The Fairphone 3+ improves significantly for the photo

Already a new version of the Fairphone. Less than a year after the launch of the Model 3, the Dutch manufacturer of the smartphone of the same name has released a new device since the end of this summer. As its name suggests, the Fairphone 3+ is only an evolution compared to the 3 model, but an important evolution: the photo sensor, which has always been a weakness of this smartphone, has been changed. A welcome update for a device that doesn't yet compete with high-end devices.

Remember that the Fairphone is, by far, the most ethical phone on the market. First, because its designer pays particular attention to working conditions in the factories of its subcontractors. Then because he tries to use minerals from regions where there are no conflicts and where children do not work. Finally, the Fairphone is renowned for its modularity: it is possible to change the battery, audio module, screen and of course photo sensor yourself – a small screwdriver is always supplied with the device.

Better quality sensors

Lent by Digitec for this test, the 3+ model remains a massive phone (158 x 71.8 x 9.89 mm), heavy (188 grams) and equipped with borders, which gives it a little outdated air. But the main thing is not there: if you buy this device, it is above all because you believe in the values ​​defended by Fairphone. But we also want a phone capable of offering acceptable performance.

In recent years – the first model was released seven years ago – the quality of the photo sensor has always been the weak point of this mobile. A giant leap had been accomplished with version 3. The 3+ model made significant progress on this point. In terms of resolution, the new sensor manufactured by Samsung is much better: we go for the sensor on the back with a resolution of 12 to 48 million pixels, and on the front from 8 to 16 million pixels. But it's not the millions of pixels that do everything: image processing by camera software has an increasingly important role to play.

Satellite TV For PC - How to Watch Satellite TV on Your PC? - By Vidhya PerumalIn the past, in order for a... http://t.co/ZcvBVnyO

— darkroomandprocessin Fri Dec 30 06:01:05 +0000 2011

Cold photos

We compared the shots taken by the Fairphone 3+ with those taken with an iPhone 11 Pro. Verdict: Dutch mobile is doing quite well. His photos are certainly very cold, but this is a feature that may appeal to some. At the level of detail with medium brightness, images offer more on Apple's phone, but this sometimes varies for the background, where the Fairphone sometimes matches. At night, when the light is low, the iPhone distances the Fairphone more clearly. The latter has made progress for the “portrait mode”, even if the effects of blurring the background are not always exceptional. The system sometimes fails to clearly highlight the face in the foreground. But overall the performance is good.

There are also other small changes for this 3+ model. First, the loudspeaker is more powerful. Secondly, the percentage of recycled plastic used for the phone has increased from 9% to 40% since model 3. The mobile is now offered with Android version 10 and the general performance of the device is good, both in terms of responsiveness than battery life. Please note that the basic memory is only 64 GB, but it is possible to add a memory card.

Read also: In clear progress, the Fairphone 3 is an interesting alternative

Modules offered separately

On the price side, the 3+ model is sold for 419 euros (about 451 francs) on the Fairphone site, 499 francs at Digitec. Model 3 is offered respectively 369 euros (398 francs) and 419 francs at Digitec. For those who already own a Fairphone 3, it is possible to buy the new front photo sensor for 59.95 euros and the rear sensor for 34.95 euros on the manufacturer's website.

This modularity is exemplary and unique on the market. But we must not forget that this phone, or at least the previous versions, was marred by bugs. Many users have complained about issues with the mic or overheating phones. Devices also turned off several times a day for no reason. Even if the brand's after-sales service seems to do its best to help customers, it must be remembered that this phone is not perfect.