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Nearly two years after its European debut, the Fairphone 4 has finally landed in the US. It comes with a privacy-oriented twist stateside thanks to a partnership with Murena, a firm specializing in de-Googling Android phones. Instead of Android OS, the US version of the Fairphone 4 runs Murena’s Google-free Android software called /e/OS.
Murena Fairphone 4 specs and features
The Murena Fairphone 4 is a 5G-ready handset featuring a 6.3-inch FHD+ display (2340 x 1080 pixels resolution) with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G processor and Adreno 619 GPU, the phone comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It supports microSD cards of up to 2TB capacity.
The device has a 48MP primary camera and 48MP ultrawide camera on the back, while the selfie camera uses a 25MP sensor. There’s also a ToF (time of flight) 3D sensor at the back. A 3905mAh removable battery fuels the Fairphone 4 with support for 20W fast charging. Other highlights include Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB Type-C port, NFC, dual-SIM support via eSIM, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
These specs are good enough for a decent mid-range smartphone. But the Fairphone 4 is more about privacy, repairability, and sustainability than specs. The /e/OS is an Android 11-based privacy-focused platform that doesn’t suck your data. It offers open-source alternatives for most utility apps and also supports existing Android apps. You can check the privacy score of each app before installing it.
Moreover, the device is modular, with no parts glued shut. You can easily swap out the battery or the display on your own using a standard screwdriver. Other parts are also repairable at home. The Fairphone 4 achieved a score of 10 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit, which is extremely rare. Despite a modular setup, the device boasts an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. It is the first modular phone with an IP rating.
In the name of sustainability, Fairphone isn’t giving you a charger or headphones in the box, not even a cable. But hey, you get up to five years of warranty with the Fairphone 4. That’s if you purchase it within 2023. Starting in 2024, the warranty coverage will drop to three years. It’s still better than what you get with other smartphones, though. Just bear in mind that the added privacy, warranty, and repairability come at a price.
Price and availability
The Murena Fairphone 4 is now available to buy carrier-unlocked from Murena’s official website in the US. The 6GB+128GB variant of the phone is priced at $629.90 and is available in Grey. The 8GB+256GB option, which comes in Grey and Green colors, costs $699.90. The device ships within a week.
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