The Fairphone 6 made its debut back in June of last year, and since then, fans of the Dutch sustainable brand have been eagerly awaiting news of a follow-up. The global memory chip crisis has certainly slowed things down, but a fresh report suggests that the Fairphone 6+ might be just around the corner.
Spotted in a listing by the team at NieuweMobiel, the Fairphone 6+ appears with a surprising upgrade: significantly more RAM than its predecessor. The listing shows three variants of the device, all featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For context, the standard Fairphone 6 came with 8GB of RAM, so this is a notable leap forward.
What the Fairphone 6+ Listing Reveals
The leaked listing provides a few key details about the upcoming model. While it doesn’t spill everything, the RAM and storage specs are the headline grabbers. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we know so far:
- RAM: 12GB across all listed variants
- Storage: 256GB internal
- Models: Three separate SKUs, likely for different regions or color options
This is a big deal for Fairphone, which has traditionally focused on repairability and ethical sourcing over raw performance. By bumping up the RAM, the company is signaling that it wants to compete more directly with mainstream flagship devices.
Why 12GB RAM Matters for a Sustainable Phone
More RAM isn’t just about bragging rights. For a phone designed to last years through modular upgrades, having extra memory ensures it can handle future software demands. Apps and operating systems grow more resource-hungry over time, so 12GB gives the Fairphone 6+ some serious longevity. This aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission to reduce e-waste by keeping devices in use longer.
The 256GB storage option also makes sense for a sustainable device. Users won’t need to replace their phone just because they ran out of space. Plus, with modular design, you might even be able to swap out storage modules down the line.
How the Fairphone 6+ Compares to the Fairphone 6
To understand the significance of this upgrade, let’s look at what the Fairphone 6 offered. The original model launched with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as standard, though a 256GB version was also available. The 6+ doubles the RAM and makes 256GB the base storage, which is a solid generational leap.
Other specs of the Fairphone 6 included a 6.3-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and a 48MP main camera. It’s likely the 6+ will retain many of these features, but with refinements. The listing doesn’t mention the processor or camera, so we’ll have to wait for official details.
What About the Modular Design?
One of the biggest selling points of Fairphone devices is their modularity. Owners can easily replace components like the battery, screen, or camera modules without specialized tools. This design philosophy reduces electronic waste and gives users control over repairs. The Fairphone 6+ is expected to continue this tradition, and the RAM upgrade might be part of a modular memory module. If so, it could be a game-changer for upgradability.
Fairphone’s Position in the Market
Fairphone has carved out a niche in the smartphone world by prioritizing ethics over specs. The company sources conflict-free materials, pays fair wages, and designs for repairability. However, this approach has sometimes meant sacrificing performance. With the 6+, Fairphone seems ready to bridge that gap, offering a device that’s both ethical and powerful.
The global chip shortage has made it harder for smaller brands to secure components, but the listing suggests Fairphone has managed to source enough memory chips. This could be a sign that supply chains are stabilizing, or that Fairphone has built stronger partnerships with suppliers.
Potential Release Date and Pricing
There’s no official word on when the Fairphone 6+ will launch, but listings often appear weeks before a release. Given that the Fairphone 6 arrived in June 2024, a mid-2025 launch for the 6+ seems plausible. Pricing is another unknown, but the Fairphone 6 started at around €699. The 6+ might command a premium due to the upgraded RAM and storage, possibly landing in the €749 to €799 range.
What This Means for Sustainable Tech
The Fairphone 6+ represents a shift in how sustainable smartphones are perceived. By offering high-end specs like 12GB RAM, Fairphone challenges the notion that eco-friendly devices have to be underpowered. It also puts pressure on larger manufacturers to consider repairability and ethical sourcing in their designs.
For consumers, the 6+ could be a compelling option if you want a phone that lasts. The modular design means you can fix it yourself, and the generous RAM ensures it stays snappy for years. Plus, you’re supporting a company that’s transparent about its supply chain.
Final Thoughts on the Fairphone 6+
While we still need official confirmation from Fairphone, the listing is a promising sign. The 12GB RAM and 256GB storage put the 6+ in a strong position against competitors like the Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A55. If Fairphone can deliver on performance without compromising its values, the 6+ could be one of the most interesting smartphone releases of the year.
Stay tuned for more details as they emerge. For now, the Fairphone 6+ looks like a smart upgrade that keeps sustainability front and center.
