Galaxy S21 No Charger or Earphones? Box Contents

Yes, the Galaxy S21 does not include a charger or earphones in the box. Samsung removed both accessories starting with the Galaxy S21 series, so the retail package contains only the phone, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a quick start guide. This change applies to all models in the S21 lineup (S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra) and was announced as a move to reduce electronic waste and lower production costs.

Why Samsung Removed the Charger and Earphones

Samsung followed Apple’s earlier decision to exclude chargers and earphones from smartphone boxes. The company cited environmental reasons, claiming that many users already own compatible USB-C chargers and wired earphones, so including them was redundant. By removing these items, Samsung said it could reduce the size of the packaging, allowing more units to fit on a shipping pallet and lowering transportation emissions.

Critics pointed out that the move also improved Samsung’s profit margins, since accessories are often sold separately at high markups. Regardless of the motivation, the result is the same for buyers: you need to supply your own power adapter and audio solution unless you already have compatible ones.

What Exactly Is in the Galaxy S21 Box

When you unbox a new Galaxy S21, you will find the following items:

Galaxy S21 smartphone
USB-C to USB-C cable (supports data transfer and fast charging)
SIM ejector tool
Quick start guide and warranty card

Notably absent are the wall charger and any earphones, whether wired or wireless. The USB-C cable is the same type used for charging, but without a power adapter, you cannot plug it into a wall outlet directly. You will need a USB-C wall charger that supports Power Delivery (PD) or Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging to get the fastest charging speeds.

What Charger Should You Buy for the Galaxy S21

The Galaxy S21 supports USB Power Delivery (PD) and Samsung’s proprietary Adaptive Fast Charging. To achieve the maximum 25W wired charging speed (or 15W on the standard S21), you need a charger that supports at least 25W output over USB-C PD. Here are the key factors to consider:

Wattage: A 25W charger is the minimum for full-speed charging. A 45W charger will also work but will not charge the S21 faster than 25W, as the phone’s hardware limits the intake.
USB-C PD support: Look for chargers that explicitly state USB-C Power Delivery compatibility. Many third-party chargers from Anker, Belkin, and others support this standard.
Port type: The S21 charges via USB-C, so the charger must have a USB-C port. Older USB-A chargers will work but will charge much slower (around 10-15W).
Safety certifications: Choose chargers from reputable brands that carry safety certifications like UL, CE, or FCC to avoid damaging your device.

If you already own a charger from a previous Samsung phone (e.g., Galaxy S10’s 15W charger), it will work but will charge the S21 more slowly than its maximum capability.

Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging

The Galaxy S21 also supports wireless charging up to 15W with compatible Qi-certified chargers. Samsung’s own Wireless Charger Duo and similar third-party pads can charge the S21 without a cable. Additionally, the S21 has Wireless PowerShare, which lets you charge other Qi-compatible devices (like Galaxy Buds or a smartwatch) by placing them on the back of the phone.

If you prefer wireless charging, you do not need to buy a wired charger at all, but you will still need a wireless charging pad, which is also sold separately. The phone does not come with a wireless charger in the box, either.

Audio Options Without Earphones in the Box

The Galaxy S21 lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you cannot plug in traditional wired earphones without an adapter. Your options for listening to audio are:

USB-C earphones: Wired earphones with a USB-C connector work directly with the S21. Many brands sell these, and they often include a built-in DAC for better sound quality.
USB-C to 3.5mm adapter: If you already own standard wired earphones, you can buy a small adapter that plugs into the USB-C port. These are inexpensive and widely available.
Bluetooth earphones: The S21 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and works with all major wireless earbuds, including Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series, Apple AirPods, and Sony’s WF series. This is the most convenient option for most users.

If you choose USB-C earphones, ensure they are compatible with the S21; some older USB-C earphones designed for other brands may not work due to pin configuration differences. Samsung’s own USB-C earphones are a safe bet, but third-party options from brands like JBL and Sony also work well.

Environmental Impact and Consumer Response

Samsung’s decision to remove the charger and earphones was part of a broader industry trend. The company reported that this move would reduce the carbon footprint of each phone’s shipping and packaging. However, many consumers were unhappy, feeling that the price of the phone did not drop to reflect the missing accessories. Some also pointed out that the environmental benefit is questionable if users end up buying new chargers and earphones separately, which creates additional packaging and shipping.

In response, Samsung offered a promotion in some regions where buyers could get a free charger or credit toward accessories by registering their device. These promotions were time-limited and varied by country, so they are not guaranteed for every purchase. As of now, the standard retail package remains minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy S21 come with a charging cable?

Yes, the S21 includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. This cable supports fast charging and data transfer. However, it is only a cable—there is no wall plug, so you need to provide your own USB-C power adapter.

Can I use my old Samsung charger with the S21?

Yes, if your old charger has a USB-A port, you can use it with a USB-A to USB-C cable (not included). It will charge the S21, but at a slower speed, typically around 10-15W. To get the full 25W fast charging, you need a USB-C PD charger.

Does the Galaxy S21 have a headphone jack?

No, the Galaxy S21 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You must use USB-C earphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or Bluetooth wireless earphones.

Will a 45W charger charge the S21 faster than a 25W charger?

No. The Galaxy S21 supports a maximum wired charging speed of 25W. Using a 45W charger will not increase the charging speed because the phone’s internal circuitry limits the power intake. It will charge at the same 25W speed.

Does the S21 support wireless charging?

Yes, the S21 supports Qi wireless charging up to 15W. You can use any compatible wireless charging pad. The phone also has Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices, but this feature is slower and mainly for emergencies.

Are there any exceptions—do some S21 models include a charger?

No. All models in the Galaxy S21 series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra) ship without a charger or earphones. This policy applies globally. The only exception is if a retailer or carrier offers a promotional bundle that includes a charger, but that is not part of the standard retail package.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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