Commown - 2 - A FairPhone Running Android, Available at Commown
jeudi 1 janvier 1970 à 01:00# Introduction
As part of my partnership with Commown, I've had the opportunity to test FairPhone smartphones, specifically the FairPhone 4 and 6, to form an opinion and write a series of articles in support of Commown. I plan to write dedicated articles about the hardware itself, migrating to /e/OS Murena, and more. In this article, I'd like to focus on the FairPhone and Android combination, as FairPhone devices are shipped by default with this operating system.
# Android 16
On its social networks, FairPhone has announced that it is making Android version 16 available for its latest model, the FairPhone 6.
We have big news. The Fairphone (Gen. 6) is now the first Fairphone device to receive Android 16.
With the latest update, Fairphone owners can expect improvements to everyday usability, accessibility and security. Device longevity is paramount at Fairphone, and this update reflects our commitment to making sure Fairphone devices remain secure, reliable, and relevant for many years to come. The Fairphone (Gen. 6) is our smartest smartphone yet : with a five-year warranty, software support till 2033, and a modular design that's easy to maintain, it's truly built to last. So if you're looking for a solid Android device that's designed to last double the industry average, look no further. Switch to Fairphone. Switch to the one that lasts.
The Fairphone (6th generation) is now the first Fairphone device to receive Android 16. With this latest update, Fairphone owners can expect improvements in everyday usability, accessibility, and security. Device longevity is a top priority for FairPhone, and this update reflects our commitment to ensuring that FairPhone devices remain secure, reliable, and relevant for many years to come. The Fairphone (6th generation) is our smartest smartphone yet : with a five-year warranty, software support until 2033, and a modular design that's easy to maintain, it's truly built to last. So if you're looking for a solid Android device designed to last twice as long as the industry average, look no further.
For my part, with the FairPhone 4 running Android, I've settled for the security updates of version 15 and a few tests to validate Android's integration on the smartphone.
# The Entire Google Ecosystem and No Bloatware
The version of Android provided for FairPhones is **Android Stock**.
Android Stock also means having all the Google ecosystem apps pre-installed and non-removable—though some can be disabled.
In a professional context, I used a Motorola smartphone that came with stock Android. Personally, as a Samsung user, I've been accustomed to OneUI, Samsung's custom interface (and thus Samsung's version of Android), for many years.
# Starting the Smartphone and Using It
Anyone who has used an Android phone before will feel right at home. Quickly, you're prompted to connect to Wi-Fi and add your Google account. For my tests, I created a new, dedicated “disposable” account (which I won't use later). And I can confirm : this is Android, and you won't feel out of place.
# The Issues with Android
## Android Is Closing Up
Starting in September 2026, Google will block the installation of external apps on all Android smartphones—nearly 70% of the world's smartphones. This is a fundamental change in how our smartphones work, imposed by a giant asserting its dominance. It will limit our ability to free ourselves from Google and prevent us from downloading apps from alternative stores like F-Droid. Additionally, it will no longer be possible to develop Android apps without registering with Google. Anyone wanting to develop an Android app will, among other things, have to provide an official ID, comply with Google's (likely restrictive) terms of use, and pay fees to Google.
Source : Commown's LinkedIn page !
Korben also covers this : Google wants to verify the identity of all Android developers, and it threatens F-Droid
For more information :
– An Open Letter Opposing Android Developer Verification
– Dedicated website : https://keepandroidopen.org/fr/.
This closure is not a good sign... And yet, on the other hand...
## Europe Pushes for Open Banking Apps
On Android, it's Google that decides whether your banking app is allowed to work. A European consortium aims to end this invisible monopoly with a free project called UnifiedAttestation.
Android : Europe Targets Google's Secret System Controlling Your Apps and Wants an Open-Source Alternative.
# FairPhone - MyFairPhone App
On the smartphone, one app caught my attention : **"MyFairPhone"**
I think this app is a great idea. I'll be writing a dedicated article on the subject.
# My Final Opinion & Next Steps
The FairPhone running Android is a smartphone... running Android. For the hardware, usage, etc., those will be the subjects of dedicated article(s). If you need a smartphone with Android (with the necessity of using proprietary apps and accepting the constraints of the ecosystem : Google account, data sharing with Google), and you have the financial means (on this point, the leasing option via Commown is a good compromise, allowing you to spread the cost over time while supporting their approach),
**What's important to remember here is that I find it a shame to go through the effort of choosing a FairPhone and then staying on Android. So, the next step will be to switch it to Murena /e/OS ! If you're going to switch, you might as well go all the way !**
This will be the topic of upcoming articles.










