You can’t really have a ‘sustainable smartphone’, as all are made with mined materials (the display usually has animal cholesterol and glue may contain casein). The most ‘ethical smartphone’ options are not to have one, or to buy a refurbished version (the brands below offer second-hand options).
This mindfulness fan went on a ‘smartphone fast’ for 30 days, using a ‘dumb simple phone’ for calls and texts, and locking his smartphone away in a drawer. It took 4 days for him to stop ‘looking at his phone that wasn’t there’, but by then, he felt much better. By week 3 he was sleeping better, replacing phone scrolling with a book and herbal tea. He also ‘experienced moments’ rather than taking photos of everything.
When he returned to using his smartphone, he did so with boundaries. It charges in the kitchen (never the bedroom), he only checks his inbox twice daily, and ‘takes Sunday nights off’.
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The Right to Repairable Smartphones
The recent Right to Repair Act excludes phones and laptops, which rather defeats the object. Apple threw its toys out of the pram and eventually conceded, but now sells an expensive DIY repair kit, which is not really much better.
Apple aims to promote a vision of repair where the manufacturer almost completely retains control on the product, setting high prices for parts, scaring consumers away from self-repair. While using software to limit use of third-party spares, as well as the reuse of existing parts. This is far from the Right to Repair we need. The Restart Project
Fairphone (recycled and conflict-free)
The new Fairphone 6 is backed by a 5-year warranty and 8 years of software support. Drop-tested with scratchproof glass, it’s also rainproof with modular parts to replace and repair.
Nothing is glued shut. So you can replace any of the 12 parts in minutes, to keep your phone in good order for years.
Keep Club gives rewards, the longer you keep your existing phone. You can recycle your old phone, to redeem credit. So rather than earn points for buying new phones, you earn points for buying repair parts, to help your old phone last for longer.
One way to make your mobile phone ‘greener’ is to only charge it when needed (not overnight, as this wastes energy through the early hours, once charged). Also turn down the screen brightness and remove unused apps.
Teracube (repairable Smartphones)
Teracube creates robust phones with 4-year guarantees, and easy-to-replace components like batteries and screens. Again it chooses to use recycled materials, and has easy repair guides, so you don’t have to hire someone to fix a simple job.
Made with 25% recycled polycarbonate, it has a replaceable battery with full HD+ display and dual rear cameras and a front-facing camera. You also get a pre-fitted screen protector, charging cable and biodegradable case, sent in minimal recycled packaging.
TeraCube Thrive is a safe smartphone for children (child psychologists suggest age 11 is minimum age). This sets time limits with built-in location tracking and also blocks unsafe searches (and unapproved callers).
giffgaff (affordable refurbished phones)
giffgaff is a people-owned company that sells refurbished phones. The phones carry a 12-month warranty and you get free next-day delivery with 80% battery health. Search by brand and trade in your own old phone to help pay for the cost.
Grade Mobile (more refurbished phones)
Grade Mobile is a company where you can sell unwanted phones, that are then sold at an affordable price to others. Many offer next-day delivery and 12 month warranty. You can also get money off, when you trade in your old phone. Choose the condition, storage and colour you prefer.
These are fully unlocked to work with your device, use 89% less e-waste, and sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Each phone also undergoes an intensive 90-point device check, using cutting-edge industry-leading robotics.
Doro (simple mobile phones for seniors)
Doro 8100 is a Swedish-made ‘smartphone for seniors’ and anyone fed up with constant designer one-upmanship in the industry. This has all you need (including an emergency assistance key).
And say this very quietly, but this phone is likely a good deal more understandable, for those of us not yet 65!
Doro phones also have the option of the Dora Assistance Key This blends into the phone and on pressing it, it alerts five contacts, to let them know where you are. A single long press (or three short quick presses) lets loved ones know when help is needed.
The phone calls the first contact. Then if there is no answer, it hangs up and calls the second etc. If someone answers, it automatically goes to loud speaker. If no-one answers, the loop starts again for 3 times (so 15 calls in all). The service is free but needs access to a mobile network and have credit available.
People also have five seconds to cancel, if they call accidentally. It’s also possible to pair these phones with wrist-worn Doro 3500 Bluetooth alarm triggers.
Qustodio (an app to keep children safe)
Of course, it helps to simply get your children out in nature, so they don’t spend their lives on their phone. As ‘tracking children’ is something that does not really sound healthy. But considering many are at risk from cyber-bullying, grooming and porn, an app is helpful to keep youngsters safe online.
Qustodio is one such app. It lets you ‘set downtimes’ to stop phone surfing at night, plus has caveats to keep children safe from bullying, grooming, blocked sites and more.
