In recent years, the charger that once came bundled with new smartphones has become an accessory that’s no longer a guarantee. Many smartphone brands have opted to exclude chargers from the box, leaving consumers to decide whether to purchase one separately or use an existing charger.
Here’s what you need to know about this evolving trend.
Times Are Changing
As technology advances, smartphones are equipped with faster charging capabilities, requiring specialized chargers to maximize their potential. While chargers aren’t overly expensive, having one included in the box simplifies the user experience, allowing you to take full advantage of your new phone from day one. However, this convenience is becoming increasingly rare.
Fewer Brands Include Chargers
Many prominent brands have followed the path of omitting chargers from the packaging. For instance, Samsung has eliminated chargers from its high-end and some mid-range smartphones. Apple set this trend earlier by selling iPhones without chargers, including the iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 models, which only come with a charging cable.
Other manufacturers, such as Nokia, realme, and Google, have also joined the charger-less club for several of their models. Opening the box of recent phones from these brands, you won’t find a charger among the accessories.
Examples of Phones Without Chargers
To give you an idea of the extent of this trend, here are some popular phones that do not come with a charger in the box:
- Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, and Fold
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 12, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini, SE (2022), 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, SE 2020, 11, XR
- Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra, S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra, S21 FE 5G, Fold3, Z Flip3, S23 FE, Fold4, Z Flip4, Fold5, Z Flip5, A33 5G, A34, A54, A53 5G, M23 5G, A73 5G
- Nothing Phone (1 and 2)
- Nokia X10, X20, XR20, G60 5G, G42 5G, G22
Brands That Still Include Chargers
If you’re in search of a smartphone that still includes a charger in the box, consider brands like Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, OnePlus, OPPO, and Motorola. These manufacturers continue to provide chargers with their devices, making the unboxing experience more convenient for users.
Motorola, in particular, shows no signs of changing its charger-inclusive policy for new phone releases. However, in the ever-evolving tech landscape, it’s essential to stay updated on the practices of different manufacturers when purchasing your next smartphone.
