Budget Smartphone With Removable Battery Still Available

A new European Union regulation is set to transform the smartphone industry. It mandates that all phones sold in the EU must have user-replaceable batteries by 2027. This move directly challenges major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, whose devices are notoriously difficult to repair.

The law aims to reduce electronic waste and empower consumers. While companies have years to comply, one phone already meets the standard today.

Fairphone 6 Demonstrates How Easy Battery Replacement Can Be

The Fairphone 6 is a modern smartphone built with repairability as its core feature. It boasts high-end specs like a 50MP camera and a bright OLED display. Its standout quality, however, is its easily swappable battery.

According to Reuters, the push for right-to-repair laws is gaining global momentum. The Fairphone company has championed this cause for years. Their latest model proves that durability and repairability can coexist with modern technology.

Replacing the battery requires just a single screwdriver. The entire process takes mere minutes. This contrasts sharply with most modern phones that need heat guns and specialized prying tools.

What The New EU Law Means For Consumers And Tech Giants

The EU’s decision will force a significant design overhaul for Apple and its peers. Companies must ensure batteries can be removed with basic tools. This will extend device lifespans and reduce environmental impact.

For consumers, it means lower long-term ownership costs. Instead of a costly professional repair or a new phone, users can simply buy a new battery. This shift promotes a more sustainable relationship with technology.

The industry has resisted such changes for years. They often cite water resistance and sleek design as reasons for sealed units. The Fairphone 6, however, maintains an IP55 water resistance rating despite its modular design.

The new EU battery law signals a major win for consumer rights and sustainability. The Fairphone 6 replaceable battery system offers a clear blueprint for the industry’s future, proving that user-friendly repair does not require sacrificing quality or performance.

Info at your fingertips

What is the EU’s new replaceable battery law?

The law requires all phones sold in the EU to have easily replaceable batteries. Manufacturers must design devices so consumers can remove batteries with basic tools. The rules are set to take full effect in 2027.

How do you replace a Fairphone 6 battery?

You only need a Torx T5 screwdriver. Unscrew the back cover, remove the old battery, and insert the new one. The process is designed to be completed in under five minutes by anyone.

Is the Fairphone 6 available in the United States?

Yes, it is sold in the U.S. through Murena. The American version comes with a privacy-focused operating system called /e/OS instead of standard Google Android.

Does a replaceable battery make the phone less durable?

Not necessarily. The Fairphone 6 maintains an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. This shows that design compromises are not a required trade-off for repairability.

Why did phone makers stop using removable batteries?

Manufacturers argued it allowed for thinner, sleeker designs and better water resistance. Critics suggest it also encouraged more frequent device upgrades, driving sales.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, European Commission, Associated Press