Samsung have joined the battle to save the planet and have released the S21 without a charging adaptor.

Samsung and Apple may have been rivals for as long as we can remember, but it seems they have one positive thing in common: both these huge brands are changing their ways to help tackle pressing environmental issues.

We saw Apple wave goodbye to their charging adaptors with the iPhone 12 release last year, and Samsung seem to be following in their footsteps with the new Samsung Galaxy S21.

When you order the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus or S21 Ultra, you’ll receive a USB Type-C data cable, ejection pin and quick start guide, but no adaptor plug or earphones. Here’s why.

Saving the planet, one step at a time.

It seems Samsung are the latest member of the Avengers squad this year, as they join other big mobile phone companies in reducing their e-waste in a bid to save our planet from self-destruction.

Now, they’re no Tony Stark, don’t get us wrong, but their decision to scrap the charging adaptor and earphones is certainly something that will have a huge positive impact on the environment.

Paul Scott, Samsung Mobile’s Head of Product Management in the UK, has described this as a “…bold but really important step.”

It seems that Samsung have found that their customers are making lots of sustainable choices in their day-to-day activities, and it seems only right that the brand itself does too.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra on a table.
A great phone, and good for the environment? Sign us up!

Since the new S21 series supports a USB Type- C charger, Samsung have stated that it seems unnecessary to be sending customers another plug when they’re likely to have one already. The majority of top-end Samsung phones and other Androids have had USB-C charging for years, so it shouldn’t pose any issues.

The gradual removal of mains plugs and earphones will help drastically improve Samsung’s e-waste by reducing the amount of plastic packaging needed. Over the past five years, they have reduced the plastic weight in the Galaxy S series packaging by a whopping 92%.

Samsung are already making big moves when it comes to their plastic usage and have swapped their previous plastic holder tray for pulp moulds. This makes their packaging much more eco-conscious, so you’ll be getting a great new mobile, while helping the planet.

Your new Samsung Galaxy S21 mobile will arrive in a much smaller box than the ones you’re familiar with, but you know what they say, good things come in small packages. There’ll be no more digging through piles of plastic just to get your hands on your new phone.

The Galaxy S21 next to its box.
Here's the new Galaxy S21 box.

Samsung are also encouraging their users to make other small changes to reach the big end goal we’ve been talking about, saving the planet of course. While this won’t happen overnight, they’re asking their customers to make the most of their fancy wireless charging tech too.

This will eliminate the need for a charging wire all together, again reducing plastic usage. Of course, this tech isn’t always accessible to everyone and wireless chargers have got a bit of a rep for being expensive, but it’s certainly something to look into.

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who doesn’t already have a supporting charger, Samsung has considered you too. They’re said to be reducing the price of their chargers from £35 to £29, with them eventually being only £15! Bargain.

Samsung: the new superhero.

This news may upset those who’re expecting to receive both a charging cable and plug. But at least Samsung have made the eco transition a little easier than Apple, who, like Samsung, removed the charging plug. But also changed the cable connector from Lightning-to-USB to Lightning-to-USB-C all in one go. Too much, too quickly, Apple!

The Samsung Galaxy S21, S21, and S21 Ultra are now available for pre-order and you can enjoy it as soon as Friday 29 January, with free delivery!

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S21

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra