Tech giants around the world are focusing more on sustainability as they roll out new products. From changes in packaging to repair methods, many tech companies are making more of an effort to be environmentally aware. Several companies, including Apple, have developed self-repair kits to help consumers repair their devices at home. Now, iPhones may have a new competitor that is now available in the U.S.
Fairphone first debuted the Fairphone 4 in 2021 but limited sales to Europe. In a partnership with Murena, Fairphone is launching the U.S. pilot of the Murena Fairphone 4, a modular, environmentally conscious smartphone that runs on a Google-free /e/ operating system.
The Fairphone 4 is manufactured using ethically sourced materials. Though iPhones are becoming more environmentally friendly, other features of the new Fairphone model, such as repairability and price, may draw consumers away from the iPhone.
Despite Apple’s large following, the tech leader is known for extremely difficult repair methods. Depending on storage space and other preferences, newer models of iPhones can add up to well over $1,200, which means repairs can become costly. The two Fairphone 4 models start at $599 and $679.
The most appealing feature of the Fairphone 4 may be its repairability. Unlike the iPhone, the Fairphone 4 is not glued and can be easily repaired at home. The back of the phone, made from 100 percent recycled plastic, can be easily removed without tools other than a typical Phillips-head screwdriver. According to the Fairphone company, which has initiatives to improve the working conditions for the minders and factory workers in the phone’s supply chain, each phone is e-waste neutral. This means the company will recycle either a phone or an equivalent amount of e-waste with each sale.
Storage space in both models of the Fairphone 4 can be expanded with a MicroSD, and each model has an IP54 rating protection against dust and water sprays. Fairphone also offers a five-year warranty for each phone.
Sustainability is becoming a large factor for consumers, and many are searching for more eco-friendly products that focus on protecting the environment. HOBI is an R2v3, RIOS, WBE, and ISO-14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise that focuses on mitigating environmental liability while maximizing economic return. By recycling or remarketing retired IT assets, HOBI extends the life of used devices, provides cost-effective alternatives to new devices, and ensures all e-waste is disposed of properly.
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