There have been a handful of reports concerning Google and its Project Ara modular smartphones, and now, there are several firms who have started to follow in the tech giant’s footsteps. One such device is Fairphone 2, which aims to bring modular mobile devices to the masses. Surprisingly though, Fairphone 2 will not be a direct competitor of Project Ara handsets and instead, will take the middle road between Project Ara and un-serviceable smartphones.

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Fairphone 2 Has Modular Components, But They Are Not As Easily Replaceable As Project Ara Modules

Here is where the negative impressions of the smartphone begin to tumble. Fairphone 2 might be garbed as a modular smartphone, but its modular components are not easily replaceable as those that will be available for Project Ara smartphones. The company did make an effort to ensure that its product becomes easy to service, but it appears that the company will have to put in a little more effort, if it intends to roll out the successor of Fairphone 2.

According to the information posted on Fairphone.com, replacing older components with newer ones is far more complicated since your LEGO or puzzling building skills are not going to aid you in this matter at all. In order to replace the components, Fairphone 2 owners will have to take the device to a smartphone repair shop where trained professionals will be able to replace the components.

Now Here Are Some Perks Of Owning Fairphone 2

The smartphone does come with a replaceable outer shell that also acts as a protective layer. According to the company, additional multiple outer case versions are going to be released in the near future, which will feature both aesthetics and protection. The company has also stated that upgrading the smartphone is similar to upgrading the components in your PC so unless you do not have significant knowledge concerning your PC’s internal configuration, it would be best if you take it to the shop.

However, as far as the display is concerned, removing it will be a walk in the park as all that is required from the individual is removing the protective outer shell and pushing the pair of clips that hold the display in place. As for the hardware specifications, they have been listed below:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset2 GB of RAM32 GB of native storageDual-SIM compatibility2420 mAh removable battery8 MP primary camera sensor

In the future, the company will be gearing up to release devices that will sport better cameras sensors and NFC-capable covers. Fairphone 2 will be released this fall but will land in the European market for the price of $590 (which is equal to €525).

Currently, it is unclear if Fairphone 2 will enter the United States but seeing as how Project Ara will already be sold cheaply, the smartphone will have its luck run out rather quickly.

Image and video source: Fairphone website