The first prototype of the Fairphone, which has been described by its makers as “the world’s first ethical smartphone” is set to launch in London.
The phone uses tin from conflict-free mines in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo and tantalum from separate conflict-free mines in the DRC’s Katanga province.
Fairphone’s makers say they use conflict-free materials and aim to ensure that every worker in the phone’s supply chain receives a fair wage.
Fairphone says the first ethical phones are being made in a factory in China, where the company has created a fund to improve workers’ wages.
Money from each phone’s sale is being used to support a program that encourages the reuse and recycling of phones across the world, called Closing the Loop.
This project was launched earlier this year, with an aim to pre-sell 5,000 phones in order to start production. Having met this target, Fairphone is now aiming to produce a further 20,000 with pre-orders running until this autumn.
Fairphone began as a research project at Amsterdam’s Waag Society, and Institute for Art, Science and Technology. It has also been supported by ActionAid and Schrijf-Schrijf.
Features:
• Developed to be adaptable for each user • Dual SIM • Removable batteries • Option to use any operating system • 16GB of internal memory • A 4.3’ touch screen display • Dual front and rear camera • Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system • Price: €325 ($430 USD approx)
Would you buy this ethical smartphone? Leave your comments below!
Jorge Chavez is Senior Editor at Mijo! Brands in Mexico.
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