PhoneLifespan

Fairphone 5

Safe to buyValue Score 57/100
$600
Launched €699 (~$765); later base 6/128GB at €549. USD converted/approximate
$765 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until September 2031 · Buy-by September 2029

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2023◆ Buy-by Sep 20292031

Fairphone promises 8 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until September 2031 — buying it today still gets you about 5.2 years of safe use.

Source: Fairphone's official policy · last verified 2026-06-17 · how we compute this

TrueCost

Street price ÷ months of safe use remaining — the number that makes cheap short-lived phones expensive, and well-supported ones cheap.

$9.54/month

35% cheaper than the $600–900 median ($14.64/mo, dying phones excluded)

Our verdict

The most repairable, longest-supported phone you can buy, built for an 8-to-10-year lifespan.

Pros

  • Officially 5 OS upgrades and security support through at least 2031
  • Fully user-repairable with a removable battery and spare parts
  • Sustainably and fairly sourced materials with a 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavy 212g and only IP55 water resistance
  • Mid-tier chipset and a 90Hz display for a flagship price
Best for: Sustainability-focused buyersBest for: Long-term keepersAvoid if: You want top-tier performanceAvoid if: You prioritize a slim, light design

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.46-inch OLED, FHD+, 90Hz, Gorilla Glass 5
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetQualcomm QCM6490 (6nm)
RAM8GB
Storage256GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main50MP — f/1.9, PDAF, OIS
ultra-wide50MP — f/2.2, PDAF
front50MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery4,200 mAh
Charging30W wired; user-removable battery
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions161.6 × 75.8 × 9.6 mm
Weight212 g
MaterialsRecycled/fair-sourced materials, removable back, modular repairable design
Water resistanceIP55 (also MIL-STD-810H)
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 13 at launch (upgradable through Android 15+)
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C
Update policy5 OS upgrades · 8 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Fairphone 5 supported?

Fairphone officially commits to 5 major Android upgrades and security updates until at least 2031, aiming for 2033, giving roughly 8 to 10 years of support.

Can I repair the Fairphone 5 myself?

Yes. It is designed for self-repair with a removable battery, modular components and officially sold spare parts plus video guides.

Is it water resistant?

It carries an IP55 rating, protecting against dust and low-pressure water jets, but it is not rated for submersion.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-17.