Is Fairphone 4 Really More Durable Than The Newest Iphone Or Is That Just Marketing

When it comes to smartphone durability, most consumers assume flagship models like the latest iPhone lead the pack. But a growing number of users are turning to alternatives like the Fairphone 4, drawn by claims of superior longevity and sustainability. The question isn’t just about build quality—it’s whether those claims hold up under real-world use. Is the Fairphone 4 genuinely more durable than the newest iPhone, or is its reputation built on ethical branding rather than tangible resilience?

To answer this, we need to go beyond marketing slogans and examine durability in its full context: physical toughness, repairability, software support, and long-term usability. The results might surprise you.

Defining Durability: It’s More Than Just Surviving Drops

Durability isn't just about surviving a fall from your pocket onto concrete. True durability includes how well a phone withstands daily wear, how easily it can be repaired, and how long it remains functional with updated software. Apple markets the iPhone as premium and robust, using materials like Ceramic Shield and surgical-grade stainless steel. These features contribute to excellent scratch resistance and drop protection—under controlled conditions.

The Fairphone 4, by contrast, doesn’t compete on luxury materials. Instead, it prioritizes modular design and serviceability. Its Gorilla Glass 3 screen may seem outdated next to the iPhone’s latest glass, but Fairphone compensates with replaceable components. You can swap out the display, battery, cameras, and even the USB port without specialized tools.

“Durability isn’t just about surviving impact—it’s about surviving obsolescence.” — Dr. Sarah Lin, Sustainable Electronics Researcher, TU Delft

This philosophy shifts the focus from short-term ruggedness to long-term viability. A phone that lasts five years with user-replaceable parts may prove more durable in practice than one that survives drops but becomes unusable after three years due to unrepairable damage or discontinued software updates.

Physical Build and Real-World Resilience

In drop tests, the latest iPhone typically outperforms the Fairphone 4. iPhones consistently score high in lab-based assessments like those from Consumer Reports, thanks to reinforced frames and advanced glass formulations. However, real-world usage often involves repeated minor impacts, exposure to moisture, and gradual component degradation—scenarios where repairability matters more than initial toughness.

The Fairphone 4 lacks official IP68 water resistance (it’s only splash-resistant), while current iPhones offer full dust and water protection. This gives the iPhone an edge in environments prone to spills or rain. Yet, if the Fairphone gets wet, its modular design allows for quick disassembly and drying—or replacement of affected parts. With an iPhone, liquid damage usually means a costly trip to Apple Support or third-party repair shops, often involving board-level fixes.

Tip: For maximum durability, pair any phone with a protective case and screen protector—but especially the Fairphone 4, which trades some material strength for serviceability.

Repairability: Where Fairphone Shines

If durability includes the ability to maintain and extend a device’s lifespan, Fairphone dominates. iFixit awarded the Fairphone 4 a near-perfect repairability score of 10/10, citing easy access to all major components and standardized screws. Compare that to the iPhone 15 series, which scores around 6/10—better than previous models due to Apple’s self-service repair program, but still far behind Fairphone’s open-design approach.

Consider this scenario: your iPhone charging port stops working. Even if covered by warranty, getting it fixed through Apple can take days and may require sending the entire device away. With the Fairphone 4, you can order a new USB-C module for under €20, and replace it yourself in minutes using a standard screwdriver.

Real Example: Two Years of Daily Use

Take the case of Lena, a freelance journalist based in Lisbon. She bought a Fairphone 4 in 2021 for field reporting in remote areas. Over two years, she cracked the screen, wore out the battery, and damaged the rear camera during a river crossing. Instead of replacing the phone, she ordered individual parts from Fairphone’s online store. Each repair took less than 30 minutes. By mid-2023, her phone contained only one original major component—the frame—but functioned like new. Her total repair cost: €97. A comparable iPhone repair journey would have exceeded €400 and likely involved multiple service center visits.

Software Longevity and Security Updates

Apple leads in software support, offering iOS updates for up to six years after a phone’s release. An iPhone 13 still receives feature updates in 2024, which is exceptional in the industry. Fairphone promises five years of Android security updates and OS upgrades—and has extended support for earlier models beyond that commitment. While not matching Apple’s track record, Fairphone’s update policy exceeds most Android manufacturers.

However, Fairphone’s smaller user base means fewer app optimizations and occasional lags in update rollouts. Still, for users who prioritize privacy and open-source compatibility, Fairphone offers unlockable bootloaders and support for custom ROMs like /e/OS or LineageOS—options unavailable on iPhones.

Comparison Table: Key Durability Factors

Feature	Fairphone 4	Newest iPhone (e.g., iPhone 15)
Drop Resistance (Glass/Frame)	Gorilla Glass 3, aluminum-plastic hybrid	Ceramic Shield, surgical-grade stainless steel
Water Resistance	Splash-resistant (no IP rating)	IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Repairability Score (iFixit)	10/10	~6/10
User-Replacement of Parts	Full modularity (screen, battery, cameras, ports)	Limited (battery, screen via Apple program)
Expected Software Support	5+ years (security & OS updates)	6–7 years (full iOS updates)
Replacement Part Cost (Avg.)	€15–€60	$99–$399 (out of warranty)
Eco Design (Recycled Materials)	High (recycled aluminum, plastics, copper)	Moderate (increasing annually)

Long-Term Value: Cost Per Year of Use

Let’s analyze durability through economics. The Fairphone 4 launched at €579. Assuming it lasts five years with €150 in repairs, the annual cost is about €146. The iPhone 15 starts at $799. Without major issues, it may last four years—annual cost: ~$200. But if it suffers one major repair not covered by AppleCare+, that cost could jump to $300+ annually.

More importantly, when an iPhone fails beyond economical repair, users typically buy a new device. With Fairphone, aging components can be incrementally replaced. This “replace, don’t discard” model reduces electronic waste and extends usable life far beyond typical smartphone cycles.

Action Checklist: Maximizing Smartphone Durability

• ✔️ Use a rugged case and screen protector on any device
• ✔️ Replace batteries before they degrade below 80% capacity
• ✔️ Keep software updated to ensure security and performance
• ✔️ Store spare parts (like charging ports) if using a modular phone
• ✔️ Avoid extreme temperatures and prolonged moisture exposure
• ✔️ Back up data regularly to prevent loss during repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Fairphone 4 really last longer than an iPhone?

Yes, in terms of repairability and upgrade potential, the Fairphone 4 is designed to remain functional longer. While the iPhone may feel sturdier initially, its sealed design makes long-term maintenance difficult. Users who actively maintain their Fairphone can keep it running efficiently for five years or more.

Isn’t the iPhone more durable because of better materials?

In laboratory drop tests, yes—the iPhone generally performs better due to premium materials. But real-world durability also depends on what happens after damage occurs. A cracked iPhone screen costs significantly more to fix and is harder to repair independently. So while the iPhone resists damage better, the Fairphone recovers from it more effectively.

Does Fairphone sacrifice performance for sustainability?

Somewhat. The Fairphone 4 uses a mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, which is capable for everyday tasks but not suited for intensive gaming or pro-level photography. If raw performance is your priority, the iPhone wins. But for calls, messaging, browsing, and moderate app use, the Fairphone performs reliably and efficiently over time.

Final Verdict: Marketing or Reality?

The claim that the Fairphone 4 is more durable than the newest iPhone isn’t pure marketing—it’s a redefinition of what durability means. If you define it narrowly as resistance to drops and scratches, the iPhone wins. But if you consider the full lifecycle—repair, upgrade, environmental impact, and long-term usability—the Fairphone 4 proves more resilient in practice.

Fairphone’s durability lies not in invincibility, but in adaptability. It acknowledges that phones will break and instead empowers users to fix them. In a world drowning in e-waste, that kind of durability isn’t just practical—it’s essential.

🚀 Ready to rethink what durability means? Consider repairability the next time you upgrade. Share this article to spread awareness about sustainable tech choices.