It’s good that they mention the refurbished option. The most eco-friendly phone is the one you have, the second most eco-friendly phone is one someone else is getting rid of. Of course, the repairability promise of phones like the Fairphone is exciting and might make them a good bet longer-term.

I plan on using my current phone into the ground but I’m not sure what I will do when it finally dies. I think if there is a Fairphone 5 with modern specs by then, I would strongly consider it. I know constant new releases kind of goes against Fairphone’s philosophy so there might not be a 5 for a while, but with the Fairphone 4’s specs I would worry about how long it will remain useful. If there is not an improved Fairphone out by then, I would still consider a Fairphone 4 or would likely buy a refurbished Pixel.