I “vote” against a smaller version. I think the size of the FP3 screen is just perfect.
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People were already discussing this for the FP2, and the answer is still the same: It’s not possible (yet and in the near future). Changing the mainboard is almost like buying a new phone (e.g. the core module of the FP2 was responsible for ~76% of CO2-emissions) and moreover you would have huge issues such as ensuring backwards compatibility with all the older modules and so on.
I’m also very in favour of this concept, but for now it’s neither doable nor environmentally friendly.
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I assume FP as a small company has enough to do with supporting one device (development, software support, customer support, …) and they won’t have capacity for an additional model in parallel. In addition it might decrease the number of each model and in electronic device business, I assume, the more devices you produce, the better is the price…
Don’t think that two different size models would drive people to drop one of them and switch faster to the other one. I assume all possible customers would decide from the beginning which device they select and would normally stay with that size.
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so you think just because you have what you want the other’s have to have the same phone as you? I don’t want a replacement, I want an additional s-model - that wouldn’t affect you at all.
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The iPhone 4 was my first smartphone and I still mourn after it because of its perfect size for my likings. Unfortunately I lost it while paragliding at Wasserkuppe in deep snow.
Also, has anybody noticed that there is a HUGE gap in the market as of right now with small smartphones? Look at the search function of GSMArena for example: When you try to search for phones roughly the size of iPhone 4 or even iPhone 5 (ca. 125x60x10mm), there are like almost none. Believe me, I did this search in very many variations. And don’t even ask about “special” prerequirements, like an up to date OS, or removable battery. So a phone this size would have almost no competition whatsoever, and I can’t just believe that there is no demand for that.
You think it is the perfect size FOR YOU. An additional model would affect you barely if any.
See it like this: Instead of buying an completly new phone when your SoC is out of date or doesn’t support the newest OS, you can SAVE 24% of CO² emissions, by updating just your motherboard.
While this is assumably true in general, a second model with similar specs does not neccesarily mean that they have to manage the double amount of modules. You could design both models in the way that they use the same modules. While the smaller one maybe just be missing a piece, or simply having a smaller motherboard and/or battery to compensate for its size.
So to draw a line under here:
Yeah, I too would like a small and handy phone with similar features as the FP3 has.
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No, I do not think that. I simply wanted to state that I personally really like the size, that’s all. You are of course free to find the FP3 too big and to ask for a smaller version. Good luck with that.
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I would prefer it if a small company like Fairphone would focus on a full-blown successor of FP3 (ie. FP4) instead. Regarding the size of FP4: figure what the majority of customers want, and give them that.
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yes, smaller size please. i had argued for this here in the forum when it became clear that there would be successor of FP2. not to much avail, obviously. my FP1 was much of the “right size” (a tad larger than iPhone 4s), and though i use my FP2 daily i never got used to its size. with time, my aversion got even stronger. i think by now i will go on using my FP2 as long as it’s working, and then leave the fairphone movement, with regrets, if there’s no small version.
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For the pocket issue: I happened to get two Scotch and Soda jeans from someone who works there and my FP3 easily fits in the front pockets of both jeans. 
Yes the size of the FP1 was perfect! I still use it on the side, - the new FP3 is much too big for my taste of a phone (don’t need a mini-tablet), and it’s quite of lot of hazzle to handle. Unfortunately my FP1 is gettting old - 6 yrs - and because of lack of updates and many apps not working and other stuff I got the enormous successor FP3 too. Tough decision, but I wanted to stay with FP. (sidenote: hoping there will be a google-free option for the FP3 soon, loved that with the FP1!).
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Did you upgrade your Fairphone 1 to Android 4.4.4? This could help to get some apps to work again and the last update was from Oktober 2019.
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Thank you, that’s cool, didn’t know it was possible! will start roaming the forum to find the details. (my FP1 has problems reading the storage card, i.e. it can’t any more, but the internal storage works fine).
I’m on my third month with my FP3 and I agree for a 5.7 inches screen, the device could be smaller but that will compromise the modular design.
According me it’s not the form factor of the phone which should be smaller but the screen surface should be bigger: What they could propose is an option screen with smaller or less top and below bezels.
I think we can have a screen in total of 6.2 inches which will provide us with an immersive experience.
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Hi, after using the FP3 for a few months I still have to say that it is too big for my liking, too big for my hands and to big for my trouser pockets. The weather is sunny now, so I don’t wear a jacket / coat any more, and would like to carry the FP3 like the FP1 in my trouser back pocket, but it is too big / high for that, so that does not feel safe. re. my hands: they are normal sized, and the big phone does not feel comfortable or relaxed when I hold it in my hand for a while, while I use it.
All is relative, nothing is too big or too small but the thought makes it so if you don’t mind me rephrasing Shakespeare. Also since “FP3s” is not even in the pipeline I would just get used to it.
As an experiment try to carry something very heavy and bulky in your pants pocket next to your phone for a month pretending it is an inseparable part of the phone, then take it out and feel how relieved you are, the phone is like a feather in the palm of your hand. I’m not joking, this is how the actual brain works.
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It’s really a great idea and I know it would work.
I am not so sure, you will find enough room in any pants-pocket to place something bulky and heavy besides your FP3. So maybe something heavy, like a steel plate could do the trick as well?
Maybe some steel connecting plate like this (2 or 3 of those if you like), or a larger one?
https://www.diy.com/departments/abru-powder-coated-steel-timber-connector/251053_BQ.prd
My mother had this phone for years and she had small hands, which got passed on to me, the hands, not the phone.
Could we please just close this thread and end this totally fruitless discussion here? If you find the FP3 too big, do not buy one. If you want a smaller Fairphone, tell Fairphone. That’s about it. Thank you.