Modular phones are part of the future of mobile devices, as they will allow users to upgrade their phones piece by piece, which is always a positive thing (those of us who are a bit older remember this from the days of custom-built PCs). Google understands this and is working on Project Ara , which is behind schedule, but it has been revealed that they won't be the first to offer a modular model, as that honor will go to the Fairphone 2.
This model is very close to becoming a reality on the market; so much so that it has been announced that it will be available for purchase next December (right now you can reserve one of the first 20.000 units being manufactured at this link ). Therefore, it's easy to assume that the design and development of the Fairphone 2 is complete, and that it's in the assembly phase, meaning this phone will win the race to launch this type of mobile device.
The design is based on the first model with the same name (but without the number, of course), which already offered the option to change some of its components. Now, with the Fairphone 2, an evolutionary step has been taken, and the device in question offers complete modularity, giving users remarkable freedom when configuring their phones , always with compatible components (which is the smartphone's biggest shortcoming... will there be many available?). The fact is that all parts are potentially interchangeable, and with this, planned obsolescence can become a thing of the past . Furthermore, it was the first modular smartphone available for general purchase, with a construction that prioritizes user repairability and a more responsible supply chain.
Her CARACTERISTICS
The Fairphone 2 offers quite attractive features considering its limitations, so it's definitely not a low-end phone . Here's a short list of what you can find on this device:
- 5-inch screen with Full HD quality and Gorilla Glass 3 protection
- Snapdragon 801 processor
- 2 GB of RAM
- Battery 2.420 mAh
- 32GB storage expandable using microSD cards
- 8 megapixel main camera
- 4G network support and includes Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
- 5.1 Lollipop Android operating system
Expanded details based on its technical specifications and public documentation: dual SIM , sensors such as accelerometer, gyroscope, digital compass, proximity and ambient light sensors, as well as GPS . It intentionally did not include innovations such as wireless charging or a USB-C connector in its initial configuration to reduce costs and avoid compatibility issues; its philosophy is that improvements will come via modules where they make sense (for example, cameras).
Internal connection
Communication between components is carried out via metal pins that transfer information, but there are also small connectors where some elements (the main ones) are plugged in. In addition, there are several screws for properly securing the components, especially those belonging to the chassis. Competition for Project Ara, and good competition at that.
Modular architecture and repairability . The Fairphone 2 is composed of seven parts that can be disassembled by the user with a common screwdriver: main chassis, battery, display assembly, rear camera module, top module (selfie camera, earpiece, speaker, and sensors), bottom module (speaker, vibrator, microphone, and charging port), and back cover. Many components within each module are also replaceable. This design earned it a 10/10 score from iFixit , the highest repairability score ever given to a phone.
Camera evolution and expansion . Although it started with 8 megapixels, later modules with improved cameras were offered : a 12 MP rear camera with dual LEDs and a top module with a 5 MP front camera, extending its lifespan. The back integrates expansion pins so that third parties can extend capabilities. This modularity allowed the brand to perform many warranty repairs by sending only the module, reducing shipping time and impact.
The Fairphone 2 is priced at €525 , which isn't exactly the most affordable option, but its modular design is what drives up the cost. Incidentally, the phone's exterior comes in matte colors and also includes attractive transparent back covers (with lighter Slim versions). It will be available in various regions, including Europe . Furthermore, Fairphone has published a cost breakdown of the device: despite its price, the profit margin per unit was very small (around €9), given the low production volume and investment in ethical and recycling programs.
Why are we doing this?
Consumer electronics are often viewed as semi-disposable objects, to be upgraded or discarded as soon as something better comes along. We're fighting against a market trend where the average phone is replaced every 24 months, creating a huge environmental impact. As technology advances rapidly, consumers are losing the ability to repair, and truly understand how they can keep their devices longer.
Our approach
It shouldn't have to be so complicated. That's why we created the first modular phone . If an accident happens, just replace the screen and not the whole phone. We're also working on making software that can be supported for over 5 years . This way, our core value of longevity is designed directly into our smartphones.
By combining a modular architecture with readily available spare parts and easy repairs, we designed the Fairphone 2 to outlast a mid-range smartphone. And logically, a phone that lasts longer will have a smaller environmental impact than one that's replaced every year or two, right? Well, that's what we expected, but we wanted to conduct an independent evaluation to test our hypothesis.
So, to better understand the consequences of our design decisions and to learn the true environmental footprint of our phone, we turned to the experts at the Fraunhofer Institute IZM . We commissioned them to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the Fairphone 2, examining the phone's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle, including the production, transportation, use, and end-of-life phases.
The following describes some of the key findings of the ACVA. If you wish to skip directly to the conclusions , please read the full Fairphone 2 ACVA report.
What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a quantitative tool used to evaluate the environmental performance of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle (often referred to as the "cradle-to-grave" cycle). In other words, its goal is to pinpoint where environmental impact occurs using a wide variety of data, assumptions, and (future) scenarios.
Environmental performance is a broad and complex topic, so we began by defining a reasonable framework for our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of the Fairphone 2. We decided to focus on the most relevant impact categories for consumer electronics: climate change (measured as global warming potential, or GWP), abiotic resource depletion (also called abiotic depletion potential, or ADP), and human toxicity. Regarding life cycle stages, we analyzed raw material procurement, manufacturing, usage, end-of-life (EoL), and transportation.
Because each LCA consists of a customized study unique to a specific product, the results can be difficult to compare, even within a single category like smartphones, even if we choose thresholds similar to those of previous LCAs for smartphones—for example, using a three-year lifespan scenario . To represent our longevity target, there is a different five-year "repair" scenario that we believe better reflects our goals for the phone's lifespan.
The LCA results highlight the value of modularity
Fraunhofer completed the LCA over a six-month period and recently shared its findings with us. So, what have we learned about the Fairphone 2's environmental performance? Here are some of the highlights:
Modularity makes sense: thanks to the modular design, the study estimates a 30% reduction in global warming potential (GWP) over the Fairphone 2's entire lifecycle, but only if it actually serves as a tool to extend the product's lifespan. As we suspected, the modular construction (which requires more connectors, a larger PCI surface area, and a secondary plastic casing for each module) does generate increased impact in some areas. Fortunately, the possibilities that modularity offers in terms of easy repairs offset these impacts.
To give a concrete example of the advantages of modularity, we have started performing warranty repairs simply by sending customers the replacement module, instead of sending the entire phone to the repair center and back. Currently, this process has a success rate of over 95% (meaning that in more than 95% of cases, the repair is successful and no further action is required) and saves some CO2 on transportation.
Certain electronic components have a high impact: as with other consumer electronics products, the greatest impact comes from integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCIs), due to the energy required for their manufacture. The study shows that the total surface area of PCIs is reduced by nesting them all on a single panel to optimize resources.
The different modules contribute to varying emissions: the main module accounts for around 60% of the overall impact, while the screen represents about 7% and the casing a mere 0,3%. Taking care of the main module and extending its lifespan makes all the difference.
Gold with high ADP and high recyclability: the amount of gold in connectors raises the abiotic depletion potential (ADP), although its value drives its proper collection and recycling at the end of its useful life.
Transportation has a small impact on the overall GDP: considering the entire life cycle, transportation adds approximately 6,8% to the GDP, with air freight accounting for the largest share. And recycling is not a panacea : it provides benefits, but also emissions, resulting in a net impact close to neutral.
Software, support and alternative systems
Android platform and variants . The Fairphone 2 launched with Android Lollipop and, through ongoing development, was upgraded to Android 10. There are two official variants: one with Google Mobile Services and the other Fairphone Open OS (based on AOSP, without Google services, and easily rootable). The company committed to regularly releasing security patches and other updates for a very long time, exceeding its initial support promise and reaching approximately seven years of updates throughout its lifecycle.
Community and alternative systems . The Fairphone 2 ecosystem has hosted options like LineageOS (with Android-based versions released after the official ones), Ubuntu Touch , and the development of Sailfish OS , demonstrating the flexibility of its hardware. The choice of the widely used Snapdragon 801 was intended to maximize driver compatibility and extend support. When support from the chipset vendor ceased, the community helped keep the device alive.
Ethical Supply Chain and Manufacturing
Responsible Minerals . The Fairphone 2 was designed to reduce the social impact of its value chain. The brand audits suppliers and focuses on conflict-free materials , supporting mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo that do not fund armed groups and generating local economic alternatives. Tantalum and tin come from audited mines in the region, tungsten from Rwanda, and gold from Fairtrade-certified mines in Peru. It also incorporates recycled plastic, copper, and tungsten.
Assembly and working conditions . Production takes place in an audited factory in Suzhou, China, operated by a partner like Hi-P, adhering to quality, environmental, and labor standards. Fairphone also supports a charitable fund for the workers involved in production and participates in recycling programs.
Financing, reservations and distribution
Pre-order campaign . The Fairphone 2 was primarily funded through pre-orders , exceeding its initial target and generating sales both directly and through resellers like The Phone Co-op in the UK. Following the start of production, the company achieved remarkable delivery and sales milestones within its niche, establishing an active community.
Availability and target market . Unlike Project Ara (which was eventually discontinued), the Fairphone 2 arrived as a commercially available product, focused on extending the phone's lifespan rather than constant performance upgrades. Its proposition is pushing the industry to abandon planned obsolescence.
Fairphone 2 is a phone with easy-to-repair parts and built to a strict code of ethics.
A few weeks ago, Jordi Évole traveled "to the heart of coltan country " to report on the harsh realities of life linked to mining this mineral in the Congo. This essential material for manufacturing the consumer technology we use every day is extracted with the blood of thousands of people, something that outraged all of Spain.
Not all manufacturers operate in these environments through subsidiaries of other subsidiaries; but there are enough of them to create a business and exploiters behind it. What can be done as a user to stop this injustice?
It's a complicated question with no easy answer, given how the tech world works. However, a company in the Netherlands is trying to be an example of how things can be done differently.
Modular and made differently
Fairphone's mission is "to develop a smartphone produced with the least possible negative impact on people and the planet." That phone is the Fairphone, the ' fair phone ,' literally. We were able to test its second version, the Fairphone 2.
As a phone, the Fairphone 2 is somewhat disappointing for what you can buy in 2016 for the price. Its design is bland and too bulky, it runs on an outdated version of Android (although the company is working on updating it to Android 6.0 before the end of the year), it has little RAM, a mediocre camera, and a screen with just enough resolution.
The important thing about this phone, however, is that it's modular (its parts can be easily attached and removed) and it's manufactured with meticulous attention to the entire process, from mineral extraction to assembly. They also claim to produce less waste than other phones.
Any handy person will enjoy removing the screen and then tackling the other easily unscrewed parts. Compared to the cost of replacing the battery or screen on other phones, it's a dream come true . It's no wonder that the mobile phone repair website iFixit gave the Fairphone 2 its only perfect score of 10.
Trying to set an example
Fairphone, the company, was founded in 2013 after two and a half years as an awareness campaign in the Netherlands. The first phone was released in 2013 and received a minor update in 2014. The Fairphone 2 was developed during 2015 and became available for purchase in 2016 with a new, thinner outer casing. So far, they have sold just over 110.000 units of both models combined.
Of course, this figure is minimal compared to what Apple, Samsung, and other major companies sell. The company's goal, they say, isn't to sell a lot, but rather to achieve four objectives : to have a phone with a durable design, to manufacture it with ethically sourced materials, to guarantee good working conditions for people in the production chain, and to reuse and recycle phone components.
They more than achieve this last point. Assembling and disassembling most of the phone is simple and demonstrates that a modular phone is possible. The Fairphone 2 is practically the only phone of its kind on the market, partly due to its low profitability and the added complications it brings to the device's design.
Not everything can be replaced or repaired, that's for sure. The motherboard, RAM, and processor are fixed; what can be replaced without complications are the screen, battery, cameras, and top/bottom modules , as well as expanding storage with a microSD card or adding functions via the expansion port.
A commitment for your pocket
It's hard to disagree with the Fairphone 2 and the company behind it, but using it is a different story. To what extent can we compromise the use of a device, for better or worse, that is necessary today for ethical and political reasons? Running on an outdated Android, our information could be compromised, for example.
It's not a question of fluidity or whim, because in every sense, you can function perfectly well with a Fairphone 2; but the dilemma this phone presents is clear: a better phone or a fair phone? At €529,38 , the decision is difficult not only for political and ethical reasons, but also for economic ones.
The fact that there's no simple answer to this dilemma also seems to be an integral part of Fairphone. By demonstrating that it is possible to make a phone using minerals from areas of Australia and South America , without resorting to coltan from warlords, they aim to set an example and make us, the users, uncomfortable.
Technology, unfortunately, isn't like organic food , for example, which has raised awareness among many consumers in recent years. Between raising a cow on pasture without mistreatment and selling it in a conscious market, there are several intermediaries and companies to consider. However, compared to the number of agents involved in manufacturing an iPhone or a Samsung phone, they are very small.
The complexity of the telephone industry prevents other companies from embracing a methodology like Fairphone's, but it is possible to make a phone and sell it with acceptable performance and relatively modern features without continuing to fuel situations like the one in Congo.
Modular smartphones are gradually gaining traction in the mobile technology market. Google is already doing it with Project Ara , but it's not the only one. Fairphone is another manufacturer committed to modular smartphones, and after its first smartphone (not modular but with the same business model), we're showing you the second generation of this device.
Fairphone bets on modular smartphones and fair trade
The Fairphone 2 is a modular smartphone whose parts can be replaced as they wear out or as an upgrade is needed. Want better cameras or a higher-end module with new sensors? Simply buy the module and install it. This is the essence of a modular smartphone: the ability to customize your phone without replacing the entire device.
If we buy this device as it's sold by default, we'll have a five-inch screen with FullHD resolution , all protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Inside, it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor (which has delivered excellent results) and 2GB of RAM. Its operating system is Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop.
As for the rest of the specifications, we'll have 4G LTE connectivity, dual SIM support , and an 8MP rear camera (with the option for upgraded camera modules). Finally, we have the ability to expand internal storage with a microSD card and an expansion port for adding features like NFC.
But the truly important aspect of this device is its modularity; we can replace its parts with others that meet our needs. In fact, we can change virtually every component. Whether it's the camera, screen, battery, or top/bottom modules, we can easily swap them out, while keeping the motherboard, RAM, and processor as fixed system components.
Components of good origin: Fair Trade
It's also a major advantage of this device that it supports fair trade , meaning it sources raw materials for its components from conflict-free zones and treats workers with respect. We've already seen serious problems with coltan mining in developing countries.
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Fairphone 2: Modular design for you to open and repair from Fairphone on Vimeo.
Price and Availability
The Fairphone 2 is priced at €525 and will be available in Europe this fall . You can sign up now to reserve one on the official website.
Via | Omicrono
More information | Fairphone official website
The combination of replaceable modules , user-friendly repairs, and an ethical supply chain makes the Fairphone 2 unique: it's not just a phone, it's a longevity strategy verified by independent reviews, with software that reached Android 10 and a community that has contributed alternatives like LineageOS and Ubuntu Touch. If you're looking to extend lifecycles, reduce waste, and maintain control over your device, few solutions have been as coherent and transparent.