- A “Fairphone 4 5G” has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
- That probably means a launch within the next few months.
- The phone will have both Android 11 and 5G cellular.
A new version of the modular, budget-priced Fairphone, the Fairphone 4, is reportedly nearing launch with upgrades like 5G cellular and Android 11 support.
A “Fairphone 4 5G” was certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance on August 9, notes the German-language site WinFuture. The certification mentions Android 11, and Wi-Fi firmware that points to Qualcomm as a returning processor supplier. It’s not clear when the phone might actually ship, although wireless certification tends to imply a finished product is just months or weeks away.
Fairphones are designed to be more sustainable than most smartphones, prioritizing not just easier repairs and upgrades through modular parts, but ethical material and labor practices. The company for instance works to reduce environmental impact and avoid materials mined in conflict zones.
Related: Info on the Teracube 2e, another ethical-minded phone
The most recent Fairphone, the Fairphone 3 Plus, was launched in August 2020. That model upgraded its camera from 12 megapixels to 48, improved audio quality, and adopted a new body using even more recycled plastic. Owners of the original Fairphone 3 were able to upgrade with a €70 camera module.
Most technical and sales details of the Fairphone 4 remain a question mark. It will presumably remain in the European market, where it could start at €419 if it matches the launch price of the Fairphone 3. The cost of 5G might theoretically push it to the €469 of the 3 Plus, or higher still.