The Galaxy Note 20 does not come with headphones and that is a good thing

When you buy one Galaxy Note 20 as a note 20 Ultra you might notice that the box feels a bit lighter than normal. No, it’s not the new plastic back on the Note 20 that causes that bright feeling. The real reason is that Samsung no longer includes a pair of wire headphones in boxes of its high-end phones. Pause and let it sink in. Are you confused? Are you indifferent? Do you even use the included headphones that come with your phone? Is this a deal-breaker for you?

The news about the release of Samsung’s headphone comes on the heels of rumors that Apple will not include headphones as a power adapter in the box of the next iPhone, also wants the iPhone 12. If that’s too extreme for you, Samsung still has a charger in the box.

On the Note 20’s website there is a “What’s in the box” section that no headphones are present. Samsung confirmed that this is all true and that it will not include headphones with cables in the box for premium phones sold in North America.

To address Kent Brockman of The Simpsons when he thought spaceflies were invading Earth, “I, for one, welcome our new insect controllers.”

It’s wonderful that the new Galaxy Note 20 phones leave headphones out of the box. Think about how much e-waste this minimizes. Samsung could become a role model for other phone makers who will hopefully follow suit. Earth is not really designed to handle annual phone upgrades.

Here is my attempt to answer all your questions about Samsung’s missing headphones.

Played now:
See again:

First look: Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra

6:05

Does it really come with less?

I know people will piss they pay $ 1000-plus (which is $ 50 more than last year’s Note 10) for a phone that comes with less stuff. In a physical sense, there are fewer things in the box, which in turn can be beneficial to the environment.

However, I would argue that both the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra come with more. You get 5G, a high-refresh display (on the Ultra), a faster processor, better telephoto cameras, longer support for OS upgrade, higher resolution video, Gorilla Glass Victus (also on the Ultra), a faster S-Pen and larger screens.

Are you worth less?

It does not help that years ago Samsung made it a point to mark the value of $ 99 of its “recorded” wireless headphones. So if last year’s Note 10 cost $ 950, would not the Note 20 cost $ 851?

That comes down to how much you appreciate the improvements and new features I mentioned earlier. As we have seen this year with other phones, such as the Galaxy S20 line and OnePlus 8 line, 5G phones cost more. At least they’re doing it right now.

Do you really need another pair of ‘free’ headphones?

I encourage you to look in your home, in your car, bags or at the office (if you are lucky enough to arrive right away). You may actually already have a pair of wireless headphones that can work.

But this is a little more complicated. You will need a pair of headphones with a USB-C connector. Last year, Samsung eliminated the Note 10 headphone jack. So even if you have headphones lying around, chances are they have a 3.5mm headphone jack and are not compatible with the new Note phones. Also, the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra do not come with a headset jack to USB-C dongle.

I do not live in North America, why do I do it?

You make a good point. If you do not live in North America, you have nothing to worry about. Samsung will continue with a pair of wireless headphones with a USB-C connector in the box.

If I do not have a USB-C headphone, what should I do?

Samsung has your back. If you need a pair of USB-C headphones, Samsung customer service will give you a pair for free. The company will cover shipping and handling itself.

What about Bluetooth headphones?

That’s what Samsung hopes people choose, I would bet. Not only is the wire gone, but you can use a few Bluetooth earbuds across your devices. A pair of wireless headphones like the new one Galaxy Buds Live (nickname “Galaxy Beans”) costs $ 170. That’s definitely a lot more than free. But you will probably last a few wireless earbuds longer than a wired freebie.

Keep in mind, the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra can work with a number of Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. In fact, read this list of the best true wireless earbuds. If you are looking to save money, check out this list of the best cheap ear-wireless earbuds, in which the most expensive option is $ 52.

I’m out of questions, what should I do next?

Take a look at us ongoing review of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.