Apple vs Fairphone: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 1,443 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 3,170 total smartphone records
Last updated: · Fix rates refresh when openrepair.org publishes new data, about once a year
The Bottom Line
Apple has a slight repairability edge at 61.4% vs 57.5%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. Fairphone only has 73 repairs on record, so treat its numbers as a rough guide. They break in different ways. Apple's most common issue is Screen/Display (32.1%), while Fairphone mostly comes in for Battery (17.8%). Professional teardowns give Fairphone a 9.4/10 repairability score vs 6.1/10, meaning it's physically easier to open up and fix. France's government repairability index confirms this, scoring Fairphone at 9.3/10 vs 6.1/10.
If durability matters most:
We can't pick a winner yet: Fairphone only has 73 repairs on record. Choose based on features, price, and the specific model for now.
Based on 1,443 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
Head-to-head reliability data for Apple vs Fairphone smartphones, based on 1,443 community repair records. Apple has the higher fix rate (61.4% vs 57.5%), on a small sample.
| Metric | Apple | Fairphone |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 61.4% | 57.5% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | N/A | $22.45/pt |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (32.1%) | Battery (17.8%) |
| Sample Size | 1,370 | 73 |
| Typical Age at Repair | 4 years | Under 100 ages |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 6.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| French Repairability IndexGovernment-mandated, 0-10 | 6.1/10avg of 29 models | 9.3/10avg of 6 models |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.
Premium
Apple
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Renewed
No premium smartphone from Fairphone
Value
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Common Failure Types
Apple
Fairphone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple or Fairphone more reliable for smartphones?
Too early to call. Apple repairs succeed 61.4% of the time and Fairphone 57.5%, but Fairphone only has 73 repairs on record.
What are the most common Apple vs Fairphone smartphone failures?
Apple's top issues are screen/display and battery. Fairphone's top issues are battery and screen/display.
Should I buy Apple or Fairphone if durability matters?
We can't call this one yet: Fairphone only has 73 repairs on record. For now, choose based on features, price, and reviews of the specific model.
Check a Specific Model
Brand averages only go so far. Your specific model matters too. See repair costs, repairability scores, and failure data for individual smartphones.