Fairphone 3(+) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Support

Yes, you can! The Fairphone 3+ had camera and audio improvements to boost technical performance and enhance the user experience. The Fairphone 3+ front camera (top module), microphone (bottom module) and speaker (speaker module) are sold on our online shop. This way, you can upgrade your Fairphone 3 by replacing the modules.

Do note that we will be ceasing sales of spare parts and accessories for the device in August 2026 as we are retiring the Fairphone 3(+), and after August 5, 2026, customer support will be limited to spare parts that are still under warranty.

What are the main differences between the Fairphone 3 and the Fairphone 3+?

The main differences between the Fairphone 3 and the Fairphone 3+:

	Fairphone 3	Fairphone 3+
Rear camera	12MP	48MP (12MP output)
Front camera	8MP	16MP
External speaker loudness (dB)	94 @ 10cm	96 @ 10cm
Rear and Battery cover	Translucent 0% PCR	Solid black 50% PCR
Year of release	2019	2020

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ have 5G?

No - with the emergence of 5G still being in its initial stages when we launched these phones and the uncertainty of the regulatory environment driving multiple versions of technology at that time, we decided not to support 5G on the Fairphone 3 or Fairphone 3+.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ support eSIM?

Unfortunately eSIM needs an actual chip that needs to be installed in the phone. The Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ does not have this chip, so we will not be able to support it even in the future.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ come with NFC and Google Pay?

Yes! Fairphone 3 and 3+ come with NFC technology that allows users to make payment transactions. For more details on how to use Google Pay (previously known as Android Pay), you can check this Google Support article.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ have an AM/FM Radio?

No, unfortunately. The FM antenna pin is not connected to the mainboard, so it is not possible to use it even with the Qualcomm app. The chipset formerly supports it, but this device does not.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ support Miracast?

Yes - this is a default feature for Android smartphones.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ support Wi-Fi direct?

Yes! Go to Settings and type Wi-Fi Direct in the search box. Alternatively, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Preferences > Advanced > Wi-Fi Direct, and enable it there.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ support VoLTE / Wi-Fi calling?

Yes! However, it depends on the provider. Some providers are enabled, but not all. It depends on our partnerships with specific network providers.

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ have an IP certification?

Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ do NOT have an IP certification. It is susceptible to water damage!

Does the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ support a headset via USB-C port?

We cannot guarantee it can be supported.

Can the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ stream sound to hearing aids?

Unfortunately, the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ does not support this technology.

Can the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ be charged with a wireless charger?

Unfortunately, the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ does not offer this feature.

Will you launch more upgraded modules for the Fairphone 3?

We saw the new camera modules as a necessary upgrade to allow people to keep their Fairphone 3 for longer. We are not planning to release any other upgraded modules at this point for the Fairphone 3.

What is the size of Fairphone 3 and 3+?

Length 158 mm
Width 71.8 mm
Thickness 9.89 mm
Weight 189g

Software

What is the software for Fairphone 3(+)?

The Fairphone 3 (2019) launched with Android 9, while the Fairphone 3+ (2020) launched with Android 10.

Android 13 is the final major operating system upgrade for the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+. We will provide the last security patch in June 2026.

To take advantage of the final improvements and security fixes, make sure to update your Fairphone to the latest software release.

Are you ending software support for the Fairphone 3(+)?

We are officially retiring the Fairphone 3 and 3+. Global 2G and 3G network shutdowns mean Fairphone 3(+) devices will soon lack fundamental features like voice calling in many regions. June 2026 is when we will roll out the last and final security update for the device, with software support ending in August 2026. We are incredibly proud to have met and exceeded our initial five-year promise of support from the 2019 launch.

Can I still use my Fairphone 3/3(+) after software support ends?

Yes, you can. However, performance and security will be compromised. Certain apps, like government and banking services, might not work as expected without the latest security updates. Calling might also get impacted, with more and more countries phasing out 2G and 3G networks. You can install a non-Android OS of your choice, like Murena's /e/OS that promises ongoing software support. However, given that your device is not covered by a warranty anymore, it will be at your own risk. We recommend recycling your device responsibly so that valuable materials inside can re-enter the supply chain without becoming waste.

Do I need to stop using my Fairphone 3(+) if I get no more software updates?

While this marks the conclusion of our direct software roadmap, it does not have to be the end of your device’s journey. In line with our commitment to longevity, we strongly encourage our community to explore alternative operating systems. Much like we saw with the Fairphone 2, the open-source community provides incredible ways to keep your phone secure and functional for years to come. Switching to an alternative OS (for free) allows you to receive security patches and feature updates long after the official lifecycle.

We suggest looking into community-driven projects such as LineageOS (currently running Android 15), /e/OS (they will continue to support the Fairphone 3 for at least two years more), or postmarketOS. They all have a history of breathing new life into Fairphone hardware.

By transitioning to an alternative OS, you’re helping us prove that hardware can-and should-last. Do note that Fairphone Customer Support Team will not be able to support you with an alternative OS.

Why is the upgrade to Android 14 for Fairphone 3 not possible?

After extensive research, we made the difficult decision not to upgrade the Fairphone 3(+) to Android 14. The legacy Linux kernel (4.9) used in the Fairphone 3 posed significant challenges for the upgrade.

Will the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+ receive more security updates?

The last security update for the Fairphone 3(+) will be released in June 2026. Our goal was to maintain secure and reliable functionality for the Fairphone 3 for as long as possible. The Fairphone 3, launched in 2019 with Android 9, has since received three Android upgrades, excluding Android 12. The standard end of life for Android 13 is set for 2025. In line with our commitment to device longevity, we added one more year of security maintenance, extending it to 2026. This provided a total of seven years of software support for the Fairphone 3, a commitment we are dedicated to fulfilling.

I am not running Android OS on my Fairphone 3. Can I upgrade the camera?

You will need to install Android OS to initialise the new camera module. After you confirm it works, you can go back to the alternative OS you were using.

Camera

What does "48MP (12MP output)" mean on the Fairphone 3+ camera?

The raw sensor (the Samsung GM1) is 48MP. The primary focus of this sensor is to gather more light and therefore perform better in low light conditions and capture more details. This is achieved by combining tiny pixels of 0.8-micro to deliver light sensitivity equal to 1.6-micro pixels. Hence its effective output is still 12MP. This is common practice in the industry with phones such as the Samsung S5KGM1, Samsung Galaxy A90 5G, Nokia 7.2, and the Sony IMX363.

Is there a macro lens function in the new Fairphone 3+ cameras to take detailed photos (for instance, a close up of a flower or insect)?

The new Fairphone 3+ cameras do not have a built-in macro lens. However, the Rear camera supports shooting in macro mode with a minimum distance of 10cm. It is also possible to use the software enhancements for macro shooting by selecting the Macro mode in the AI scene detection in the Rear camera setting (the setting will show a microscope icon on the screen).

Reuse and Recycle

Can I recycle my old Fairphone 3 for a new Fairphone?

Yes, you can! You can recycle your Fairphone 3 or Fairphone 3+ for a gift card towards a new Fairphone with our Reuse and Recycle Program. Go take a look to find out what you can get for your old Fairphone 3 or Fairphone 3+!

Miscellaneous

Which ‘fair’ materials are used in the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+?

Fairphone has set up more responsible supply chains for tin and tungsten and source Fairtrade Gold for Fairphone 3 (already during Fairphone 3 launch in 2019). In 2020, we further integrated fair cobalt into our battery supply chain.

In the past, we used conflict-free tantalum in the capacitors of our phones. However, the Fairphone 3 uses a different material in its ceramic capacitors, meaning that the phone is now constructed without needing to use tantalum. We keep on supporting miners in the DRC through our tin supply chain.

Which minerals, heavy metals, plastic compounds and chemicals are found in Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+?

The Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3+, like all smartphone devices, contains hundreds of different materials. However, you can rest assured that our Fairphone is certified to respect Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances).

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