Smartphones
European smartphones – sustainably produced, durable and repairable. Shorter supply chains, fairer manufacturing.
Why European smartphones are more sustainable
Apple and Samsung plan for an average of 3-5 years of software support, encouraging early device replacement. Fairphone offers 10 years – saving resources, CO₂, and money. European manufacturers focus on repairability instead of planned obsolescence.
Quick Switch
Which US smartphone do you want to replace?
All Alternatives in Detail
European smartphones – repairable, durable, fairly produced.
Fairphone
Modular smartphone with 10-year software update guarantee
- 10 years of software support guaranteed
- Self-repairable – all modules replaceable
- Fairtrade Gold and conflict-free minerals
- Modular design: battery, display, camera individually replaceable
HMD / Nokia
Android smartphones with Scandinavian design
- Clean Android without bloatware
- 3 years of OS updates, 4 years of security updates
- Entry-level available from 99 €
- Robust build quality, durable
Shiftphone
Repairable smartphones developed in Germany
- Fully modular and repairable
- Long-term spare parts supply guaranteed
- Produced in Germany and Asia
- Android without Google services possible
Gigaset
Android smartphones manufactured in Germany
- German company with production in Bocholt
- Solid Android experience without bloatware
- Replaceable battery in the GS series
- Long-term spare parts supply and repair service
Murena / /e/OS
Open SourcePrivacy-focused smartphones running /e/OS
- Android without Google tracking and services
- Privacy score for all installed apps
- Own cloud ecosystem (Murena Cloud)
- Installable on many Samsung/Pixel devices
Sustainability Comparison
| Device | Origin | Software Support | Repairable | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairphone 5 | Netherlands | 10 Years | Fully Modular | €699 |
| HMD / Nokia | Finland | 4 Years Security | — Standard | from €99 |
| Shiftphone | Germany | Long-term | Modular | from €499 |
| Murena | France | Community Support | — Standard | from €349 |
Quick Compare
| Provider | Country | Top Feature | Alternative To | Price (From) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairphone | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 10 years of software support guaranteed | instead of iPhone / Samsung Galaxy | Fairphone 5 from 699 € · Fairphone 4 from 449 € (refurbished) |
| HMD / Nokia | 🇫🇮 Finland | Clean Android without bloatware | instead of iPhone SE / Samsung Galaxy A series | From 99 € (entry-level) · Mid-range from 299 € · Flagship from 499 € |
| Shiftphone | 🇩🇪 Germany | Fully modular and repairable | instead of iPhone / Pixel | SHIFT6mq from 499 € · Spare parts from 9.90 € |
| Gigaset | 🇩🇪 Germany | German company with production in Bocholt | instead of Samsung Galaxy | GS5 from 179 € · GS6 from 229 € · Accessories and DECT phones from 29 € |
| Murena / /e/OS | 🇫🇷 France | Android without Google tracking and services | instead of iPhone (privacy focus) | Murena One from 349 € · /e/OS installable on other devices free of charge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fairphone better for the environment?
Fairphone uses Fairtrade-certified and recycled materials, offers 10 years of software support, and allows complete self-repair. This significantly extends the device's lifespan and drastically reduces e-waste and CO₂ emissions.
Can I use all apps with a Fairphone?
Yes – Fairphone runs standard Android (Google) and supports all apps from the Play Store. There's also a version with /e/OS without Google services if you prefer maximum privacy.
What is /e/OS and is it worth it?
/e/OS is an Android fork without Google services, developed by Murena. Instead of Google apps, it offers privacy-friendly alternatives. It's worth it for users who want complete control over their data. Some banking apps might not work.
Are European smartphones as good as iPhone and Samsung?
In core functionality, yes – Fairphone, Nokia, and Shiftphone offer solid Android experiences. Apple and Samsung flagships still lead in camera quality and premium finish. However, European models offer significantly more sustainability.