USB 3 hasn't been latest tech in a while. I'm sure they aren't saving more than 5 dollars on this decision

Fairphone is not about the latest tech. They tend to go for well-supported hardware to ensure longterm support.

The USB 3.0 standard was finalized and published in 2008. USB 3.1 specification superseded it in 2013, and then USB 3.2 superseded that in 2017. Each version is fully backward compatible with every standard version from before, so there's nothing stopping people from releasing a 3.0 controller and certifying it works in the 3.2 mode that is a drop in replacement for 3.0.

Its literally nickels youre saving. I had it on the first flagship phone i owned and i never understood it. Its a phone that had a much faster cpu and bit slower gpu than my laptop at the time and i cant even have wired video when its just like 20 traces to an soc that already has the pins for it from a port that already has all the contactors cause literally nobody sells high end water resisant usb c ports that dont support at least 3.1 10gbps

Frequently.

I plug into a dedicated camera to transfer media, sometimes, or as a secondary viewfinder and USB 2.0 makes my bones ache.

I plug in to backup, to transfer a download real quick, all sorts of things…

Everytime I need a fast backup of the pics and videos. It is the fastest way for large files.

I need the dp alt mode. I regularly use my phone to play movies to my family when were staying over somewhere and its much easier to bring a single usbc-hdmi adapter than a whole laptop.

Personally I need it for dp alt mode. It's such a nice feature.

Using WiFi to transfer is far more convenient than having to get cables out anyway.

USB3 must be more expensive than it seems, somehow.

Or maybe there’s some legal risk? Or maybe it’s harder to source a waterproof port?