Launched just a few weeks ago, Fairphone 3 is a socially responsible phone that aims to be modular, easy to repair, and manufactured in a way that’s kind to mother nature and worker as much as possible.
In terms of ease of repair, there’s very little competition, as most phones manufacturers don’t design their phone with that goal in mind, and iFixit, a wiki-based site that teaches people how to fix almost anything, often ranks phones from mediocre (iPhone X: 6/10) to really poor (Samsung Galaxy 10 Note+ 5G: 3/10) in their repairability score.
Fairphone 3 is supposed to be very easy to repair, but it’s always good to have a third party verify such claims, and iFixit got hold a sample to tear it down.
They only have to use four tools to completely disassemble the phone as shown in the photo above: T5 Torx and Philips screwdrivers, their opening picks set, and a Mako driver kit with 64-precision bits. That’s all. If you check their other teardowns the list of tools is much longer, and the use of more expensive tools such as a hot air station or an ultrasonic cutter is sometimes required. So that’s definitely a plus for Fairphone 3 here.
Removing and replacing the battery is really easy. No tools needed. Take the back cover with your hands, take out the battery and you’re done.
The top, bottom, camera, and speaker modules can all be replaced after loosening a few screws. Spare parts can easily be purchased on the Fairphone website.
The final Repairability score is excellent, and Fairphone 3 is the perfect phone if you want something to repair yourself, as it got 10 out of 10.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
