I’ve had my mind on a google pixel (one of the used variety) for GrapheneOS but then i heard about Fairphones and I’m not sure which is preferable or if there’s any other options.
I got a fairphone 5 earlier this year and am very happy with it. There is a version with /e/os installed but it was out of stock so I bought the android and it was really easy to install /e/os myself with no technical knowledge needed. I use f-droid for as many apps as possible. It has a version of play store (app lounge) for other apps, most of which have worked. For the odd one that didn’t, I’ve just added a shortcut to the mobile website for quick access. Theres no google pay but I can use the curve app fine with NFC so can even buy stuff, something I didn’t expect to be able to do.
I’m very happy with my FP 4 + Calyx OS, FP 5 seems like a fair generational improvement. I dont think any custom roms for FP 6 exist yet. If you’re in the US, Fairphone might be harder to get. In that case a Pixel and Graphene is a very good choice.
TLDR Fairphone if in EU, Pixel if in US
Just want to tack on for visibility as the TLDR isn’t accurate (kinda). Fairphone is sold in the US by a company called Murena, including the FP 6. The only hitch (at least when I ordered my FP 4 from them) was you had to be on T-Mobile’s network.
I’ll chime in and say the repairability a huge selling point for me as I work in an environment where I’m pretty rough on my phone. I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week, $100+ for a new screen (again sold through Murena), follow simple instructions on Ifixit, bam good as new.
I legit ran it over with a forklift the other week
I have to ask: what circumstance led to this particular incident?
So honestly the screen came unglued from its surround so had bout a new screen and put on a screen protector, which when laid face down becomes rather slick. Swung a hard turn and it slipped off without me noticing, backed right over it.
I will say too, if you have to order parts, order them from Murena (USA speaking). I got a the replacement from Daddy Bezos because 1 day shipping and I needed my phone (work), but the quality was lacking on whatever brand it was I got as a replacement. Brightness was muted, and even the responsiveness of the touch screen felt lacking.
A phone with battle scars!
Just got an email from Murena that /e/os is available for the fp6.
That’s really a judgement call and my recommendation is that you decide what is most important to you:
- Morality of the company
- Repairability
- Security
- Hardware I am not putting privacy here since you can achieve it with both brands (fairphones are compatible with e/os and other LineageOS derivatives like iodéOS, which are privacy focused ROMs).
If your main concern is either having the best hardware or the best security, go with pixel. If it’s repairability or having an ethically produced phone, go with fairphone. I am a user of GrapheneOS on a pixel myself, but am thinking of going for a fairphone whenever this pixel dies. I didn’t particularly like the fairphone 5 due to its size and design, but I really like the design of the FP6, so maybe I’ll buy the FP7 when it comes out ;)