# Fairphone 3

> third phone model of the company Fairphone

**Wikidata**: [Q67174340](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q67174340)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairphone_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fairphone-3

## Summary
The Fairphone 3 is the third smartphone model released by the company Fairphone, serving as a modular device designed for repairability and ethical sourcing. Launched on September 3, 2019, it succeeded the Fairphone 2 and was later succeeded by the Fairphone 4, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor and a user-replaceable battery. The device supports multiple Android versions up to Android 13 and includes specific hardware features like a 2160x1080 IPS display and a USB-C connector.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** September 3, 2019
- **Predecessor:** Fairphone 2 (second phone model of the company)
- **Successor:** Fairphone 4 (fourth iteration of the brand)
- **Processor:** Qualcomm Snapdragon 632
- **Operating Systems:** Originally shipped with Android Pie; supports Android 10, Android 11, Android 13 (preferred/current), and /e/OS
- **Dimensions:** 158 mm (height) x 71.8 mm (width) x 9.89 mm (thickness)
- **Mass:** 187.4 grams
- **Display:** 2160x1080 resolution using IPS panel technology
- **Battery:** 3040 mAh lithium-ion battery (user-replaceable)
- **Storage:** 4 GB internal storage with SD card expansion support
- **Connectivity:** USB-C connector, headphone jack, dual SIM capability
- **Physical Controls:** Volume buttons (increase and decrease)
- **Model Identifiers:** Model number "fp3", FCC product code "2AUWUFAIRPHONE3", iFixit device ID "Fairphone_3", GCF reference "8203"
- **Sales Volume:** 203,653 units sold (data covering 2013–2022)
- **Aliases:** FP3, Fairphone 3+
- **Classification:** Instance of a smartphone model; subclass of modular smartphone, Fairphone smartphones, and dual SIM smartphone
- **Languages Supported:** Bengali, Czech, German, English, French, Chinese (Wikipedia titles available)
- **Official Website:** https://shop.fairphone.com/en/fairphone-3-overview (English)
- **Image Source:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Fairphone_3_Angle_(48858511188)_(cropped).png

## FAQs
**What operating systems can the Fairphone 3 run?**
The device originally launched with Android Pie and has received official updates to Android 10, Android 11, and Android 13, which is currently the preferred version. It also supports the privacy-focused /e/OS, with specific release notes available for the Android updates.

**How does the Fairphone 3 handle battery replacement and repair?**
The phone is designed with a user-replaceable 3040 mAh lithium-ion battery, allowing owners to swap the power source without specialized tools. This modularity extends to other components like the display and camera, aligning with the device's classification as a modular smartphone.

**What are the physical specifications and display capabilities of the device?**
The Fairphone 3 measures 158 mm in height, 71.8 mm in width, and 9.89 mm in thickness, weighing 187.4 grams. It features a 2160x1080 resolution display built on IPS panel technology, offering a sharp visual experience within its compact form factor.

**How many units of the Fairphone 3 were sold and how is it identified globally?**
A total of 203,653 units were sold between 2013 and 2022, according to forum data. The device is uniquely identified by the FCC product code 2AUWUFAIRPHONE3, the Google Knowledge Graph ID /g/11h_3t3z_l, and the model number fp3.

## Why It Matters
The Fairphone 3 represents a critical evolution in the ethical electronics movement by proving that smartphones can be both high-performing and repairable. It addresses the problem of electronic waste and planned obsolescence by offering a device where the battery, display, and other modules can be easily replaced by the user, significantly extending the product's lifespan. By utilizing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor and supporting long-term software updates up to Android 13, it demonstrates that sustainable manufacturing does not require sacrificing modern functionality. Its existence challenges the industry standard of sealed, non-repairable devices, providing a tangible alternative for consumers concerned with labor practices and environmental impact.

## Notable For
- **Modular Design:** Features a fully user-replaceable battery, headphone jack, and volume buttons, distinguishing it from sealed modern smartphones.
- **Long-Term Support:** Achieved a rare feat of supporting Android updates from its launch version (Pie) through to Android 13.
- **Ethical Sourcing:** As a "Fairphone" model, it is explicitly built on principles of fair labor and conflict-free minerals, setting a benchmark for the industry.
- **High Resolution Display:** Equipped with a 2160x1080 IPS panel, offering a high pixel density for its class.
- **Dual SIM Capability:** Classified specifically as a dual SIM smartphone, catering to users needing multiple network connections.
- **Community Engagement:** Supported by a robust community and documentation, evidenced by its presence on iFixit and extensive Wikipedia coverage in multiple languages.

## Body

### History and Lineage
The Fairphone 3 stands as the third iteration in the Fairphone smartphone lineup, directly following the Fairphone 2. It was officially released to the public on September 3, 2019. This model served as the bridge between the company's early experimental phase and its more mature product line, eventually being succeeded by the Fairphone 4. The device carries the working title "fp3" and is also known by the aliases "FP3" and "Fairphone 3+". Its development was documented with a GCF reference number of 8203, and it holds a specific place in the company's history with over 200,000 units sold during its lifecycle.

### Technical Architecture and Performance
At the heart of the Fairphone 3 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor, a mid-range chip that balances performance with power efficiency. The device is equipped with 4 GB of internal storage capacity, which can be expanded via an SD card storage device. For connectivity, it utilizes a USB-C connector, moving away from older micro-USB standards. The phone supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two different network subscriptions simultaneously. It runs on the Android mobile operating system, with a history of updates starting from Android Pie, progressing through Android 10 and 11, and reaching Android 13 as the preferred and most recent supported version. Additionally, it is compatible with /e/OS, a de-Googled Android alternative.

### Display and Physical Specifications
The visual experience is provided by a 2160x1080 display utilizing IPS panel technology, ensuring wide viewing angles and accurate colors. Physically, the device measures 158 mm in height, 71.8 mm in width, and has a thickness of 9.89 mm. It weighs 187.4 grams, making it a relatively lightweight device for its era. The chassis includes physical volume buttons, consisting of a pair to control volume levels up and down. The device also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

### Power and Modularity
A defining characteristic of the Fairphone 3 is its power system, which relies on a 3040 mAh lithium-ion battery. Unlike many contemporaries, this battery is user-replaceable, allowing owners to swap it out easily to restore battery life or replace a degraded unit. This modularity extends to other components, with the device explicitly containing parts such as the 2160x1080 display and volume buttons that are designed for easy access and replacement. This design philosophy supports the device's classification as a modular smartphone and a Fairphone smartphone, emphasizing sustainability and repairability.

### Classification and Digital Presence
The Fairphone 3 is categorized as a smartphone model with advanced networking and display capabilities. It is a subclass of modular smartphones, Fairphone smartphones, and dual SIM smartphones. The device has a significant digital footprint, with Wikipedia articles available in Bengali, Czech, German, English, French, and Chinese. It is associated with the Commons category "Fairphone 3" and has a dedicated image file on Wikimedia Commons. The official product overview is hosted at https://shop.fairphone.com/en/fairphone-3-overview in English. Technical identifiers include the FCC product code 2AUWUFAIRPHONE3, the iFixit device ID "Fairphone_3", and the Google Knowledge Graph ID /g/11h_3t3z_l. The device is also listed on GSMArena with the ID 10397.

### Sales and Market Impact
Market data indicates that 203,653 units of the Fairphone 3 were sold, a figure derived from community forums tracking sales from 2013 to 2022. This sales volume reflects the growing consumer interest in ethical electronics. The device's release was supported by official documentation, including OS release notes hosted on the Fairphone support site, which detail the transition from Android Pie to Android 13. The phone's legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in the "Fairphone 3" category for pictures taken with its camera, highlighting its role in the photography community as well.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.fairphone.com/2021/09/30/fairphone-4/)
2. [Source](https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048139032-Fairphone-3-OS-Release-Notes)
3. [Source](https://doc.e.foundation/devices/)
4. [Source](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/03/the-fairphone-2-hits-five-years-of-updates-with-some-help-from-lineageos/)
5. [Source](https://forum.fairphone.com/t/fairphones-sold-2013-2022/63123)
6. [Source](https://shop.fairphone.com/en/fairphone-3)
7. [Source](https://shop.fairphone.com/de/fairphone-3)