Fairphone 2: The Modular Android Smartphone
Fairphone's next smartphone aims for longevity. It uses better hardware than its precursor, and the display can be replaced without tools. But its innovative design doesn't come cheap.
From a technical point of view, the first Fairphone wasn't anything special. Its successor surprises with easily replaceable components and high end features including a Full HD display, LTE and a fast Qualcomm CPU (Snapdragon 801). These factors are supposed to increase the lifespan of the device, says Fairphone. But the longevity comes with a steep price tag: The device will cost 525 Euros when it's ready to ship in autumn.
The main goal of the design is repairability. The display can be replaced in less than a minute, without any tools. Fairphone has demonstrated this process using a prototype. The camera can be exchanged after removing three screws, and the USB port is also part of an easily replaceable module.
(Bild: Fairphone)
Fairphone plans to offer spare parts and encourages its customers to repair the device themselves. Tinkering with it won't void the warranty, contrary to the policy of most other brands.
Easy Hardware Upgrades
The modular design is also supposed to enable hardware upgrades. Fairphone didn't announce any future modules yet, but mentioned the camera as an example. In the long run, the company also wants to partner with external developers for modules. But Fairphone doesn't go as far as Google's Project Ara: The Ara prototype consists of even more modules, which can be exchanged faster, even while the phone is running.
(Bild: Fairphone)
Like the Jollaphone, the second Fairphone sports an extension port on the back. So far, Fairphone hasn't announced any extensions either, but wants to publish the specs of the port to enable anyone to develop accessories. An example might be a NFC-enabled case.
Worker Welfare Fund
Fairphone tries to guarantee above-average working conditions during production. It has commissioned an external agency to assess the conditions at the Chinese factory of its manufacturer Hi-p and wants to further improve working conditions. Therefore, Fairphone and Hi-p will contribute to a worker welfare fund and aim to give workers control of this fund. The final sum yet has to be determined.
Fairphone uses tin and tantalum from conflict-free mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These materials come from supply chains that have been established by other companies. Fairphone itself is trying to establish supply chains for conflict free tungsten and fairtrade gold, but hasn't finished this task yet.
Fairphone plans to publish the full spec sheet of the phone this summer, when the device is supposed to be available for pre-order. Currently, the startup from Amsterdam has released only the most important specs (see table below). A case that protects the gorilla glass display will be included with the phone.
| Fairphone 2 | |
| OS | Android 5.1 |
| Display | 5", 1920 x 1080 |
| SoC / RAM | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 / 2 GB |
| Flash Storage | 32 GB + microSD slot |
| Camera | 8 Megapixel |
| Data Connections | LTE/HSPA, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, Dual-SIM |
| Battery | 2420 mAh (replaceable) |
| Price | 525 € |
Fairphone wants to open the device for other operating systems. According to CTO Olivier Hebert, talks with potential partners have started, but he didn't give any details. The phone will come with Google's apps (e.g. Play Store) installed, but Fairphone also wants to provide a naked version of Android without these apps.
The first Fairphone was produced in several batches, which in the end added up to 60,000 devices. This time Fairphone wants to produce continuously, with an average of 150,000 devices per year. An ambitious target, considering the price of 525 Euros and the fact that during the first months, the phone will only be available in Europe. Sales in the US won't start before 2016, Fairphone said.
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A version of this article in German can be found here:
(cwo)
