Fairphone 6+ Leaks Reveal 12GB RAM Boost and New Cobalt Blue Finish

Leaked images and retail listings have revealed the upcoming Fairphone 6+, a refreshed iteration of the company's latest sustainable smartphone. The new model signals a strategic shift toward higher performance specifications while maintaining the modular hardware foundation of its predecessor.

According to reports from GSMArena and NewMobile, the most significant upgrade is a jump to 12GB of RAM, up from the 8GB found in the standard Fairphone 6. The device will retain 256GB of internal storage. While the internals see a boost, the external chassis remains unchanged. Martijn Rodenboog, Editor-in-Chief of NewMobile, noted that the device looks identical to the previous model, a strong indication that the 6+ will share the same appearance and accessory ecosystem, including the Finger Loop, Protective Case, and Card Holder. The refresh also introduces a new 'Cobalt Blue' color option, joining the existing Horizon Black and Forest Green variants.

A Mid-Cycle Strategy

Fairphone typically operates on a two-year generational cycle, having released the Fairphone 4 in 2021, the Fairphone 5 in 2023, and the Fairphone 6 in 2025. The introduction of the 6+ appears to be a mid-cycle refresh. By keeping the hardware chassis identical, Fairphone can iterate on performance and aesthetics without requiring users to purchase new accessories or redesigning the modular components that define the brand's repairability standards.

Prioritizing Device Longevity

The increase to 12GB of RAM is a critical move given the current volatility of the global semiconductor and DRAM markets. For a company focused on sustainability, higher memory capacity is not about luxury, but longevity. Increased RAM allows the device to handle more demanding software updates and emerging AI features over a longer period, directly supporting Fairphone's mission to extend the usable lifespan of consumer electronics and reduce e-waste.

Market Outlook

While official pricing has not been announced, the standard Fairphone 6 is priced at €599 for the base model. Industry analysts expect the 6+ to carry a slight premium to account for the additional RAM. Observers will be watching to see if this performance bump is accompanied by any software-level optimizations specifically tailored for the increased memory, or if the 6+ serves primarily as a high-spec alternative for power users within the sustainable ecosystem.