure the acceleration and orientation of the device. They're commonly used in gaming consoles to provide a more immersive experience.

For another approach, see: Pixel 9 Pro Fold Display Size

Compass sensors provide directional information, helping the device determine its orientation in space. This is useful for navigation apps.

Gyroscope sensors measure the device's rotational motion. They're used in many devices to provide a smooth and stable experience, especially in gaming and virtual reality applications.

Here's a list of some common types of sensors found in devices:

The main rear camera is a 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, capable of capturing high-quality images in various lighting conditions.

It features a Quad-Bayer color filter, which helps to improve color accuracy and reduce noise in low-light shots.

This camera is paired with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 14mm focal length, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.

Additionally, the rear camera setup includes a 2MP macro lens for extreme close-up shots of small objects.

Intriguing read: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

System-on-Chip (SoC) is the brain of the device.

It integrates multiple components onto a single chip of silicon, allowing for faster processing and reduced power consumption.

The battery is an essential component of any mobile device. It's measured in milli-Ampere hours (mAh), with a capacity of 2420 mAh.

The type of battery used is crucial, and most devices use lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. This type is widely used due to its reliability and efficiency.

One key feature of the battery is its removability, which makes it easier to replace or upgrade.

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The operating system is a crucial part of any device, and our device comes with Android operating system.

Our device uses Android 5.1 Lollipop, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and Android 7.1.2 Nougat versions.

The Fairphone 2 offers a range of connectivity options.

The device supports computer sync, OTA sync, and tethering, making it easy to transfer files and stay connected on the go.

You can also sync your Fairphone 2 with a computer using a USB cable, or even use it as a hotspot for other devices.

Here are some of the mobile network technologies supported by the Fairphone 2:

Bluetooth connectivity on the Fairphone 2 is also a key feature. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 and has a range of features, including A2DP and LE.

The front camera of this device is powered by an OmniVision OV2685 sensor, which is a decent choice for its price.

The sensor size is 2.84 x 2.15 mm, which is relatively small, but still capable of delivering good image quality.

The pixel size is 1.775 µm, which is quite small, but allows for a higher resolution while preserving the same sensor size.

The camera has a crop factor of 12.15, which is a measure of how much the sensor is cropped compared to a full-frame camera.

The aperture of the camera is f/2.8, which is a relatively wide aperture, allowing more light to enter the sensor.

The focal length of the camera is 3.7 mm, which is equivalent to 44.94 mm on a full-frame camera.

The front camera can take photos at a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, which is equivalent to 1.92 megapixels.

It can also record videos at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, which is equivalent to 0.92 megapixels, at 30 frames per second.

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Memory Cards are a crucial aspect of connectivity in modern devices.

They come in various capacities, ranging from 16GB to 1TB, allowing users to store a vast amount of data.

Some devices even support expandable storage, enabling users to add more memory as needed.

For example, the article mentions that the latest smartphone model offers a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage up to 512GB.

This can be a lifesaver for users who need to store large files, such as videos and high-resolution photos.

The article also notes that memory cards can be classified into different types, including SD, SDHC, and SDXC.

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The SIM card is a crucial part of your device's connectivity, and understanding its features can be really helpful. The device uses a Micro-SIM card, which is a standard size for many modern devices.

This type of SIM card is also known as the third form factor (3FF), introduced in 2003, and measures 15.00 x 12.00 x 0.76 mm. This size is smaller than the original SIM card, making it easier to use in thinner devices.

You can use two SIM cards in this device, which is great for those who need to separate their personal and work phone numbers or want to take advantage of different data plans. The device supports dual SIM stand-by, meaning both cards are active, but when one is in use, the other is not.

This feature is particularly useful for travelers or people who need to stay connected for work.

Mobile Network Bandwidth is a crucial aspect of mobile network performance, and it's essential to understand the various technologies that enhance it. Mobile network technologies like UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS offer varying levels of data bandwidth.

UMTS, for instance, supports up to 384 kbit/s, which is a relatively slow data transfer rate compared to other technologies. EDGE and GPRS also have limited bandwidth capabilities.

HSPA+ technology, on the other hand, significantly boosts data bandwidth with HSUPA speeds of up to 11.5 Mbit/s and HSDPA speeds of up to 42.2 Mbit/s. This makes it a substantial improvement over older technologies.

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LTE Cat 4 is the fastest mobile network technology mentioned, offering uplink speeds of 51.0 Mbit/s and downlink speeds of 150.8 Mbit/s. This level of bandwidth is perfect for demanding applications like streaming high-definition videos and online gaming.

Here's a quick rundown of the mobile network technologies and their respective uplink and downlink bandwidth:

Bluetooth technology has several versions that improve connection speed, range, and connectivity. The version of the device I'm using is 4.0, which is a significant upgrade from older versions.

Bluetooth uses various profiles and protocols to enable faster data exchange, energy saving, and better device discoverability. Two profiles supported by my device are A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and LE (Low Energy).

The A2DP profile allows for high-quality audio streaming between devices, making it perfect for listening to music or watching videos on my phone. LE, on the other hand, is designed for low-power applications, such as fitness trackers or smart home devices.

Here are some key Bluetooth features:

The device is equipped with a 3.5 mm audio jack, making it easy to connect your headphones or earbuds.

This feature is a must-have for anyone who wants to enjoy their music or podcasts on the go.

Computer sync allows you to transfer data between your device and computer, making it easy to back up your files or transfer music and videos.

OTA (Over-The-Air) sync enables your device to receive software updates and other important information directly from the manufacturer, keeping your device up-to-date and secure.

Tethering allows you to use your device as a Wi-Fi hotspot, giving you internet access on other devices.

Mobile network technologies like UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS enhance the performance of mobile networks by increasing data bandwidth.

UMTS offers a downlink bandwidth of 384 kbit/s, while HSPA+ supports uplink and downlink bandwidths of 11.5 Mbit/s and 42.2 Mbit/s, respectively.

LTE Cat 4 provides even faster speeds, with uplink and downlink bandwidths of 51.0 Mbit/s and 150.8 Mbit/s.

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Here are some of the mobile network technologies supported by the device:

Bluetooth 4.0 is supported by the device, offering improved connection speed, range, and discoverability.

Some of the Bluetooth features supported by the device include A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for wireless audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power-saving and improved device discoverability.

The device also supports GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS for accurate location tracking and navigation.

For another approach, see: Airplay 2 Audio Quality

The Fairphone 2 has been a remarkable device, and we're proud of its seven-year run.

Spare parts for the Fairphone 2 will still be available for a limited time, including display modules, which will help keep your phone going even longer.

We have a limited supply of some spare parts available in our webshop, and these will be available for as long as supplies last or as long as we have a reasonable amount of active users.

Some spare parts, like the bottom module, are no longer available to purchase, especially if your device is no longer in warranty.

Fairphone users have been incredibly resourceful in keeping their phones going, and our online community is a great resource for tips on increasing the longevity of your phone.

You can find community advice and tips in our marketplace and forum, and we've also shared some tips on how to make your Fairphone 2 last longer in a blog post.

It's worth noting that Fairphone 2 users have already lived through supply issues with spare parts, so we're doing our best to make the transition as smooth as possible.

After March 2023, we will no longer deliver software updates for the Fairphone 2, but you can still keep your phone going with the spare parts available.

The Fairphone 2 is a game-changer in today's smartphone climate, offering a refreshing alternative to high-end specs.

It's built with sustainability and repairability in mind, making it a great choice for those who care about the environment.

The Fairphone 2 is a refreshing change in today's smartphone climate. It's built with sustainability and repairability in mind, which is a big departure from the usual focus on high-end specs.

Dave, a seasoned tech journalist, agrees that this phone is something different. He covers phones, tablets, and wearables for TechRadar, and has noticed that the Fairphone 2 is a standout in its approach to sustainability.

The Fairphone 2's commitment to sustainability is clear in its use of ethically sourced materials. This is a key aspect of its design, and something that sets it apart from other smartphones.

Here are some of the Fairphone 2's key pros:

The Fairphone 2's focus on repairability is a major selling point, making it a great option for those who want to reduce electronic waste.

The Fairphone 2 isn't without its drawbacks. The average camera performance is a notable con, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.

Battery life can be hit or miss, which is disappointing considering the phone's focus on sustainability and durability.

One of the most significant downsides is the high up-front cost, with a price tag of €525 (around £395/US$570/AU$805). That's a significant investment, especially when you can get other phones for less.

The Fairphone 2 was priced at an average of €525, which might seem steep compared to other phones on the market. A similarly equipped "normal" phone cost around US$402–500.

This higher price was partly due to the phone's focus on sustainability and ethics, including recycling programs and partnerships that reduce the use of "blood minerals".

Fairphone's goal of making the phone more ethical came at a cost, with each phone sold having a margin of only €9.

You've got a Fairphone 2 that's nearing the end of its lifespan, and you're wondering what to do with it. Well, you've got a few options.

You can keep using the device as normal, but at your own risk. This means you'll be responsible for any potential security concerns that come with being online.

If you're an experienced user, you can explore alternative operating systems like /e/OS and LineageOS, which are still actively supported.

Switching to flight mode can make your Fairphone 2 safe from security concerns, allowing you to continue using the camera, music player, offline games, and photo gallery.

If you're ready to say goodbye to your Fairphone 2, you can send it to Fairphone's Reuse & Recycling Program. This will put your device back into the circular loop.

As a thank you for returning your device, you'll receive a 50EUR voucher for the Fairphone webshop if you register your device by March 31st.

You can also recycle your Fairphone 2 and get a 50EUR voucher for the Fairphone webshop.

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The Fairphone 2 sold for an average price of €525, which may seem high compared to other phones on the market.

This high price was partly due to the phone's focus on sustainability and reducing the use of "blood minerals".

The margin on each phone sold was only €9, which is surprisingly low considering the phone's features.

This low margin is largely due to the phone's relatively low sales volume and higher manufacturing costs compared to other phones.

The higher price also funded Fairphone's recycling programs and partnerships for reducing the use of "blood minerals".

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