Sustainable Substitutes for Samsung Galaxy

A line of smartphones designed and marketed by Samsung full of bloatware.

Reasons to avoid Samsung Galaxy

Avoid Samsung Galaxy due to planned obsolescence, as software updates and hardware limitations shorten device lifespan, pushing users to upgrade frequently. Additionally, Samsung’s supply chain lacks transparency, raising ethical concerns. Opt for sustainable, open, and repairable alternatives instead.

Ethical and Sustainable Samsung Galaxy Alternatives

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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.
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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

The 4 main issues with Samsung Galaxy

Monopoly - Market dominance that stifles competition and limits user choice.

Samsung is one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolisation. Samsung’s global dominance in semiconductors and smartphones has led to accusations of monopolistic practices, including patent disputes and market control.

E-Waste - Contribution to electronic waste through non-recyclable or short-lived products.

Samsung Galaxy phones contribute to e-waste due to planned obsolescence and lack of repairability.Source: Galaxy Upcycling: How Samsung Ruined Their Best Idea in Years (2021)

Lack of Transparency - Opacity in operations, data handling, or supply chains, making it difficult for users to understand practices.

Samsung lacks transparency in its supply chain and product lifecycle practices.Source: The Verge: Samsung caught faking zoom photos of the MoonThe Register: Samsung phone users under attack, Google warns

Exploitative Labour Practices - Poor working conditions and low wages for workers involved in production or services.

Samsung has faced criticism for labour practices in its supply chain.Source: Business Human Rights: Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement (2019)