So it begins. Following in Apple’s footsteps, other smartphone makers have begun to discard the retail packaging charger for their smartphones in the name of environmental concern and reducing e-waste. The first brand to do so is the Chinese giant Xiaomi, whose latest flagship – the Mi 11 – does not come with a charging pad. Xiaomi announced the change the day before the launch itself, but the company today revealed a very consumer-friendly change that will honor Xiaomi’s commitment to environmental protection and will also make many concerned shoppers happy.
Xiaomi is offering a 55W charger at no additional cost
Xiaomi announced that will offer the flagship Mi 11 in two packages – one without the charger and the other with a 55W GaN charger – for the same price. Yes. You are right, right. Buyers will not have to pay extra money to purchase the Mi 11 package that comes with a 55W charger. Xiaomi’s move kills two birds with one stone!
In fact, it transfers the responsibility to the buyers’ hands. Now, customers can decide whether they want a new charger with their Mi 11 or whether they can settle for those already at home. As for the cost, Xiaomi put the price of the Mi 11 at ¥ 3,999 (~ $ 611), which is an excellent value for the package. In fact, it will be one of the most affordable Snapdragon 888 phones of 2021 from a renowned brand, and if its predecessor is yet to come, the Mi 11 will offer unbeatable value for its dollars.
But before you get too excited, the offer is limited to Xiaomi’s home market, China. “As for the removal of the charger from the box, the announcement is for the Mainland China market. Xiaomi will offer two versions, one with a smartphone only, and another with the smartphone and a separate 55W GaN charger in pack, both for the same price ”. the company notes in a statement shared with Android Authority. We don’t know if Xiaomi will extend the offer to more markets, but it will definitely be a welcome change.
The Xiaomi implementation is technically the most efficient way to sell the idea of a flagship smartphone without a charger in its retail packaging in the name of environmental protection. By selling the charger at no additional cost to customers who really need one, Xiaomi is sending the message loud and clear – it cares about the environment as well as its customers.
Maybe it’s time for Apple to emulate Xiaomi?
Apple started this ‘no charger in the retail package’ trend, but for customers who buy an iPhone 12 Pro Max that can cost up to $ 1,400, not having a similar offer on the table is definitely annoying in itself. And with Xiaomi – a company that has often been accused of copying Apple – proposing the best solution, buyers of a new iPhone 12 are sure to feel the squeeze even more now. Perhaps now is the time for Apple to extend a similar gesture to its buyers?
I, myself, would definitely appreciate Apple’s launch of a similar offer for iPhone 12 buyers. What’s even more baffling to me is that Xiaomi is offering an impressive 55W fast charger with superior GaN charging technology. But is Apple, on the other hand, asking buyers to spend an additional $ 19 for its noticeably slower 20 W USB-C charger? Strange times!
