Fairphone
Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey
Pickly Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
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Customer Rating
Best for
Eco-conscious tech users and repair enthusiasts in the UK looking for a trustworthy, long-term 5G smartphone with strong ethical credentials.
AI Score Review
The Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey is perfect for British eco-conscious tech users who value repairability and ethical sourcing. It's a modular, long-lasting smartphone with a 9.3/10 iFixit repairability score and a strong ethical supply chain for minerals.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Pickly Score above.
In-Depth Review
The short answer
The Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey is an ethical smartphone leader, built for longevity with a modular design and fair-trade mineral sourcing.
Key takeaways
- Modular design for easy repair
- Ethically sourced materials
- 5G connectivity and 48MP dual camera
- 5-year warranty, extensible
- Plastic-free, FSC certified packaging
- 100% vegan construction
TL;DR
If you're a socially and environmentally conscious tech user in the UK, the Fairphone 4 is an excellent everyday device that puts ethics first without compromising on performance.
Ethical Engineering and Longevity (1970)
The Fairphone 4 marks a shift in consumer electronics towards sustainability. Its unique modular design allows users to replace essential components easily, extending the device's life and reducing electronic waste.
Responsible Sourcing and Materials (1970)
Fairphone goes above and beyond in material sourcing, ensuring minerals like gold, cobalt, and tungsten come from conflict-free zones and mines adhering to fair labor standards. The back cover is 100% recycled plastic, and the device is vegan-friendly.
| Component | Ethical Highlight |
|---|---|
| Gold | Fairtrade Certified Gold |
| Cobalt | Improved mine working conditions |
| Back Cover | 100% Post-consumer Recycled Plastic |
| Packaging | Plastic-free and FSC certified |
Performance and User Experience (1970)
With 5G connectivity, a 48MP dual camera, and a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, the Fairphone 4 balances ethics with utility. Despite a slightly bulkier design, it offers exceptional durability backed by a 5-year warranty.
How to Choose Your Accessories (1970)
- Purchase a high-quality, fast-charging USB-C PD charger (20W+) if you don't already have one.
- Consider official Fairphone cases for extra protection and alignment with their ethics and design.
- Be aware that third-party wireless charge adapters might not work optimally with this device, as the wireless charging coil is not standard.
Did you know?
Fairphone was founded in 2013, with the mission to prove that a sustainable smartphone is possible. The Fairphone 4, launched in 2021, is their most ambitious and ethical model yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fairphone 4 waterproof?
No, it's not officially IP-rated for water or dust resistance.
Can I upgrade the OS on the Fairphone 4?
Yes, Fairphone supports OS upgrades for 5 years, with Android 12 currently planned.
Are Fairphone repairs expensive?
Thanks to its modular design, repairs are generally less costly than other smartphones, with many components available separately.
Does the Fairphone 4 support wireless charging?
Yes, wireless charging is supported with a max output of 10W.
Is the Fairphone 4ehicles-only hearing aid compatible?
No, it's not stated to be M4/T4-rated for hearing aids.
Last updated 1970: Where can I buy a Fairphone 4 in the UK?
It's available on Fairphone's official UK store (fairphone.com/uk), Amazon UK, and selected EE, Vodafone, and BT stores.
Pros
- ✓Unmatched repairability and parts availability
- ✓Transparent and ethical supply chain
- ✓5-year warranty, extensible upon registration
- ✓Full vegan construction
- ✓5G connectivity and a 48MP dual camera
- ✓Join the growing community demanding change in the electronics industry
Cons
- ✗Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
- ✗Bulkier than standard flagships
- ✗Charging cable not included
Key Facts
- Brand
- Fairphone
- Category
- Electronics & Tech
- Pickly Score
- 94/100
- Price Range
- £££ (≈ £499)
- Avg Rating
- 4.2/5 (840 reviews)
- Size
- 162 x 75.5 x 10.5 mm
- Origin
- Netherlands (Headquarters), China (Assembly)
- Made in
- China
- Material
- Recycled plastic back, aluminum frame
- Packaging
- Paper-based, plastic-free
- Certifications
- B Corp, Fair Trade, FSC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
The Fairphone 4's modular design earns it a 9.3/10 iFixit repairability score, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and electronic waste. Fairphone commits to a climate-neutral footprint through carbon offsetting and e-waste recycling programs. It's certified by B Corp, Fair Trade, and FSC, ensuring ethical practices from material sourcing to manufacturing. (soilassociation.org, bcorporation.uk, fairtrade.org.uk, fsc-uk.org)
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
The Fairphone 4 is 100% vegan, with no animal glues or leathers used in its construction or assembly. Its 100% recycled plastic back cover and plastic-free, FSC certified packaging further demonstrate Fairphone's commitment to ethical and sustainable materials. (www.fairphone.com, fsc-uk.org, ethicalconsumer.org)
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What Reviewers Say
"The Fairphone 4 is a credible smartphone that puts ethics front and centre without too many compromises."
"The most sustainable phone you can buy, now with 5G and a much better camera."
"Fairphone continues to be our Best Buy for smartphones due to their commitment to fair wages and mineral traceability."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey by Fairphone ethically made?+
Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey has a recorded Pickly score of 94/100, with catalogue labels including B Corp, Fair Trade, FSC Certified. The Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey is perfect for British eco-conscious tech users who value repairability and ethical sourcing. It's a modular, long-lasting smartphone with a 9.3/10 iFixit repairability score and a strong ethical supply chain for minerals.
What certifications does Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey hold?+
The catalogue records these labels for Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey: B Corp, Fair Trade, FSC Certified. Check the named certifier and scope for this exact item; the labels do not establish every sourcing, safety or environmental claim.
How sustainable is Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey?+
The Fairphone 4's modular design earns it a 9.3/10 iFixit repairability score, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and electronic waste. Fairphone commits to a climate-neutral footprint through carbon offsetting and e-waste recycling programs. It's certified by B Corp, Fair Trade, and FSC, ensuring ethical practices from material sourcing to manufacturing. (soilassociation.org, bcorporation.uk, fairtrade.org.uk, fsc-uk.org)
What are the key ingredients or materials in Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey?+
The Fairphone 4 is 100% vegan, with no animal glues or leathers used in its construction or assembly. Its 100% recycled plastic back cover and plastic-free, FSC certified packaging further demonstrate Fairphone's commitment to ethical and sustainable materials. (www.fairphone.com, fsc-uk.org, ethicalconsumer.org)
How much does Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey cost?+
Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey is priced in the $$$ range for electronics & tech. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey?+
Use the retailer links on this page to check current availability, delivery and the exact variant of Fairphone 4 5G 128GB Grey. A catalogue entry does not guarantee stock or a direct sale by the manufacturer.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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How to choose electronics & tech
Start with compatibility and the job the device must do. Check software support, repair options and the full ownership cost before paying for a higher specification.
| Check before buying | Why it matters | Trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Ports, platforms and UK compatibility | Check your existing devices, required adapters and UK power arrangements. | A headline feature may require extra accessories or a particular operating system. |
| Support, privacy and repair | Look for stated update periods, replaceable batteries and available parts. | An inexpensive connected device can become less useful when updates end. |
| Energy and subscription costs | Compare measured consumption where available and any required monthly fees. | An eco mode alone does not establish low annual running costs. |
Common mistake: Do not infer performance, water resistance or battery life from a model name; check the exact version and test conditions.
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Fairphone 4 5G 128GB
The Fairphone 4 5G is a highly ethical, modular smartphone that excels in repairability and fair labour practices, making it the top choice for conscious UK tech buyers.
