After Apple, this company to remove charger, earphones from smartphones

Samsung smartphones in the near future might come without an in-box charger and earphones as the company plans to “gradually” remove the charger and earphones from its future smartphones. Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Office at Samsung said in a Q&A that the move will help address sustainable consumption issues. 

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S21 series comes without an in-box charger and earphones. The Galaxy S21 box is noticeably smaller. It comes with a USB Type-C data and charging cable, SIM ejection tool and a quick start guide. Samsung said doing so will help “promote better recycling habits” among Samsung users. Apple started this first with the iPhone 12 series, and also removed the accessories for its older iPhones. Going forward, Samsung also plans to follow this route for its future smartphones.

“We believe that the gradual removal of charger plugs and earphones from our in-box device packaging can help address sustainable consumption issues and remove any pressure that consumers may feel towards continually receiving unnecessary charger accessories with new phones,” Samsung said in a statement.

So those buying Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ or the Galaxy S21 Ultra will need to buy a charger and earphones, separately.