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Fairphone 5 Review: A Noble Cause, an Imperfect Phone

The Fairphone 5 aims to help bring fair trade practices to the smartphone supply chain. Here’s everything you need to know about how it compares with the competition. Read more on the Fairphone 5 here 0:00 Intro 1:01 Repairing the Fairphone 1:33 Fairphone Warranty, Updates, and Support 2:13 Fiarphone 5 Design 3:21 Fairphone 5 Display…

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The Fairphone 5 aims to help bring fair trade practices to the smartphone supply chain. Here’s everything you need to know about how it compares with the competition.

Read more on the Fairphone 5 here

0:00 Intro
1:01 Repairing the Fairphone
1:33 Fairphone Warranty, Updates, and Support
2:13 Fiarphone 5 Design
3:21 Fairphone 5 Display
3:33 Fairphone 5 Processor
4:07 Fairphone 5 Gaming
4:25 Fairphone 5 Battery Life
5:28 Fairphone 5 Operating System
5:48 Fairphone 5 Cameras
6:30 Fairphone 5 Price
7:00 Conclusions

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56 Comments

56 Comments

  1. Danner Banks

    August 30, 2023 at 12:44 pm

    I wonder if the battery and camera stuff can be solved with software … someone slap the Gcam app on this phone and let’s do a re-test.

    • Koen De Jaeger

      August 30, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      Maybe they should have gone for a 6000mah battery or something with this soc.

  2. d hamby

    August 30, 2023 at 12:49 pm

    Jerry Rig just did a review before this one.

  3. d hamby

    August 30, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    Keeping a charged spare battery on hand for $45 makes this even better.

  4. Dominic Waters

    August 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    I have to wonder how many people are playing Genshin Impact on their way to work. Speaking as a fairphone 4 user it is more than enough for 90% of the market. As consumers we need to start voting woth our feet and our conscience. A harsh review, and second the point about tech reviewers holding “the big ones” to higher standards on ethics and the environment.

  5. The QR Network

    August 30, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    This whole video seems like it’s trying to protect the status quo by comparing this very unique product to flagship devices. While this is of course not a device for power users, I feel like the emphasis should have been more on overall usability of the phone and if it’s a viable option for someone looking to do their part in making our world a little more sustainable. The most concerning part of the review was the battery life so I wish he could have gone into more real world usage of the device to see if this is one where we really do need an external pack or if it’s ok for light phone users. Overall I feel this phone is worth looking into more and I’ll be watching other takes on it to make an informed purchasing decision. Nevertheless, big ups to Fairphone for putting all of this in the world.

  6. sidewaIS200

    August 30, 2023 at 1:03 pm

    Who remembers HTC battery upgrade with bigger back cover, that should also be possible.
    And camera was upgradeable on Fairphone3.
    If we vote with our wallets, others will follow and maybe do it even better.

  7. Kawaquacky Green

    August 30, 2023 at 1:03 pm

    This phone gives me a nice feeling to think about owning.

    However, though it is able to be supported over 5 updates and 8 years of security updates, is the snapdragon processor going to be able to keep up?

    The phone (IMO) is only as usable as the processor allows it to be.
    If it struggles with some tasks now, is it really going to hold up to the demands is the OS in 5 updates time?

    Owning the phone for the first 2 years might be fine, but the thought that I may be forced to change a device because the processor can’t keep up with in board demand is a worry and counteracts the fact that I can replace components as they age.

    • Shameer Mohammad

      August 30, 2023 at 8:43 pm

      Exactly my thoughts on this. Unless they offer upgrades for motherboard and easy to switching out internal stuff to new board… i dont see it making past 3 with flying flags

  8. l o c a l h o s t

    August 30, 2023 at 1:15 pm

    A very imperfect headline. The hatred towards something well done is noticeable. Anyway, my fault for seeing the review.

  9. 2nd3rd1st

    August 30, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    I think this video misses the point, “objective” review or not. You simply can’t and maybe even shouldn’t measure a disruptive technology that has to cut necessary corners to achieve its disruption on the tech it wants to disrupt. Yes, your instincts tell you it’s right but this is not a apples to apples comparison. Fairphone are literally reinventing the mobile phone here and serve a new demographic that are not interested in the industry’s status quo. To tell people that this environmentally friendly, DIY repairable, humane, and well equipped phone is not worth it compared to more powerful but unrepairable soon-to-be e-waste phones, is counterproductive in my opinion.
    It’s like saying don’t buy a Tesla because it charges longer and has less range than a fossil fuel Porsche, despite all its other advantages.

  10. Prog Cacophony

    August 30, 2023 at 1:41 pm

    I love his periphery shirt.hahaha

  11. Filippo Giadrossi

    August 30, 2023 at 1:52 pm

    Is there NFC in fairphone?

    Can’t the performace of battery drain and cameras be improved with future updates?

    • dalvarezmartinez

      August 30, 2023 at 2:35 pm

      yeap NFC is there 🙂

  12. dalvarezmartinez

    August 30, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    Well it’s CNET you can’t expect much more than mediocrity: 413 thumbs-up for 11K views.

    I’ve lost it when he mentioned that one of the pluses of the 7A is: A whole host of Google software additions muahahahahaha
    Do you mean bloatware and proprietary software? Come on man

  13. Rich Jones

    August 30, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    we don’t actually care about the environment or the pollution it causes or whatever we just want great stuff. What’s the point of a 5 year warranty if they sell they will be happy to sell you a part when you need a repair? think I’ll still with pixels for a far superior camera

  14. Rich Jones

    August 30, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    the Samsung a54 ($350) and the pixel 7a ($444) and pixel 6a ($350) all have a better camera

  15. orangensaft0

    August 30, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    What most people are overlooking when it comes to the battery – you can easily carry around 2 additional batteries (that you charged with an external battery charger) in your pocket and change it on the go, it takes less space and is far more convienient than carrying a powerbank and having to use a phone with the power bank plugged in

  16. Big『Fan』02⚕️⚕️ seinen ࿐

    August 30, 2023 at 2:48 pm

    5 …… Number….. Phone phone understand

  17. René Verbeek

    August 30, 2023 at 3:58 pm

    But the latest iPhone that is almost impossible to repair is perfect?

  18. Turtles

    August 30, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    Fairphone is my next smartphone. With software updates, I believe that the performance and cameras will be better!! The google pixel gives you just 3 years android update!!! It is really a shame…

  19. Turtles

    August 30, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    It will come software updates, no way! Much better than google pixel that offers only 3 years android update. Come on!!! And if you broke the screen, good luck paying to repair it!!!

  20. sPercyboon

    August 30, 2023 at 6:15 pm

    I’ll probably buy an extra battery, that definitely fixes the battery life problem, and its easier to put in your bag than a powerbank, ideal for music festivals

  21. Joseph DeBarr

    August 30, 2023 at 6:26 pm

    I am seriously considering this phone. I am not a big photography nut, and the pictures look good enough. A little worried about the battery life, but it is not a huge deal for me. I absolutely love that it has expandable memory as I like carrying all my music and docs with me so a definite kudos to that. I think for the price, it is not all that bad. I did not see a earphone jack so I imagine that it is all Blu-tooth. I will be checking this one out. The only downside is that I heard that it is not sold in America, which is kind of a bummer but If I can still get it and it works with my provider, I am encouraged to switch from Samsung.

  22. James

    August 30, 2023 at 6:39 pm

    1:05 but can I buy those parts for the fairphone from someone OTHER than fairphone? If someone else can make a USB port for it and for cheaper, is that “allowed”?

  23. James

    August 30, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    3:10 SIRI has some trouble recognizing me occasionally too. I guess we just dont see each other that much. I mean we CAN; There’s no problems between us. We’re just in different places right now. Maybe when she’s older I’ll know her better.

  24. James

    August 30, 2023 at 6:51 pm

    3:33 AW SWEET! IT HAS ONE OF THOSE!

    • James

      August 30, 2023 at 6:52 pm

      3:46 prolly cause factories equipments have support contracts for those and junk and stuff.

  25. Em Mengel

    August 30, 2023 at 9:00 pm

    I wish you would meet milspec for waterproof and shockproof. I’m not a power user but I do like a robust heavy duty phone. Unfortunately price pointing with build it for me, I just can’t afford that much for a phone.

  26. Willy Kristianto

    August 31, 2023 at 4:07 am

    Why would no wireless charging be considered cons? Wireless charging wasted most of the energy delivered, it’s a wasteful delivery system. I don’t consider it a pros. Also, this is an environment-conscious phone. Judge it for its merit then, I bet your personal phone doesn’t receive update until 2031 does it? Also, FYI I never met a single person who cares about glass back. Most even hated it, they shatter, and is a pain to clean or replace. I take removable plastic back any day of the week, and literally twice on Sunday, if I scratch it? Just buff it out! Such a bad take

  27. Nakla

    August 31, 2023 at 4:43 am

    To be fair while more expensive it will get a lot cheaper over time
    I guess you cannot easily calculate this

  28. Please stop saying Linux when you mean GNU+Linux

    August 31, 2023 at 5:56 am

    damn, I didn’t want to be that harsh, but this review is really trash…

  29. Thijmstickman

    August 31, 2023 at 6:36 am

    16 or 60% drop from 45 minutes of mixed use?

  30. mr mr

    August 31, 2023 at 6:40 am

    What i’d like to see:
    – rubber instead of metal band around the phone
    – rubber lip to protect the display (e.g. like on the nokia xr21)
    – 3,5mm jack
    – way better camera quality

  31. Freddie Pitts

    August 31, 2023 at 6:42 am

    Is it just me or does the fairphone camera look much better than the pixel camera in the photos shows, especially the tomato…

  32. Toby Tragen

    August 31, 2023 at 6:46 am

    The thing with the battery is tou can jist order another one and charge it up then if midday it dies you just replace it 😆

  33. Alex hnd

    August 31, 2023 at 6:56 am

    Glad owner of a iodéOS FP4, I will certainly move to the FP5 once the OS is ready!

  34. Gaetano Russo

    August 31, 2023 at 7:01 am

    This smartphone reminds me of a model I had 8 years ago😂😂

  35. Joseph Morris

    August 31, 2023 at 7:10 am

    Just pre-ordered my Fairphone 5 😊

  36. Ada

    August 31, 2023 at 7:10 am

    “…so actually it could work out being much better value in the period of its life.”
    “And you can pat yourself on the back for making a much more socially-conscious decision.”
    The words of the deluded. Or maybe you’re worried about the off-chance of losing your job as a reviewer if the smartphone release cycle ever stopped?
    Either way, the review was useless to me, I don’t use my phone to take photos or play games. Guess I’m not the lowest common denominator.
    -1

  37. EndermanAPM

    August 31, 2023 at 7:42 am

    I was considering getting this phone. But low battery life it’s truly a deal breaker for me. If it’s bad from the getgo, it will be worse if two years, and being able to replace the battery is good and fine, but it’s not a fix for poor battery life.

    • Shuka

      August 31, 2023 at 4:05 pm

      They probably will give the battery an upgrade. Or you could buy a second battery to switch to when the original one runs out of power while you’re not home

    • EndermanAPM

      August 31, 2023 at 4:10 pm

      @Shuka i know, but at that point, why not just get a phone with two day battery life and same price or even less?

  38. Kingpin

    August 31, 2023 at 7:53 am

    Tbh Battery doenst matter as much when u just can carry a replacement battery with u and swap out a new 4200mah battery in a couple of seconds.

  39. Kingpin

    August 31, 2023 at 8:09 am

    I think u totally missed the point

  40. fatproduce

    August 31, 2023 at 9:52 am

    Why is there a Zoom meeting sound effect at 6:01 ?

  41. yaboyabe

    August 31, 2023 at 10:09 am

    All this talk about a headphone jack is so stupid. You can buy a USB-C to audio jack. Oh your USB-C is worn after two years of use… they offer a replacement USB-C port. Also haven’t mostly all companies gotten rid of them for water resistance/ proofing?

  42. Cosmic Robin

    August 31, 2023 at 10:19 am

    It’s should be available in India.. india is largest mobile in the world. Chinese phone get damage in a year

  43. John Scigulinsky

    August 31, 2023 at 10:23 am

    I think the camera performace can be improved with software… somewhat. I’m sure there will be people installing and modding GCam for this phone soon as well.

    Also, I don’t think draining 15% of battery with 45 minutes of use including gaming is that shocking. Especially with a chipset not designed for gaming and similar high-end use. I would also like to point out that my Fold3 (or any other flagship) will heat up considerably and start choking performance after a bit of gaming. So the conclusion is – there are gaming phones with cooling attachments, built specifically for gamers. Fairphone 5’s customer is probably more interested in playing Wordle on their lunch break. I understand stating “this is not a phone for gamers” but I wouldn’t REALLY hold it against the phone itself.

    Lastly, I hope CNET will warn consumers about buying iphones & android phones that are not repairable, their manufacturers care very little about recycling, care very little about fair trade and create marketing campaigns to push people into a yearly phone-switching cycle. And even after they comply with the future EU regulation about user-replacable batteries, I hope CNET will keep mentioning that they were forced to do the bare minimum while Fairphone over here goes above and beyond offering everything you might need to keep the phone running, as opposed to Apple who won’t allow you to touch their phone without their official repair stores being involved.

  44. sylvester420

    August 31, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    this guy actually said that plastic was a bad backplate material, as if glass is any good. “Phew thank god I only have to replace the rear glass when i dropped it!”

  45. lem on9

    August 31, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    The camera has been the reason I didn’t buy fairphone 4, sadly it’s still not great on 5

  46. __

    August 31, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    5 android updates?… 13.1 to 13.5 end… omg.. nobody buy it…

    5 years android updates!? No!?

    5 major android update?

    13 to 18..🤔

  47. 理想煮医

    August 31, 2023 at 3:05 pm

    I have been using my current phone for about 6 years now and I was hoping to get a Fairphone 5. However, when I see the announcement of the CPU they use this time. Wait a minute… What??? QCM6490, which was released in 2021. But they do have an extended support from qualcomm. I do hope they make better phones even it means more expensive.

  48. APHI FPV

    August 31, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    Worst part of the Pixel 7a: No SD-Card slot. It does temendously great videos but what good is that if you run out of space? And it will force you to buy a new one after 3 years… so TCO is probably higher…

  49. adammendyk

    August 31, 2023 at 4:06 pm

    This is going to receive a warm welcome when I buy it, which is going to be this year and I’m sure by now.

  50. whyarewehere

    August 31, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    Needs a headphone jack

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