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Discover the best ethical phones of 2026. Find out what to look for, what’s new, and how to lower your phone’s environmental impact.
Written by Yasmin Maagbe, Content and PR Executive | Environment and Consumer Electronics
Last updated on 13 July 2026
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 2026, here’s our pick of the best sustainable phones. If you’re seeking an eco‑friendly phone in 2026, read on to find which model might suit you best.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Longevity | 5 year warranty and software support until 2033 |
| Repairability | Modular and repairable publicly available spare parts |
| Recycled Materials | Made from more than 50% recycled materials |
| Lifetime Carbon Footprint | It's 100% e-waste neutral |
| Release Date | 2025 |
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.
Historically, Fairphone releases a new smartphone every 2years, so it lines up that we could expect the Fairphone 7 in 2027. Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck has teased that they will be releasing two new products but has hinted that it could be a completely different form factor - could we get a Fairphone Tablet?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Longevity | 3 years of updates and support until 2028 |
| Repairability | Repair kits available through iFixit |
| Recycled Materials | Device material recoverability rate 79.1% and eco-rating of 9/10 (iFixit) |
| Lifetime Carbon Footprint | Not reported |
| Release Date | 2025 |
While Fairphone leads the pack, the HMD Fusion is a strong runner-up for the most eco-friendly phone. Released in June 2025, the HMD Fusion offers solid features and a commitment to repairability and longevity, making it a fantastic option for those on a budget.
Although the HMD Fusion doesn’t actually feature recycled materials within the main body of the device, the packaging is 100% recyclable. The good news is that once the HMD Fusion reaches its end-of-life, all of the materials can be recovered as energy making the device material recoverability rate a respectable 79.1%. Not to mention that it’s powered by the impressive Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 which will guarantee smooth use.
This phone features a 5000mAh battery, 108MP wide camera, a 50MP front camera, as well as 4GB, 8GB and 12GB of RAM. On the sustainability front, this smartphone is fantastic in terms of repairability. Having collaborated with iFixit, this device allows you to easily replace the battery, charging port and other internal components. In addition to this, you have the option to add various smart outfits which include options like a video game console or a wireless charging accessory which is great when this phone does not natively support wireless charging.
Priced around £200-£299, the HMD Fusion is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable phone without compromising on eco-friendliness. It's an excellent option for users who want a functional phone that they can extend the life of.
Image courtesy of Nokia website
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Longevity | 5-7 years of security and support until 2032 |
| Repairability | OEM parts available from Apple |
| Recycled Materials | 100% plastic-free boxes and uses 100% recycle cobalt |
| Lifetime Carbon Footprint | 55kg of CO2-e |
| Release Date | 2025 |
The iPhone 17 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 2025 iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 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.
Did you know, the phone you already own is actually the best sustainable smartphone? So, 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.
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.
Relevant reading:
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 HMD Fusion and the eco-friendly iPhone 17, 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.
When on the hunt for the best sustainable phones in 2026, it can be super confusing. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of most common questions to help you make a more informed decision.
A sustainable smartphone aims to keep its total carbon footprint as low as possible over its whole lifecycle. They are built to last, are easy to repair / upgrade and are recyclable at the end. A sustainable phone is also made from recycled and ethically sourced materials rather than newly mined ones.
Fairphone is considered the most eco-friendly phone on the market right now with the latest being the Fairphone 6 with rumours of the Fairphone 7 later this year. It is the most modular and repairable design made with over 50% recycled materials and software support of 8 years.
Overall, the Apple iPhone ranks higher than Samsung smartphones on sustainability. This comes down to a smaller carbon footprint per device, iOS software support that keeps phones usable for longer and a supply chain that leans more heavily on recycled materials and renewable energy.
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