Smartphones

European smartphone manufacturers focus on durable, repairable devices. Production and supply chains remain within Europe.

  • 5 providers
  • From 0 EUR
  • 1 Open Source
  • Updated 2026

In detail

What European smartphones do differently

Manufacturers like Fairphone, Shiftphone and Volla use modular designs: battery, display and camera can be replaced individually, which keeps the devices usable for longer and reduces e-waste. Fairphone states up to ten years of software support, while HMD (Nokia) provides multi-year update guarantees. Providers such as Murena (/e/OS) and Volla rely on Android variants without Google services, giving users more control over their own data. The companies are based in the EU (Netherlands, Finland, Germany and France) and disclose their supply chains.

All Alternatives in Detail

European smartphone models with modular designs and long software support periods.

Fairphone

Modular smartphone with 10-year software update guarantee

Netherlands
instead of iPhone / Samsung Galaxy
  • 10 years of software support guaranteed
  • Self-repairable, all modules replaceable
  • Fairtrade Gold and conflict-free minerals
  • Modular design: battery, display, camera individually replaceable
Fairphone 6 from €599 · Fairphone 5 from €649 (older model)

HMD / Nokia

Android smartphones with Scandinavian design

Finland
instead of iPhone SE / Samsung Galaxy A series
  • Clean Android without bloatware
  • 3 years of OS updates, 4 years of security updates
  • Entry-level available from 99 €
  • Robust build quality, durable
From 99 € (entry-level) · Mid-range from 299 € · Flagship from 499 €

Shiftphone

Repairable smartphones developed in Germany

Germany
instead of iPhone / Pixel
  • Fully modular and repairable
  • Long-term spare parts supply guaranteed
  • Produced in Germany and Asia
  • Android without Google services possible
SHIFTphone 8.1 from €695 · SHIFT5me from €177 · Spare parts from €9.90

Murena / /e/OS

Open Source

Privacy-focused smartphones running /e/OS

France
instead of iPhone (privacy focus)
  • Android without Google tracking and services
  • Privacy score for all installed apps
  • Own cloud ecosystem (Murena Cloud)
  • Installable on many Samsung/Pixel devices
Murena Fairphone Gen. 6 from €599 · Murena Teracube 2s from €389 · /e/OS installable on other devices free of charge

Volla Phone

Privacy-oriented Android smartphone from Germany

Germany
instead of Google Pixel (privacy focus)
  • Volla OS: Android without Google services and telemetry
  • Optional Ubuntu Touch support
  • Replaceable battery and IP68 certification (Plinius series)
  • Developed and partially produced in Germany
Volla Phone X23 from 564 € · Volla Phone Plinius from 598 € · Volla Phone Quintus 719 €

Frequently Asked Questions

What sustainability features does Fairphone offer?

Fairphone uses Fairtrade-certified and recycled materials, offers 10 years of software support, and allows complete self-repair. This extends the device lifespan and reduces e-waste and CO₂ emissions over time.

Can I use all apps with a Fairphone?

Fairphone runs standard Android (Google) and supports all apps from the Play Store. There is also a version with /e/OS without Google services for users who want more control over their data.

What is /e/OS?

/e/OS is an Android fork without Google services, developed by Murena. Instead of Google apps, it uses privacy-friendly alternatives. Some banking apps may not work.

What are the differences between European smartphones and iPhone or Samsung?

Fairphone, Nokia, and Shiftphone offer standard Android functionality. Apple and Samsung flagships typically use cameras and housing materials from higher price segments. Fairphone and Shiftphone are modular and allow component-level repair.