Sustainable smartphones: a strategic choice for today’s businesses

Smartphones have become the #1 work tool in many organizations. They connect employees, streamline communication, secure data access, and enable efficient mobile work. But behind this digital power lies a tougher reality: the environmental and economic impact of overconsumption and rapid device turnover.

Every year, over 1.34 billion smartphones are sold worldwide*. Most of them are replaced long before reaching their true potential lifespan. For businesses, this creates a double penalty: high fleet management costs and an increased carbon footprint. In a world where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become central to business strategies, the question is simple: could sustainable smartphones be the key to combining performance and positive impact?

*Statista: Global smartphone sales to end users 2007-2023, 1,34 billion in 2023.

What is a sustainable smartphone?

A sustainable smartphone isn’t just “rugged.” It’s a mindset: extending the device’s lifecycle, reducing its environmental footprint, and maximizing long-term value.

It rests on several pillars:

• Repairability: modular parts, easy to replace, to extend the device’s lifespan.
• Durability: shock, water, and scratch resistance to prevent premature damage.
• Software longevity: guaranteed updates for years, avoiding built-in obsolescence.
• Responsible design: recycled materials, fair supply chains, reduced e-waste.

💡 For businesses, these pillars are anything but trivial. They translate into a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), alignment with CSR commitments, and stronger employer branding.

Why sustainable smartphones make sense for B2B

IT and procurement leaders know the challenges of mobile fleet management all too well :

• Replacement every 2–3 years, creating cost spikes.
• Breakdowns or damage requiring quick (and expensive) swaps.
• Software obsolescence threatening data security.
• The growing issue of electronic waste, both regulatory and reputational.e.

Sustainable smartphones help tackle all of these challenges :

• Extended lifecycle: a phone that lasts 5–8 years means less frequent, less costly renewals.
• User satisfaction: fewer breakdowns, more reliability.
• CSR alignment: a sustainable fleet becomes a tangible CSR action.
• Lower carbon footprint: using a phone twice as long halves its production-related impact.

To find out more, check out our 10 steps to making your IT infrastructure more responsible here.

Fairphone Gen. 6 : reinventing durability

Among today’s sustainable devices, the Fairphone Gen. 6 stands out as a next-generation smartphone designed to last. While many manufacturers make promises, Fairphone delivers—with tangible guarantees.

Unmatched guarantees

With a 5-year manufacturer warranty and 8 years of software support, Fairphone is breaking the cycle of planned obsolescence. At least seven Android upgrades are guaranteed starting with Android 15—rare in the smartphone market.

Unique modularity

The device is made of 12 detachable components, all replaceable without glue. Battery, camera, speaker—each module can be swapped easily, keeping devices in service longer and avoiding downtime for employees.

Built to withstand the test of time

Fairphone Gen. 6 has passed military-grade drop tests, comes with Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and boasts an IP55 rating against rain. In short: it’s built to handle everyday professional challenges.

A premium user experience

Durability doesn’t mean compromise :

• 6.3” LTPO OLED 120 Hz display for a smooth, sharp viewing experience.
• Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 processor for reliable performance.
• 50 MP wide + ultra-wide cameras and 32 MP selfie cam, ideal for professional calls or internal content creation.
• Up to 2-day battery life, fast charging (50% in 25 minutes), and a user-replaceable battery.

Fairer to the planet and people

Fairphone Gen. 6 is assembled in fair factories, with decent working conditions and living-wage bonuses for workers. It’s built with more recycled materials than ever before and is certified e-waste neutral. For businesses, this means combining digital transformation with ethics.

Sustainable smartphones as a CSR and employer branding lever

✅ Equipping employees with durable devices like the Fairphone Gen. 6 is more than a tech decision—it’s a bold statement.

• Internally : employees see their company taking real action to reduce its digital footprint, while enjoying a reliable, future-proof work tool.
• Externally : clients, partners, and investors see CSR in action, not just on paper. Choosing sustainable devices shows that your values extend to the everyday tools your teams rely on.

Building a responsible mobile fleet: step by step

Switching to sustainable smartphones doesn’t have to mean replacing everything overnight. Many businesses start gradually :

• Introducing an initial batch of durable smartphones as a pilot.
• Targeting high-mobility teams (sales reps, field technicians, managers).
• Measuring economic and environmental impact over 12–24 months before scaling.

This phased approach makes the transition manageable and highlights the competitive and environmental advantages of a sustainable fleet.

Conclusion : sustainability is the new mobile standard

Sustainable smartphones are no longer a niche option. They are a credible, high-performance response to CSR and IT challenges. The Fairphone Gen. 6 proves it: robust, powerful, modular, and ethical.

💡 For companies, the choice is clear: stick with short, costly, polluting device cycles—or adopt a sustainable approach that saves money, strengthens brand reputation, and engages employees.

Isn’t it time your mobile fleet went sustainable ? Contact us today – we will respond within 48 hours! 👇🏻