Hi!
Big fan, first time caller… I’m quite hyped by the rumors of the Fairphone 4. I now have a Google Pixel 3, which is a great phone. But the support ends by the end of this year. Using custom ROMs is an option. But the monthly security fixes I enjoy from Google also include closed-source blobs from e.g. Qualcomm. Which fix nasty security issues with e.g. WiFi, Bluetooth and other things like that. These updates often are not well maintained in custom ROMs. Security is something I value a lot since it’s your private life on that phone.
So I feel the urge to update to either a Pixel 6 or a Fairphone 4.
Cons of a Pixel: Glued together mess. Rumors are saying that the Pixel 6 will get 5 years of software support. But the battery will likely need to be replaced within that lifetime. Which is problematic.
Pros of a Pixel: Strong security due to the Titan security chip and monthly updates. Even though the phone is not modular and you cannot upgrade e.g. the physical camera. You do get software updates, which improve the camera. My Pixel 3 has the same sensor and software as the Pixel 5 main camera. So in terms of camera there was no need to upgrade.
I really hope the Fairphone 4 will be great. I’m a sustainability advocate. So I should use a Fairphone. But camera quality is something I value a lot. They are snapshots of memories. They must be of great quality without thinking too much about it. It would be super cool if an open-source variant of a software defined camera was available. Then I would not even question the Fairphone. A Pixel allows me to make perfect pictures any time. The Pixel 6 is also made of recycled materials. But yeah, that might be just greenwashing their image…
Anyway… Thanks for being here, would love to become a true supporter of FP.