Samsung smartphones in the future will not include power adapters and headphones
No time right now?
In the course of the presentation of the S21 series, Samsung announced that it would not include power supplies and headphones in the scope of delivery. However, the industry leader is not yet proceeding as consistently as Apple.
The models of the Galaxy S21 series presented on January 14, 2021 are the first smartphones from the South Korean group to be delivered without a power supply unit and earphones. In the reduced packaging, there is only a USB-C charging cable left in addition to the smartphone.
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Samsung smartphones without a charger and headphones – the S21 series is the start
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 family. (Photo: Samsung)
Samsung explains this step by stating that most users should already have at least one or more USB chargers at home. To protect the environment and avoid electronic waste, owners of a new device could use their old chargers. Samsung has been using a USB-C port on its smartphones since 2017, which is why older chargers from the manufacturer are also compatible with new products. The only sticking point of this strategy could be the lack of a fast charging function in older chargers, as they lack the corresponding performance. Customers would have to buy a new 25-watt charger, for which Samsung charges 35 euros. After all: The new Samsung models are between 50 and 200 euros cheaper than the Galaxy S20 series (test).
Samsung’s 25 watt power adapter with USB-C connector costs 35 euros. (Image: Samsung)
What is piquant about the new strategy, however, is that the manufacturer made fun of Apple’s deleted charger in October 2020 after the launch of the iPhone 12 – and then removed any social media posts about it in December.
Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra in comparison: these are the differences
Samsung smartphones without a charger – with exceptions
However, Samsung has left a little leeway in announcing the removal of the charger. The manufacturer said they wanted to gradually do without the accessories in the scope of delivery, which means that Samsung reserves the right to continue to provide new models with a charger. As The Verge speculates, Samsung could include a charger for particularly affordable models for less tech-savvy customers or high-priced devices such as foldables for 2,000 euros.
Everything is still there: The scope of delivery of the Note 20 Ultra according to the Samsung store. (Image: Samsung)
Samsung also seems to be less consistent with older devices, which are apparently still sold in their previous packaging with complete delivery. For example, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (test) is listed in the Samsung Store with headphones, charger and cable. Apple, on the other hand, not only reduced the packaging and scope of delivery of its new iPhone models in October, but also of its entire range. In view of the fact that Apple only offers seven iPhone variants, the process is still quite manageable. It should look a little different with Samsung.
