E-waste, or electronic waste, is electrical equipment that’s no longer wanted. It can contain dangerous chemicals or rare materials that make it too dangerous for landfill.
It’s the world’s fastest growing waste stream and it has a big environmental and human impact.
That’s why, as a SIM-only network, we encourage all our users to opt for an eco phone. Whether that’s a B Corp Fairphone, a refurbished handset or a Teracube. Check out a summary of each of these phones below!
1. Fairphone 4
Price: £499.00
If you haven’t heard of Fairphone and you’re interested in buying an eco phone then you should definitely check them out.
The Fairphone is the world’s most sustainable smartphone – both in its original design and by making repairs as easy as possible. Its modular design makes it really easy to repair. In fact, it’s the only smartphone in the world to be awarded a perfect iFixit score for repairability. The Fairphone 4 is 5G enabled and comes with an incredible 5 year warranty.
Want to read more about Fairphone and their ethics? Read our blog here.
2. iPhone 12 64GB (refurbished)
Price: £440
The most eco choice you can make when it comes to your phone is choosing to keep your current handset for as long as possible. The second most eco choice? Buying a refurbished phone.
So many of our phones end up in landfill or being taken apart in dangerous ways in informal e-waste sites. So opting for a refurbished handset can make a huge difference. Plus, if you buy through Reboxed or Relove Technology, two of our favourite suppliers, you can’t tell the difference between a new and refurbished handset.
There are two types of refurbished phones. The first is manufacturer-refurbished. It’s a phone recreated ‘like new’ usually including a new battery and often a new outer casing. These are the most expensive type of secondhand phone and usually come with new accessories and a full warranty. The second is retailer-refurbished. These are secondhand phones that have been tested to check they work and repaired if necessary. Usually cheaper, they are often sold using grades, which describe the external condition of the phone.
Reboxed are currently selling a refurbished iPhone 12 64GB for £440.
3. The Teracube Ultra-Reliable Smartphone
Price: £189
The Teracube is cheaper than most smartphones – costing £189. Sustainable, repairable, and with a 4-year warranty – yes 4 years – it’s designed to be repaired over and over again.
The warranty includes free two-way shipping for repairs and affordable repairs for accidental damage outside of warranty. You can even fix the phone yourself – it’s DIY repairable and designed to be dissembled and reassembled. Unlike some of the big guys who glue your phone shut! The Teracube also has a replaceable battery. This is a phone to outlast all others, to cut down on ewaste and help save the planet!
4. iPhone 12 64GB (on lease)
Price: £23.99/month
You can lease a phone for 12 or 24 months with Raylo. Raylo is a smartphone subscription service. New or refurb you pay less for the device because you don’t actually own the hardware at the end of the contract. And when you’re done, you can swap to a newer model.
You’re free to use a SIM-only plan with the phone – which if you check out their website – works out cheaper than paying for both upfront. Use this link and get a £25 Amazon voucher when you order.
Sources:
iPhone 12 Pro: https://www.apple.com/environment/pdf/products/iphone/iPhone_12_Pro_Max_PER_Oct2020.pdf
iPhone 12: https://www.apple.com/environment/pdf/products/iphone/iPhone_12_PER_Oct2020.pdf