So, it starts. In the footsteps of Apple, other smartphone makers have started throwing the charger out of the retail package of their smartphones in the name of environmental concerns and reducing e-waste. The first brand to do so is the Chinese giant Xiaomi, whose latest flagship – the Mi 11 – does not have a cargo brick. Xiaomi announced the move a day before the launch itself, but the company today unveiled a fairly consumer-friendly move that will honor Xiaomi’s commitment to protecting the environment and also make many concerned buyers happy.
Xiaomi offers a 55W charger at no extra cost
Xiaomi has announced that it offers the Mi 11 flagship in two bundles – one without the charger and one with a 55W GaN charger – for the same price. Yes. you are right. Buyers do not have to pay extra cash for the purchase of the Mi 11 bundle which comes with a 55W charging stone. Xiaomi’s move kills two birds with one stone!
In fact, it shifts the responsibility into the hands of buyers. Now the customers can decide whether they want a new charger with their Mi 11, or that they can get along with those who are already at home. In terms of cost, Xiaomi has priced the Mi 11 at ¥ 3,999 (~ $ 611), which is a tremendous value for the package. In fact, it’s going to be one of the most affordable Snapdragon 888 phones of 2021 from a reputable brand, and if its predecessor wants to do something, the Mi 11 offers unbeatable value for your dollar.
But before you get too excited, the offer is limited to Xiaomi’s home market in China. ‘As for the removal of charger in the box, the announcement is for the market in China. Xiaomi offers two versions, one with smartphone only, and the other with the smartphone and a separate 55W GaN charger as a bundle, both at the same price, ” says the company in a statement issued with Android Authority. We do not know if Xiaomi will expand the offering to more markets, but it will definitely be a welcome move.
The implementation of Xiaomi is technically the most efficient way to sell the idea of a flagship smartphone without a charger in its retail package in the name of environmental protection. By selling the charger at no extra cost to customers who really need one, Xiaomi sends the message loud and clear – it takes care of the environment as well as its customers.
Maybe it’s time for Apple Xiaomi to emulate?
Apple has been spinning the ball for this ‘no charger in the retail package’ trend, but for customers buying an iPhone 12 Pro Max that can cost up to $ 1400, it is in itself certainly annoying not to have a similar offer on the to have a table. And with Xiaomi – a company that is often accused of copying Apple – coming up with the better solution, buyers of a shiny new iPhone 12 will definitely feel even more. Maybe now is the time for Apple to make a similar gesture to buyers?
I would definitely appreciate Apple introducing a similar offer for iPhone 12 buyers. What even surprises me is that Xiaomi offers an impressive 55W fast charger with the superior GaN charging technology. But Apple is asking buyers instead to spend $ 19 extra for its noticeably slower 20W USB-C charger? Strange times!
