DeGoogled Murena Fairphone 6 Boosts Privacy & Repairability
▼ Summary
– The Murena Fairphone (Gen 6) is a collaboration between Fairphone and Murena, combining repairable hardware with privacy-focused /e/OS software.
– It replaces Google’s ecosystem with /e/OS, an open-source OS designed to minimize data collection, offering better privacy than Android or Apple.
– The Gen 6 model features a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, a smaller but longer-lasting battery, and tougher Gorilla Glass 7i, while being 9% lighter than its predecessor.
– Users can replace 12 parts (up from 10) with a screwdriver, including the screen and USB-C port, and it comes with a five-year warranty and a projected 10-year lifespan.
– The phone is available in the UK, EU, and other European markets starting at €649, with US pre-orders shipping in August.
Privacy-conscious consumers now have a powerful new option with the latest collaboration between Fairphone and Murena. The newly unveiled Murena Fairphone 6 combines ethical hardware design with a deGoogled operating system, offering users enhanced control over their data while maintaining exceptional repairability.
This release aligns with Fairphone’s standard Android-powered Fairphone 6, but the Murena edition replaces Google’s ecosystem with /e/OS, an open-source alternative focused on minimizing data tracking. Building on the success of its predecessor, the device continues the commitment to longevity, promising up to a decade of usability through modular upgrades and sustainable manufacturing.
Performance and durability see notable improvements in this generation. Powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, the phone delivers faster speeds compared to the previous model’s QCM6490 chipset. The triple-camera setup retains its 50MP sensors, while a more efficient battery extends usage despite its smaller size. Additional durability comes from Gorilla Glass 7i, protecting the LCD display, and the overall design is now 9% lighter for improved portability.
Repairability remains a cornerstone of Fairphone’s philosophy. Owners can swap out 12 different components, up from 10 in earlier versions, including the screen, speakers, and USB-C port, using basic tools. Backed by a five-year warranty, the companies still project a 10-year lifespan, reinforcing their commitment to reducing electronic waste.
Fairphone, headquartered in the Netherlands, prioritizes ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, ensuring materials are conflict-free and devices are built for longevity. Murena, based in France, specializes in privacy-first software, offering an alternative to mainstream operating systems. Their /e/OS eliminates Google’s tracking mechanisms, replacing them with proprietary apps for email, cloud storage, and calendars. A recent 3.0 update introduced stronger encryption, advanced privacy controls, and improved parental features.
This partnership marks the fourth collaboration between the two brands, tracing back to the Fairphone 3 in 2020, a model that still receives software support. “Our work with Murena reflects shared values,” said Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck. “We’re delivering a phone that’s not just sustainable but also respects user privacy.”
The Murena Fairphone 6 is now available across Europe and the UK, starting at €649, with US pre-orders shipping in August.
(Source: The Next Web)
