Best Sustainable Phones 2025

While smartphones are often praised for their breakthroughs in power, affordability or hardware, you rarely hear about ones that are truly sustainable. Fortunately, some manufacturers still break the status quo by building with longevity, repairability and lower environmental impact in mind.

So, updated for 2025, here’s our pick of the most sustainable phones. If you’re seeking an eco‑friendly phone in 2025, read on to find which model (or strategy) might suit you best.

1. Fairphone 6

Fairphone remains a leader in the ethical smartphone industry, and the Fairphone 6, released in June 2025, continues to set new standards for sustainability. This Dutch company is well-known for creating modular, repairable phones with a commitment to fair trade and environmental responsibility.

The Fairphone 6 is no exception. It comes equipped with 5G support, Android 15, triple rear cameras, a powerful 4,415 mAh removable Li-ion battery, and 8GB of RAM, all while sporting an impressive 10/10 repairability score from iFixit. It’s a phone designed for longevity, with a 5-year warranty and guaranteed software support till 2033. 

Fairphone is leading the charge in the circular economy, using more than 50% recycled products in fair factories to create 100% e-waste neutral products. It is a perfect choice for anyone who’s serious about reducing their carbon footprint while still enjoying the latest tech features.

Image courtesy of Fairphone website

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2. Nokia G22

While Fairphone leads the pack, the Nokia G22 is a strong runner-up for the most eco-friendly phone. Released in March 2023, the Nokia G22 offers solid features and a commitment to repairability and longevity, making it a fantastic option for those on a budget.

This phone features a 5050 mAh battery, three rear cameras, an 8MP front camera, and 4GB of RAM. Its standout feature, however, is its QuickFix design, which allows users to replace the battery and other parts themselves. The 100% recycled plastic back cover adds another layer of sustainability, and while the phone doesn’t support 5G, it offers two years of major software updates and three years of security updates.

Priced just over £100, the Nokia G22 is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable phone without compromising on eco-friendliness or repairability. It's an excellent option for users who want a functional phone that they can easily repair and extend the life of.

Image courtesy of Nokia website

3. Apple iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 may not be the first phone to come to mind when you think of ethical phones, but Apple has made notable strides toward sustainability. Apple’s 2024 iPhone 16 comes with several eco-friendly upgrades, including packaging that is 100% plastic-free and a 55% reduction in lifetime CO2 emissions compared to its predecessors.

While not as repairable as the Fairphone 6, the iPhone 16 does offer 6-7 years of iOS updates and security patches, which is impressive for a mainstream phone. Apple has also made progress by using recycled materials in the phone’s components, such as recycled rare earth metals and 100% recycled tin soldering. While the iPhone 16 might not hit all the sustainability marks of Fairphone, it’s a solid choice for users who prefer the iOS ecosystem but still want to make a greener choice.

4. Your Current Phone

Before you rush out to buy a new phone, have you considered keeping your current one for a little longer? Extending the lifespan of your current phone is one of the most sustainable things you can do.

By keeping your phone for 4 years instead of 18 months, you can reduce its environmental impact by 40%. Most phones are still perfectly capable of handling updates and new features for several years, so if yours is still working, there's no need to replace it just yet.

If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, continue using your current phone until it no longer meets your needs. And when the time comes to upgrade, get the best price to sell your phone with Compare and Recycle.

5. Any Refurbished Phone

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning refurbished phones. Any smartphone can be refurbished to quality standards if it isn’t beyond repair. You can find well-known brands among certified refurbished phones like OnePlus, Huawei, Apple and Samsung, if Fairphone, Nokia or Google don’t take your fancy.

Refurbished smartphones are gaining popularity and every year an increasing number of people choose a new phone for themselves from a refurbished range. The benefits are not only environmental but also financial as refurbished smartphones have lower price tags than brand new phones. Choosing a refurbished phone not only extends the useful life of that particular device, but also reduces its carbon footprint as there it doesn’t require any extraction of raw materials.

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As sustainable phones become more accessible, it’s easier than ever to make an environmentally responsible choice when upgrading your smartphone. From modular designs like the Fairphone 6 to the affordable Nokia G22 and the eco-friendly iPhone 16, there are plenty of options that combine sustainability with functionality.

If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider keeping your current phone longer or opting for a refurbished device to help minimise your environmental impact. No matter which option you choose, making the shift toward more sustainable tech choices will help create a greener future for all.