In a smartphone market dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, and the countless brands running on the American Google’s Android OS, European companies might seem like underdogs. But Europe is home to a growing number of innovative smartphone makers that are carving out a niche by focusing on sustainability, privacy, and user empowerment. Whether you’re looking to support local industry, reduce your environmental impact, or simply try something different, here are the top smartphones made in Europe—or by European companies—you should know about.
1. Fairphone (Netherlands) – The Champion of Sustainable Smartphones
Fairphone, based in Amsterdam, is leading the global conversation around ethical electronics. The company takes a radically different approach to smartphone design by focusing on modularity, repairability, and fair sourcing of materials.
The Fairphone 5 combines solid performance with a long-lasting design, featuring easily replaceable components and extended software support to keep it running smoothly for years. What really sets Fairphone apart is their refurbishing program and commitment to circular economy principles—you can trade in your old device, buy refurbished units, and even repair your own phone with minimal tools.
Fairphone’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond the product itself. The company is on a mission to create a fairer electronics supply chain, and that means building long-term partnerships across the globe—from fairly mined minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to worker welfare initiatives in Asia, to recycling programs in Europe. They actively document this journey on their official blog, highlighting challenges and progress in real time.
Thanks to these efforts, Fairphone has earned international recognition for its social and environmental impact. They’ve received accolades such as B Corp certification, ranking among the top 5% of companies globally in the “Environment” category, and have been featured in sustainability indices and innovation awards across Europe.
While Fairphone is proudly European, its smartphones are currently manufactured in China. This is a strategic and values-aligned decision. Rather than avoiding China, Fairphone works directly with manufacturers there to drive systemic change from within. As they explain in their FAQ, moving production to Europe or other regions wouldn’t reduce dependence on Chinese components and could even increase the carbon footprint. Their focus is on improving working conditions and transparency throughout the supply chain, wherever it operates.
If you’re eco-conscious or simply tired of disposable tech, Fairphone is your go-to European smartphone brand—combining innovation with ethics.
2. Jolla (Finland) – Privacy-First, Powered by a European OS
Jolla, based in Finland and founded in 2011 by a group of ex-Nokia engineers, has carved a unique space in the mobile world by creating Sailfish OS—the only mobile operating system developed entirely in Europe. Designed with privacy, security, and user freedom at its core. Jolla’s Sailfish OS provides a rare alternative to mainstream mobile operating systems like Android and Apple’s iOS, offering users greater control over their data and a European-based software ecosystem
Jolla’s debut device, the Jolla 1 smartphone, launched in 2013, was a bold move: the company not only developed its own operating system but also designed the hardware from scratch, embracing a sleek Scandinavian industrial design aesthetic. Much like Apple, Jolla took full control over both hardware and software—an ambitious feat for a startup. However, while the design and engineering were Finnish, the manufacturing was done in China, leveraging the established global supply chain.
Jolla’s presence in China was part of a broader strategy—not just a cost decision. Their goal was to build technological independence while scaling their OS globally. This forward-looking vision included partnerships in Asia to distribute Sailfish OS in emerging markets and navigate around the duopoly of Google and Apple.
In 2015, Jolla split its operations to focus more tightly on its software business. According to TechCrunch, the company did plan to eventually return to producing hardware under a newly structured entity. As Jolla co-founder Antti Saarnio explained at the time, the new branch would have “freedom to do all kinds of handsets” and build a young, flexible brand capable of expanding across hardware ecosystems.
Today, Jolla primarily licenses Sailfish OS to other manufacturers, and continues to offer official support for certain Sony Xperia models. For users who prioritize European software, enhanced privacy, and open-source values, Jolla remains a standout force in mobile innovation—rooted in Finland, with a global mission.
3. Gigaset (Germany) – Proudly “Made in Germany”
Gigaset holds a truly unique position in the European smartphone market as the only manufacturer producing smartphones entirely in Germany. Based in Bocholt, where they’ve been crafting telecommunications solutions for over seven decades, Gigaset proudly stamps its devices with the prestigious “Made in Germany” label. Their flagship models, like the GX6 PRO, showcase premium features, rugged durability, and sleek design—all backed by stringent German quality standards.
But Gigaset’s ambitions go beyond high-quality hardware. With their “Fair for Future” promise, the company places strong emphasis on sustainability, social responsibility, and fairness, aiming to create products that benefit both current and future generations. From eco-conscious manufacturing processes to initiatives tackling social inequality, Gigaset is committed to responsible innovation.
In 2024, Gigaset underwent a significant transition: its assets, including the Bocholt manufacturing facilities, were acquired by VTech Holdings Limited, a global, US-based, electronics leader. Despite this change in ownership, Gigaset continues to operate under its well-established brand, maintaining its commitment to local production and European craftsmanship.
4. HMD Global (Finland) – The Home of Modern Nokia Phones
HMD Global, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, is best known for reviving the Nokia mobile phone brand. While the company is fundamentally European, it has faced scrutiny over the years for relying heavily on manufacturing and data processing in China, sparking privacy and security concerns—particularly among enterprise and government clients.
In response, HMD has begun to relocalize parts of its supply chain, announcing in early 2023 that it would start shifting some of its smartphone manufacturing to Europe. The move aims to address growing demand from security-conscious sectors and meet stricter sustainability standards. Though specific locations were initially kept confidential for security reasons, by late 2023, HMD confirmed that its first European-made 5G smartphone, the Nokia XR21, had rolled off the line and was available for enterprise customers.
👉 TechCrunch – February 2023
👉 TechCrunch – October 2023
👉 HMD Press Release
This pivot supports HMD’s evolving multi-brand strategy, where it now markets both Nokia-branded devices and upcoming models under its own HMD label. The company positions itself as Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer, and its step toward localized production may help rebuild trust and credibility—especially among users prioritizing data protection, supply chain transparency, and sustainability.
While not all HMD devices are currently made in Europe, the strategic shift marks a significant milestone for the European smartphone industry, and HMD’s future looks increasingly homegrown.
5. Nothing (United Kingdom) – British Design, Indian Manufacturing, and a Minimalist Vision
Nothing Technology Limited, headquartered in London, has quickly become one of the most talked-about new players in the smartphone market. Founded by Carl Pei (co-founder of OnePlus), the company made waves with its Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2)—both offering a sleek and bloat-free experience that competes directly with devices from Samsung and other established brands.
Although Nothing is proudly a British company, its smartphones are manufactured in Chennai, India, contributing to local job creation and regional tech innovation. According to the company, the upcoming Nothing Phone (3a) series will also be Made in India, reinforcing their commitment to scalable, cost-effective production.
On the sustainability front, Nothing is taking promising steps. In 2023, the brand launched its first official after-sales service centre in India and partnered with third-party providers to roll out a trade-in program for Phone (2) users in the UK. This initiative supports responsible device recycling and value recovery, offering customers a greener way to upgrade while reducing electronic waste.
While their devices aren’t European-made, Nothing’s design, innovation, and sustainability ethos are very much rooted in Europe, with a growing global footprint and a sharp eye on both aesthetics and eco-conscious practices.
Honorable Mentions:
Emporia (Austria) – Simplifying Mobile Tech for Seniors
Founded in Austria, Emporia Telecom focuses on making technology accessible for everyone, especially seniors and users who prefer simpler, more intuitive devices. Emporia designs its smartphones in Europe, prioritizing ergonomic features, loud and clear audio, physical buttons, and robust build quality. While manufacturing typically takes place in Asia, the company’s commitment to accessibility and ease of use has made it a trusted name in the senior tech market. Plus, Emporia places a strong emphasis on long-term usability and reparability, aligning well with Europe’s broader sustainability goals.
Archos (France) – Pioneers of Affordable Tech
Archos, a French electronics company, has long been known for its innovative approach to affordable consumer tech. Based in France, Archos has produced a range of smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices aimed at providing budget-friendly technology without compromising essential features. Their devices are generally manufactured in Asia, but Archos continues to innovate from its French headquarters, offering alternatives for users looking for cost-effective mobile solutions with a European touch.
Why Choose a European Smartphone Brand?
Choosing a European smartphone brand isn’t just about geography. It’s about supporting ethical practices, privacy-focused alternatives, and companies that prioritize sustainability and local economies. Whether you’re after a modular phone that’s easy to repair, a device made in Germany, or an OS that’s not tied to Silicon Valley or Beijing, Europe has compelling options to offer.
At OriginEU.quest, we’re on a quest to help you discover and navigate the growing world of products made in the EU by European companies—so you can make informed choices that align with your values and support local innovation.