The long-awaited Fairphone 4, known for its ethical and user-repairable design, is finally making its way to the US market through a partnership with Murena, a company specializing in de-Googling Android phones. The US pilot of the Murena Fairphone 4 will feature a privacy-oriented Android-based operating system: /e/OS, catering to the growing demand for privacy-conscious smartphones.
The Murena Fairphone 4 will be available in two configurations: one with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage priced at $630, and another with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $700. Both models offer expandable storage via microSD and boast a modular design, allowing users to easily disassemble the phone using a standard Phillips #00 screwdriver for hassle-free component replacements. Additionally, the device carries an IP54 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water sprays.
The smartphone is equipped with 5G and dual SIM support, a removable 3905mAh battery, and an impressive camera setup comprising a 48-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 25-megapixel selfie camera. Interested customers can order the Murena Fairphone 4 exclusively from Murena’s webstore now.
The phone comes preinstalled with the /e/ operating system, offering a Google-free mobile ecosystem. Instead of relying on Google apps, the Fairphone 4 features default Murena Cloud apps for essential functions like email, calendar, and cloud storage, along with a dedicated app store that highlights the privacy ratings of each app, empowering users to monitor their online activity better.
While the Murena Fairphone 4 provides an alternative to mainstream Android phones, it still allows users to access major Android apps, including those made by Google, without compromising privacy. The device is unlocked, but the press release recommends using it with T-Mobile and other carriers based on T-Mobile’s network. Moreover, Fairphone ensures the longevity of the device with an extended five-year warranty, and /e/OS commits to consistent bug fixes and security updates for five years as well.
Though this marks a significant milestone for Fairphone in the US market, the company’s CEO, Eva Gouwens, emphasizes that the primary focus remains on the European market. Nevertheless, the collaboration with Murena and /e/OS presents a valuable opportunity to explore the American market further and bring ethical, user-repairable smartphones to a broader audience.
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