Thinner Galaxy S21 Package... No Charger or Earphones Included

Galaxy S21 Package Image Leaked
Thinner as Charger and Earphones Are Removed

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Samsung Electronics will exclude chargers and earphones from the Galaxy S21 package.

On the 12th (local time), looking at the Galaxy S21 package images revealed by Roland Quandt and others, the package has been simplified compared to previous products by excluding the charger and earphones. Roland Quandt explained, "The Galaxy S21 package includes only a USB-C type cable, a quick start guide, and a SIM ejector pin."

Samsung Electronics will release the Galaxy S21 series without power adapters and wired earphones in most countries. This follows Apple's move to exclude chargers and earphones from all iPhone packages after the launch of the iPhone 12. Previously, Samsung did not include AKG wired earphones in the Galaxy Note20 package released in the U.S. in August last year.

Since policies vary by country, some regions are expected to include earphones in the package. In France, a law related to electromagnetic wave regulations has been enacted to protect children under 14 from electromagnetic waves, requiring hands-free kits or headsets to be included. As a result, Apple was unable to exclude wired earphones in France.

Manufacturers cite environmental protection and resource waste reduction as reasons. Despite consumer backlash, strong incentives to exclude chargers include reducing production costs, saving shipping expenses, and pricing. Excluding chargers and earphones reduces package size, helping to lower shipping costs. It also helps reduce factors that increase smartphone prices. Additionally, it boosts sales of charging accessories such as wireless charging pads.

On the other hand, from the user's perspective, there are criticisms that costs are shifted to consumers because they have to purchase charger adapters separately. If purchasing Samsung's charging adapters additionally, consumers must pay 19,000 KRW for the 15W version and 30,000 KRW for the 25W version.