Cover Fairphone, HMD and CMF are leading the way in modular phone designs. By highlighting repairability, ethical sourcing and customisability, these new wave of smartphones might be the future of smartphone design (Photos: Fairphone, HMD, CMF)
Fairphone, HMD and CMF are leading the way in modular phone designs. By highlighting repairability, ethical sourcing and customisability, these new wave of smartphones might be the future of smartphone design (Photos: Fairphone, HMD, CMF)
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Modular smartphone pioneers Fairphone, HMD and CMF are redefining mobile tech with sustainable, customisable designs
Customisation was once a defining feature of mobile phones. In the early 2000s, users embraced a thriving ecosystem of phone peripherals that offered freedom to personalise devices—swapping colourful fascias, replacing keypads, removing and upgrading batteries, and attaching a variety of accessories.
These features fostered creativity and extended the lifespan of devices. However, the rise of touchscreen smartphones brought a shift toward sealed, minimalist designs that prioritised sleekness and uniformity over modularity. As a result, most customisable features vanished. Today, phone cases remain the most common form of personalisation, but they serve primarily as superficial protection with little to no integration into the phone’s core functionality. The once-vibrant culture of modularity gave way to a more closed, disposable model—until now.
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Modular vs traditional smartphones: a design rebellion
Modern smartphones are typically sealed units with no user-replaceable parts. This approach simplifies manufacturing, helps achieve dust and water resistance and supports sleek designs. However, consumer advocates also cite another reason for the lack of user-serviceable parts in modern phones: planned obsolescence.
With new models released every eight to 12 months, consumers are discouraged from repairing their devices. Instead, they often upgrade entirely, fuelling a relentless cycle of consumption.
Above The CMF Phone 1 was first released in 2024. Since then, users have 3D-printed various modular accessories (Photo: Nothing)
The CMF Phone 1 was first released in 2024. Since then, users have 3D-printed various modular accessories (Photo: Nothing)
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Modular phones present a radical departure from this model. Designed for longevity and customisation, these phones allow users to swap out components like the screen, battery and even camera modules, all using standard tools. The result? A phone that evolves with you, rather than expires on schedule.
HMD Fusion: modularity made simple
Above HMD Fusion's modular accesories include Outfit cases with flash and a dedicated gaming controller (Photo: HMD)
HMD Fusion's modular accesories include Outfit cases with flash and a dedicated gaming controller (Photo: HMD)
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Finnish manufacturer HMD, best known for producing Nokia-branded phones, is venturing into modular territory with the HMD Fusion. Designed as a midrange device, the Fusion features a 6.56-inch screen, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and a removable, modular back panel known as Outfits.
These Outfits, which attach via connector pins, range from basic coloured covers to functional accessories like the Smart Outfit—featuring a flip-up flash powered by the phone—and a Gaming Outfit with dual joysticks and triggers that transforms the Fusion into a handheld console.
HMD has prioritised repairability, using standard screws instead of glue. Users can replace the screen, battery and other internal components themselves. The company has also released a toolkit for developers and hobbyists to design their own Outfits using 3D printing.
Fairphone 5: prioritising repairability and ethical sourcing
Above The Fairphone 5 is built using ethical manufacturing with sustainable and recycled materials under fair labor practices (Photo: Fairphone)
The Fairphone 5 is built using ethical manufacturing with sustainable and recycled materials under fair labor practices (Photo: Fairphone)
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Dutch company Fairphone has been leading the sustainable smartphone movement since 2013. Its latest model, the Fairphone 5, is engineered for a 10-year lifespan, supported by a five-year warranty and eight years of software updates.
Powered by a Qualcomm chipset and featuring IP54 resistance, the Fairphone 5 is designed with repairability and ethical sourcing in mind. It uses no glue in its assembly, instead relying on screws, so components like the battery, screen, camera modules, USB port and earpiece can be replaced individually.
The phone’s body is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium, and its supply chain prioritises fair trade practices. It ships with a de-Googled version of Android called /e/OS, but users can opt to install other Android distributions—or even Linux.
CMF by Nothing: stylish, accessible modularity
Above CMF Phone 2 Pro has various attachment points for multiple accessories such as extra lenses, magnetic folding stand and lanyard (Photo: Nothing)
CMF Phone 2 Pro has various attachment points for multiple accessories such as extra lenses, magnetic folding stand and lanyard (Photo: Nothing)
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CMF, a sub-brand of British tech upstart Nothing, has released the CMF Phone 2 Pro, its second modular phone. Designed with affordability in mind, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and also carries an IP54 rating.
Rather than overhaul the entire phone, CMF focuses on modular accessories that attach to the back panel. Users can swap in add-on lenses (such as fisheye or macro), magnetic folding stands, or even wallet attachments. An extra thumb screw on the corner allows lanyards or other accessories to be secured. The backplates themselves can be removed with a screwdriver and 3D printed for further customisation.
Better phones mean a better future
Above The Fairphone 5 has components that come from fair and ethical sources (Photo: Fairphone)
The Fairphone 5 has components that come from fair and ethical sources (Photo: Fairphone)
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Despite their promise, modular phones face challenges—chief among them being the trade-off between flexibility and sleek design. Consumer habits, driven by rapid upgrade cycles, also present a barrier to widespread adoption.
However, as environmental concerns gain urgency and regulations around e-waste tighten, modular designs could become the new standard. With brands like Fairphone, HMD and CMF leading the charge, the smartphone of the future may not just be smarter—it may also be more sustainable, more durable and more personalised.
