Tag: Fairphone

  • iFixit Teardown: Fairbuds XL Gen 2, Fairphone Driver Upgrade & Pricing

    iFixit Teardown: Fairbuds XL Gen 2, Fairphone Driver Upgrade & Pricing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fairphone launched upgraded Fairbuds XL with improved sound quality, a fabric cover, and an auto power-off feature.
    2. Replacement parts for the Fairbuds XL are available, allowing users to enhance their existing headphones at a lower cost.
    3. iFixit’s teardown video shows that replacing the battery and ear cushions is easy and requires no tools.
    4. The new model has a more secure fabric headband design, though it takes longer to replace compared to previous versions.
    5. Fairphone focuses on module replacements for complex repairs, making the Fairbuds XL easier to repair than most headphones.

    A few days ago, Fairphone launched an upgraded version of their Fairbuds XL, providing better sound quality, a new fabric cover, and an auto power-off feature that activates after 30 minutes of no use. The company’s goal is to differentiate itself from others by ensuring their headphones are very easy to repair. For those who already own the original model, they can enhance their headphones with new drivers, offering improved audio at a lower price.

    Replacement Parts Available

    In addition, several replacement parts are now available on Fairphone’s online store. For instance, a pair of new drivers for both Fairbuds XL versions costs €101.90 / £88.90, with the right driver being a bit more expensive due to its electronic components. Other parts offered include a replacement battery for €19.95 / £17.95, ear cushions priced at €14.95 / £12.95, and new headband, cable, and fabric headband cover with prices ranging from €15 / £13 to €20 / £18.

    Repair Process Simplified

    iFixit has released a teardown video that highlights how simple it is to repair the new Fairbuds XL. The battery and ear cushions can be replaced in just a few easy steps without needing any tools. To detach the earcups from the headband, one only needs to remove two screws and disconnect a cable.

    On the new model, the fabric headband is held in place with screws and clips rather than magnets. While this makes changing the headband a bit more time-consuming, it ensures that the fabric stays secured better. Fixing small parts on the motherboard, such as the USB-C port, can be quite complex. Instead of having consumers attempt these repairs themselves, Fairphone is concentrating on making full module replacements a more attractive choice. Overall, the Fairbuds XL remain significantly easier to repair compared to most other headphones.

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  • Updated Fairbuds XL Headphones: Modular Battery & 3 Key Upgrades

    Updated Fairbuds XL Headphones: Modular Battery & 3 Key Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced sound quality with new “premium” paper drivers for better bass and clearer mids and highs.
    2. Automatic shut-off feature after 30 minutes of inactivity to save battery life.
    3. Increased warranty from two years to three years.
    4. Eco-friendly design using 92% recycled aluminum and produced with renewable energy.
    5. Priced at $229 / €249 / £219, with availability in Forest Green and Horizon Black, shipping to start on December 9, 2025.

    The Fairbuds XL made its debut in May 2023. Now, an enhanced version of these over-ear headphones has been launched, keeping the same name and mostly the same design, except for a fresh texture on its plastic parts and the fabric cover.

    Key Improvements

    One of the most notable updates is the introduction of “premium” paper drivers. Fairphone has again used 40 mm dynamic drivers, but the new ones aim to provide superior performance with stronger bass and clearer mids and highs. In the future, owners of the original Fairbuds XL will have the option to buy these drivers separately to boost their existing headphones. Aside from improved design and sound quality, the revamped Fairbuds XL comes with another major enhancement: automatic shut-off after 30 minutes of not being used to save battery life. Additionally, the warranty has been increased from two years to three years.

    Features and Eco-Friendly Design

    The latest Fairbuds XL includes active noise cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth 5.1, with support for aptX HD codec and Multipoint technology. The battery life is estimated to last for 20 hours when ANC is active. A key highlight of this product is its commitment to an environmentally friendly and repairable design. The manufacturer asserts that these headphones are e-waste neutral, produced entirely using renewable energy, and constructed with 92% recycled aluminum. Users have the convenience of easily replacing the battery, headband, electronics, and the cable connecting both ear cups when necessary.

    Pricing and Availability

    Available for $229 / €249 / £219, the second-generation Fairbuds XL can be purchased now in Forest Green and Horizon Black through Fairphone’s online store. This new version maintains the same price tag as its 2023 model. Shipping is expected to commence on December 9, 2025, in Europe, while customers in the US will be able to place orders later this month via Amazon.

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  • Sustainable Smartphone Brand Launches in the US Market

    Sustainable Smartphone Brand Launches in the US Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fairphone focuses on sustainable and easy-to-repair technology, entering the US market with over-the-ear headphones instead of a smartphone.
    2. The Fairphone 6 smartphone is made from 50% recycled materials, has a modular design, and is highly repairable, according to iFixit.
    3. The Fairbuds XL headphones are made of 92% recycled aluminium, are e-waste neutral, modular, and have a replaceable battery.
    4. The anticipated price for the Fairbuds XL in the US is around $280, but no official listing or release date is available yet.
    5. Fairphone plans to launch its first official smartphone in the US, with hopes of better pricing through a partnership with Amazon.

    Fairphone has made a name for itself by focusing on sustainable and easy-to-repair technology. Now, the brand is stepping into the US market, coinciding with the growing momentum of the ‘right to repair’ movement in the country. Interestingly, Fairphone’s first offering isn’t a smartphone; it’s actually over-the-ear headphones that were first released in 2023.

    About Fairphone’s Products

    Fairphone’s range is quite limited, and they are currently on their sixth generation of the flagship Fairphone. The Fairphone 6 is crafted from 50% recycled materials, features a modular design, and is made under ethical conditions. iFixit ranks it as one of the most repairable smartphones. The Fairbuds XL headphones follow the same philosophy. They consist of 92% recycled aluminium, are completely e-waste neutral, modular, and include a replaceable battery.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Fairbuds XL debuted in Europe with a price tag of €249. Although Fairphone hasn’t announced the US price yet, it is anticipated to be around $280, and they will be available through Amazon. At the moment, there’s no listing on Amazon’s website, nor has a release timeline been provided by the company.

    Future Plans

    According to reports from Reuters, Fairphone is gearing up for its first official smartphone launch in the US. Raymond van Eck, the Chief Executive, mentioned the right to repair movement, stating, “Our strategy is built for uncertainty. The tariffs weather may change daily, but the demand signal in the U.S. is clear.” Notably, the Fairphone 6 can currently be purchased in the US via Murena for $899, a steep price compared to the European cost of €599 (around $688). With the new partnership with Amazon and its entry into the US market, it is hoped that prices will become more reasonable.

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    Sustainable Smartphone Brand Launches in the US Market

     

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