Samsung May Reintroduce In-Box Chargers with Galaxy Phone – A Strategic U-Turn for 2025?
Samsung could be making a surprising and strategic U-turn on one of its most controversial decisions of the past few years. A new leak reveals that the upcoming Galaxy A17 5G may ship with an in-box charger, signaling a potential reversal of Samsung's 2021 policy that removed chargers from Galaxy phone packaging.
 |
| Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Could Include In-Box Charger, Marking a Major U-Turn in Policy |
A Look Back: Samsung’s No-Charger Policy Since 2021
Back in early 2021, Samsung followed Apple's controversial lead by removing the charger and earphones from the retail box of its flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S21 series. This shift soon spread across the Galaxy lineup, impacting even mid-range and budget models.
At the time, Samsung justified the move as an eco-conscious effort aimed at reducing electronic waste and curbing the unnecessary duplication of accessories that users already owned. The company stated:
“Samsung believes the removal of earphones and charger plugs from our in-box device packaging can help address the growing e-waste problem and unnecessary duplication of these items.”
Critics and consumers had mixed reactions. While some appreciated the push towards sustainability, others felt the company was simply cutting costs while masking it as environmental responsibility — especially as charger prices increased when sold separately.
The Ironic Twist: Samsung Once Mocked Apple
What made Samsung's decision more controversial was its initial mockery of Apple. When Apple first removed the in-box charger with the iPhone 12 in 2020, Samsung was quick to poke fun at the move on social media and in advertisements. But within a year, Samsung adopted the same approach.
Many saw this as hypocrisy, but the company, like many others, seemed to realize that cutting accessory costs and promoting minimal packaging were trends that aligned with market and regulatory shifts — especially in Europe.
The New Twist: Galaxy A17 5G May Come with In-Box Charger
Fast forward to 2025, and a leaked marketing banner for the Galaxy A17 5G, published by Android Headlines, has reignited the debate. The promotional material clearly highlights that the Galaxy A17 5G will ship with a charger included in the box.
This isn’t just a minor detail — it’s a key promotional point, suggesting that Samsung may be acknowledging customer demands or adapting to regional regulations.
What We Know from the Leak
The marketing materials specifically show:
-
A USB-C adapter included in the box.
-
Plug design suggests European market compatibility.
-
Focused promotion of the in-box charger as a feature.
This aligns with the broader European Union tech mandates, which have pushed tech manufacturers toward standardized charging solutions and greater accessory transparency.
EU Regulations May Be a Key Influence
The European Union has long taken a strong stance on reducing e-waste and consumer inconvenience. After mandating USB-C as the universal charging port across electronic devices starting 2024, the EU is also expected to push for more consistent accessory availability.
Apple was forced to comply by replacing the Lightning port with USB-C on the iPhone 15 series in Europe, and now Samsung appears to be taking further steps to align with upcoming or expected EU accessory mandates.
Including a charger in the Galaxy A17 5G retail box for European markets could be a direct result of these mandates. However, if Samsung extends this approach globally, it would be more than just regulatory compliance — it would be a strategic shift in how they approach customer satisfaction.
A Boost for Mid-Range Market
The Galaxy A17 5G is set to launch as a mid-range smartphone, and such devices are typically popular among price-sensitive buyers who prefer a complete package right out of the box.
Here’s why this move makes sense:
-
Budget buyers appreciate value: An included charger adds immediate value and reduces the hassle of buying accessories separately.
-
Sales momentum: The Galaxy A series is among the best-selling Android phones globally, and bundling a charger can improve sales, especially in key markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
-
Competitive edge: Xiaomi, Realme, and other competitors still include in-box chargers, giving them a marketing advantage. Samsung may be catching up to stay competitive.
Will Samsung Make It a Global Policy?
While the leaked material only confirms an in-box charger for the European variant of the Galaxy A17 5G, the move may reflect broader plans. If well-received, Samsung might consider:
-
Including chargers with all Galaxy A-series devices going forward.
-
Possibly reintroducing chargers in flagship models in some regions.
-
Offering optional bundles that include accessories at discounted prices.
The return of the in-box charger could also hint at Samsung re-evaluating its environmental strategy — striking a balance between sustainability and customer satisfaction.
What’s in the Box: Expected Accessories for Galaxy A17 5G
If the leak is accurate, the Galaxy A17 5G package may include:
-
A 25W or 15W USB-C charging adapter
-
A USB-C to USB-C cable
-
SIM ejector tool
-
Quick start guide and warranty card
-
No earphones (these are unlikely to return)
This would bring the packaging closer to what users were accustomed to before 2021, at least for mid-range devices.
Marketing Strategy or Genuine Policy Reversal?
It’s still unclear whether this move is a one-off marketing tactic or part of a long-term strategic shift. Samsung may be:
-
Testing the waters with a single model.
-
Responding to customer demand in specific regions.
-
Complying with regional regulations.
Either way, it’s a signal that Samsung is listening more closely to consumer expectations, especially in the ultra-competitive mid-range segment.
Why This Matters: Industry Implications
If Samsung brings back in-box chargers permanently, it could:
-
Influence other Android OEMs to follow suit or retain their existing accessory bundles.
-
Push for greater regional customization of product offerings.
-
Impact retail pricing strategies, especially in bundled deals.
-
Set a precedent for flagship line reconsideration (S and Z series).
Final Thoughts: A Welcome Move
In a market where smartphone pricing continues to climb and value-for-money is king, Samsung's potential return to in-box chargers is a welcome move — especially in mid-range segments.
For many users, the omission of a charger felt like a hidden cost. By bundling it again, Samsung could win back goodwill, boost device sales, and set a new industry standard that balances environmental responsibility with consumer convenience.
What’s Next?
With the Galaxy A17 5G expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, we won't have to wait long to find out if the in-box charger is real — and if it's coming to more markets.
Until then, this development reminds us that consumer demand still matters in shaping tech company policies. Perhaps the box isn’t just getting smaller after all — it might be getting smarter.
Looking to buy a Samsung phone? Stay tuned to Ask Anything for the latest Galaxy device launches, tech news, and unboxing experiences. Bookmark the site and never miss a trend in the world of Samsung!
