Fairphone 4 Arrives In The US, Putting Privacy and Sustainability In Your Palm

The renowned Dutch electronics manufacturer Fairphone has captured the attention of smartphone enthusiasts worldwide with its unique approach to Android devices. The company is now planning to launch the much-hyped smartphone Fairphone 4 in the United States.

What Happened: Known for its emphasis on repairability, extended software support, and easy access to replacement parts, Fairphone has predominantly catered to the European market. However, there's some exciting news for its eager American fans who have been eagerly asking, “When is Fairphone coming to the US?” The wait is finally over as Fairphone is coming to the United States with its highly anticipated Fairphone 4, albeit with some twists.

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In a strategic move, Fairphone is launching a captivating “US pilot” program in collaboration with Murena, the primary developer behind the /e/ Android fork. 

Murena, a distributor of Fairphones in Europe, offers devices pre-loaded with the privacy-focused /e/ OS, instead of Fairphone’s own version of Android. The Fairphone 4, priced at $599, is ready to make a lasting impact in the American market.

What sets the /e/ OS apart is its commitment to being “fully deGoogled” and built with privacy at its core. The Android fork completely eliminates Google’s apps and services, providing alternative solutions from /e/ itself. Instead of the Google Play Store, users get access to the alluring “App Lounge,” offering a vast collection of Android APKs and progressive web apps. As for Google Play Services, the open-source microG reimplementation steps in, ensuring seamless functionality. 

The users will also get Magic Earth instead of Google Maps—an OpenStreetMap-based navigation alternative. Moreover, users can securely store their data on the NextCloud-based Murena cloud or choose to self-host it. This experience goes beyond a simple repairable phone, opening doors to an entirely new Android landscape. However, for those inclined toward the conventional Google-approved builds of Android, flashing the software is still an option.

Here’s a look at the Fairphone 4:

Why Is It Important: With Fairphone’s entry into the US market and its partnership with Murena and the /e/ OS, American consumers can look forward to a fresh, ethical, and privacy-driven smartphone experience. The Fairphone 4’s arrival will bring a new trend where repairability, sustainability, and data privacy take center stage. 

In terms of specifications, the Fairphone 4 has Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC, 6GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. Also, it comes with a 3905mAh battery which is baked inside a removable back cover just like the good old days. The USP of the phone is its modular design that comes with easily repairable parts like the camera array, loudspeaker, USB-C port, display, and phone body.

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