Samsung 2021 smartphones may come without chargers
Samsung’s smartphones may start shipping without chargers in the box.
According to a report from Korean news site ETNews, the change could start from 2021.
“Samsung Electronics is discussing how to remove the charger from smartphone components with related companies,” a number of industry officials reportedly said.
The reason behind the technology giant’s decision is that many people already have chargers, and ending the manufacturer of new ones for every purchase would help reduce costs.
5G compatibility, which is present in Samsung’s flagship phones, have also pushed up production costs.
It is expected that Samsung's policy will also affect related industries.
The company is the world's largest manufacturer of smartphones, producing around 400 million each year.
Should Samsung reduce the number of chargers it needs, it could have a knock-on effect on other companies.
Nevertheless, the company reportedly believes that chargers been sufficiently supplied over the past decade.
Moreover USB-C, the connection many Android phones use, has been around for five years and has been prominent in devices starting from 2016.
Samsung is not the only major smartphone manufacturer reportedly considering this decision.
Apple’s upcoming smartphone may not come with wired earbuds or a power adapter in the box.
This is reportedly due to a cost saving measure, although its unclear whether the device will include the default Lightning cable.
Removing the charger could also reduce the size of the phone’s packaging, as well as reducing the environmental footprint of the device.
However, criticisms have been levied already – suggesting that this is more a marketing exercise that could result in lucrative sales rather than an environmental one.
“If Apple actually sold its accessories at cost, or close to — which is what $10 total for both — then I guess I could accept the environmental angle. Otherwise, it just feels like a guise of profiteering,” said Apple blogger and iOS Developer Benjamin Mayo.
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