From Apple to Xiaomi and Samsung: Why are smartphones now sold without a charger?



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The first smartphone manufacturer to follow in Apple’s footsteps is the Chinese brand Xiaomi. Founder Lei Jun confirmed a rumor on the Weibo social network that the upcoming Mi 11 will be sold in a thinner and lighter package, without a charging cable. South Korean giant Samsung also confirmed that it was embarking on the trend with its next Galaxy S21.

The decision is motivated primarily by environmental concerns. Loyal customers of a brand can reuse their old charger with their newer phones, while new users will still be able to purchase the chargers like any other accessory. The goal is to limit the amount of unused chargers that accumulate.

But it is also a way to save money, both for brands and users, who can buy smartphones for a slightly cheaper price. With lighter packaging, manufacturers also save money on shipping and storage, while limiting their carbon footprint with less waste production. With close to two billion smartphones sold worldwide each year, such a decision could have positive consequences on the environment if all manufacturers do the same.

Also read: 5 things we know about Apple’s new AirPods Max

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