Fairphone gen 6 review: much better!

Quick Overview

The Fairphone Gen 6 offers notable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in camera performance and design, making it a more appealing and competitive device in the mid-range market, despite minor software quirks.

Key Points: The Fairphone Gen 6 features a more refined design and improved camera performance, particularly in low light and dynamic range, compared to the Fairphone 5. Benchmarking shows modest performance gains due to the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chip and faster storage, leading to a snappier user experience. Battery life remains strong with a 4,400 mAh battery, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The phone supports expandable storage via microSD card, offering 256GB of internal storage by default. Minor software quirks include accidental triggering of the side switch and occasional color inconsistencies in ultra-wide photos. The 120Hz AMOLED display is bright and visually pleasing, contributing to a good overall viewing experience. Fairphone continues its commitment to repairability, allowing easy replacement of components like the battery, display, and cameras.

Context: This video reviews the Fairphone Gen 6, comparing it to its predecessor, the Fairphone 5, and also briefly contrasting it with the iPhone 16 Pro. The review focuses on design, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, software features, and overall user experience, aiming to highlight the improvements made in this generation of Fairphone devices.

Detailed Analysis

The Fairphone Gen 6 represents a significant upgrade from its previous generation, focusing on key areas that users care about most. The design has been refined, resulting in a phone that feels more modern and less bulky than earlier Fairphone models. Benchmarks show modest but noticeable improvements in CPU and GPU performance, with the new Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chip and faster UFS 3.1 storage contributing to a snappier user experience. Battery life remains strong, with the 4,400 mAh battery easily lasting a full day of moderate use. Camera performance is also a standout improvement, with the 50MP main sensor capturing more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance and dynamic range have also been enhanced, reducing blown-out highlights and improving detail in shadows. The ultra-wide camera also delivers better results, with improved sharpness and color consistency. The software experience is largely stock Android with a few useful additions from Fairphone, such as the 'Fairphone Moments' feature and the ability to customize the side switch. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks: the physical switch for 'Fairphone Moments' can be accidentally triggered, and the ultra-wide camera sometimes produces images with color variations compared to the main camera. Despite these minor issues, the Fairphone Gen 6 is a compelling package, especially for those who prioritize repairability, sustainability, and a clean software experience.