Smartphones sold without a charger: why is this a trend?

Apple was the first brand to sell a smartphone (the iPhone 12) without a charger. — Apple/AFP

After having made fun of Apple and its iPhone 12 sold without a charger, Xiaomi and Samsung are following suit. The Asian smartphone makers are limiting their costs while trying to limit their impact on the environment; the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 11 and Samsung Galaxy S21 will be sold without chargers.

The first smartphone maker to follow in Apple's footsteps is Chinese brand Xiaomi. Founder Lei Jun confirmed a rumour on social network Weibo that the next Mi 11 will be sold in a thinner and lighter package, without a charging cable. South Korean giant Samsung also confirmed that it was embarking on the trend with its upcoming Galaxy S21.