Sustainable Substitutes for Smartphones

Alternatives to iPhones and Samsung Galaxy, focusing on modular, repairable, and sustainably produced smartphones.

fairphone logo

Fairphone

A modular, repairable, ethical smartphone from the Netherlands.

Fairphone is based in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy and labor regulations.
Fairphone’s production partners hold SA8000 certification, one of the highest standards for safe and decent working conditions. The company actively works to improve working conditions, including humane working hours, health and safety, and worker empowerment through regular audits and direct engagement with workers
Fairphone uses recycled and sustainable materials in its devices, reducing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.
Fairphone’s modular design allows users to easily repair and upgrade their devices’ battery, screen and camera, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Fairphone supports recycling and circular economy principles, offering take-back programs and using recycled materials in new devices.
Fairphone’s production and operations are designed to be energy efficient, reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Website

Shiftphone

A modular, repairable, ethical smartphone from Germany.

Shiftphone is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy and labor regulations.
Shiftphone claims to provide good working conditions, including a flexible 40-hour workweek, no overtime, and a safe, open work environment. The company states that it does not tolerate child labor and avoids conflict minerals like coltan. Shift does not offer independent verification as far as I know.
Shiftphone claims a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional smartphones. It uses recyclable mono-material plastics and emphasizes energy-efficient production.
Shiftphone’s highly modular design allows users to easily repair and upgrade most of their devices’ components, extending product lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Shiftphone supports recycling and circular economy principles, offering take-back programs and using recyclable materials in new devices.
Shiftphone’s production and operations are designed to be energy efficient, reducing the company’s carbon footprint by up to 40% compared to conventional smartphones.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech Smartphones

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

Getting away from iPhones can be a big step for long-term Apple enthusiasts. The more open ecosystems of Android-based environments can be a bit overwhelming at first. But most users will soon enjoy the freedom of the new environment. Refurbished devices can be bought on different platforms, while the suggested sustainable devices can be ordered directly form the company websites. If you want to go with an alternative to Android, check if the chosen OS's website sells sustainable or used phones with the OS installed, iodéOS for example.