Fairphone 3
The repairable 4G phone that started the modern Fairphone story.
The Fairphone 3 is a mid-range Fairphone smartphone released Sep 2019, with a launch price of $499. It pairs the Snapdragon 632 with a 5.65" LCD 60 Hz display, a 12 MP main camera and a 3,040 mAh · swappable battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 56/100 — The phone that proved repairable could work. Standout strengths: fully repairable, transparent-back design. and swappable battery, microsd + jack. Main trade-off: snapdragon 632 was dated even at launch.
The phone that proved repairable could work.
Fairphone 3 was the original modern Fairphone — fully DIY-repairable, swappable battery, transparent back, fair-supply-chain materials — and the one that got the support extension promise right (six years). Performance was modest even at launch; the values are why anyone bought it, and why it became a cult favourite.
Read the full review- Fully repairable, transparent-back design.
- Swappable battery, microSD + jack.
- Fairtrade-sourced minerals, recycled plastics.
- Software support extended into 2025 — six years.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Fairphone 3 compares
| Fairphone 3 | Pixel XL | Fairphone 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 56 | 56 | 64 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 632 | Snapdragon 821 | Snapdragon 750G |
| Display | 5.65" LCD 60 Hz | 5.5" QHD AMOLED | 6.3" LCD 60 Hz |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 12.3 MP · f/2.0 | 48 MP · OIS |
| Battery | 3,040 mAh · swappable | 3,450 mAh | 3,905 mAh · swappable |
| Launch price | $499 | $769 | $649 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Fairphone 3 released?
The Fairphone 3 was released in Sep 2019.
How much does the Fairphone 3 cost?
The Fairphone 3 launched at $499 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the Fairphone 3 screen size and type?
The Fairphone 3 has a 5.65" LCD 60 Hz display.
What chipset does the Fairphone 3 use?
The Fairphone 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 632 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Fairphone 3 have?
The Fairphone 3 ships with 4 GB · 64 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Fairphone 3 battery capacity?
The Fairphone 3 has a 3,040 mAh · swappable battery.
How fast does the Fairphone 3 charge?
The Fairphone 3 supports 18 W wired charging.
What is the Fairphone 3 main camera?
The Fairphone 3 has a 12 MP main camera.
Does the Fairphone 3 have a headphone jack?
The Fairphone 3 has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How long will the Fairphone 3 get software updates?
The Fairphone 3 update policy: support extended into 2025.
How much does the Fairphone 3 weigh?
The Fairphone 3 weighs 187 g.
What colours does the Fairphone 3 come in?
The Fairphone 3 is available in 1 colour: Black (transparent option).
Is the Fairphone 3 worth buying?
Fairphone 3 was the original modern Fairphone — fully DIY-repairable, swappable battery, transparent back, fair-supply-chain materials — and the one that got the support extension promise right (six years). Performance was modest even at launch; the values are why anyone bought it, and why it became a cult favourite. SpecEagle gives the Fairphone 3 an editorial score of 56/100.
Owner opinions
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