Smartphone maker Xiaomi may be following in the footsteps of its competitors by removing the charger from the phone's box.
This speculation stems from the recent appearance of the Redmi 13 series in Europe, which does not include a charger in the box. This move, although not officially confirmed by Xiaomi, could signal a significant change in the company's approach.
If accurate, that means future Xiaomi smartphones, especially those released in Europe, may also not come with a charger. However, it's possible that the company's higher-end models still have an included charger as a differentiating factor.
Currently, Xiaomi recommends a 33W USB-C charging combo for the Redmi 13, which suggests that the company may be moving to a model with a charger sold separately. This is in line with the trend that some other major smartphone manufacturers have been adopting in recent years, claiming to help reduce electronic waste because many users already have multiple chargers available. Additionally, it gives manufacturers the ability to lower phone prices by eliminating the cost of including a charger in the box.
However, critics say the move creates inconvenience for consumers, who may not have compatible chargers available. This is especially true for people who often sell their old phones along with the charger. Additionally, some consumers may purchase third-party chargers of lower quality to save money, which could lead to safety hazards.
Xiaomi's decision can also be seen as a strategic move to increase revenue from accessory sales. By selling the charger separately, the company can offset any costs associated with removing the charger from the phone's box.
It remains to be seen whether this decision will be implemented on all Xiaomi devices or limited to specific models. It's also possible that this is a test run to gauge consumer reactions before the company makes a final decision. Either way, this move could have a significant impact on the smartphone industry and consumer behavior.