GrapheneOS
Apple and Google also market the fact that they use a lot of recycled materials and supposedly care about the ethics of their supply chain.
Since the Foxconn suicides media coverage, they would be pretty ill-advised not to claim having ethics. The roots of this claim, however, are not the same as those of Fairphone.
These two companies have certainly not the same credibility as Fairphone regarding those matters.
It is important to note, however, that Fairphone always said it wanted to be a pioneer and an impetus for these kinds of changes in the electronics industry, starting with smartphones. But real changes, not what we have now, which is the typical sales pitch cashing in on the popularity of eco-conscious velleities. And that it is not to say that Fairphone does not also benefit from it, mostly through the virtue signalling of some consumers.
As I said, I’m the first one to regret the lack of coherence, and I don’t want to debate this point too much, but the claims regarding privacy and security seem to be pretty mild on the Fairphone website (at least on the following pages):
The Fairphone (Gen. 6) now with privacy-first /e/OS
Privacy by design | Fairphone
Security doesn’t even seem to be a subject. Your explanation on this thread has been duly noted, however, when I look at the comparison you linked, I’m more under the impression that GOS is top-notch while /e/ is not really standing out from the crowd. Why not simply say that among all Android-based OS’s, only GOS is being expertly and uncompromisingly crafted and maintained?
I’m under the impression that most Android phones sold around the world are a danger, why not simply invoke Hanlon’s razor? (I’m obviously not talking about smearing campaign and harassment.)
That being said, my subject was Fairphone, not its partner…
Nature protection, fair sourcing, low pollution and humane raw material extraction, and slave free sourcing are serious subjects, as are privacy and IT security.
why should we believe what they claim about the rest?
Because for the last ten years, Fairphone has been put under the spotlight, and as far as I know, no scam whatsoever has been uncovered. In the meantime, it gained recognition, prizes and labels (it’s the only Blauer Engel and TCO certified smartphone) – some environmental prizes and labels may be BS, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
I think we can reasonably believe their claims:
Fairphone’s Impact 2024
For the sake of fairness:
Google Environmental Report 2025
Google 2025 Supplier Responsibility Report
Apple 2025 Environmental Progress Report
(Apple) People and Environment in Our Supply Chain 2025
Regarding Foxconn suicides, I’ll let you draw your own conclusions when comparing Apple Progress Reports around 2010 with what actually happened:
See Previous Progress Reports
Casting doubt on Fairphone’s environmental and labour claims, the way you did, was not appropriate. I hope you’ll agree.
Can you explain how Murena spreading misinformation about GrapheneOS including fabricated stories about our team with the aim of directing harassment towards them is ethical and fits with how Fairphone presents themselves as a company?
I do not condone harassment, and it would not fit how most companies present themselves, obviously.
Understand, however, that the fair in Fairphone is related to the concept of fair trade which involves social and environmental standards, like avoiding child labour and mercury poisoning in artisanal and illegal gold mines, not this kind of BS on social networks. But any decent company would condemn swatting…
Now, did you formally present the facts that you’re denouncing to Fairphone?
Have Fairphone been duly informed? Did you get a response?
Did you let Fairphone a chance to comment on their partnership with the Murena and the e Foundation before implying that Fairphone is being dishonest in its commitments?
Are you expecting a positive outcome and good relations with other actors in the industry?
Also, the facts that you’re denouncing are serious, the ones you’re accusing of calumny are under the EU jurisdiction. I’m personally not a fan of never-ending mutual accusations on social networks and forums…
Disclaimer: I am not involved with any of the aforementioned parties; I’ve always been a Fairphone sympathiser, but never bought one of its devices, having determined that only GOS would put my mind at ease regarding security and privacy.