Smartphone startup Fairphone unveiled a “relaunched” version of its Fairphone 2, with a redesign it says “gives the modular phone a completely new look”.

The company said the move will introduce the device to a broader audience, while enabling its 50,000 owners to update the appearance of their existing smartphones.

Fairphone 2 reached the market in December last year, and the company said it is using a modular design to “create longer lasting phones and combat the rapid phone replacement cycle”.

The most commonly damaged component – the screen – can be replaced in less than one minute without tools, and other modules can be repaired “with only a screwdriver”.

The company said the design refresh is also a benefit of modularity. The new covers are said to protect the phone without the need for an additional case; are slimmer; come in four new covers; and are easier to fit and remove.

Fairphone 2 is available for preorder with a price of €525 via Fairphone’s web store.