The Google Pixel 6a is here after being announced at Google I/O in May. It’s unusual to see new smartphones take more than 60 days to hit the shelves after being announced. However, this is the strategy that Google has adopted.
But with charging bricks disappearing from new smartphone boxes, you’re likely wondering if the Pixel 6a comes with a charger. Was the company generous enough to include a fast charger with a mid-range device when its flagship phones already miss the accessory?
What comes in the Pixel 6a box
Joe Maring/Digital Trends
The direct answer is no. The Google Pixel 6a doesn’t come with a charger in the box. It’s not a surprise either. Google adopted the no-charge policy with its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones in 2021. Before that, all Pixel smartphones came with a charging adapter in the box, and the Pixel 5a was the latest to ‘this guy But here’s what you get in the box with the Pixel 6a:
- The phone.
- USB-CaC cable.
- USB-AC adapter.
- SIM tool
Why the Pixel 6a doesn’t come with a charger
When Google removed the charger from its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, it said that most people already have a USB-C charging adapter, so there was no need to include one with their phones. While other companies like Apple and Samsung made similar arguments, there’s no arguing that smartphone makers are adding profits with the move. There’s no market research to prove this, but it’s likely that the cost savings of not including a charger in the box played a role in its elimination with the Pixel 6a.
Joe Maring/Digital Trends
In theory, not including chargers with new smartphones leads to less e-waste, which has a positive impact on the environment. However, with fast charging technology widespread, older chargers are unlikely to be able to charge your new smartphone to its full potential, prompting you to buy a new charger. If you need a new charger for the Pixel 6a, it supports wired charging speeds of up to 18W.
As a result, greenhouse emissions from the production of a charger are transferred from one company to another. Apple, Google and Samsung could reduce their greenhouse emissions, but on a larger scale, accessory companies are still producing these chargers. That’s not to say there isn’t an environmental benefit to ditching chargers, but it’s probably not as big as some companies want you to believe.
Google not including a charging brick with its new Pixel 6a is surely disappointing, especially for Pixel lovers looking to upgrade from the Pixel 4a or previous generations. But that’s how the industry moves forward. We just have to accept it and use the charger we already have or buy a compatible charging brick of our choice for our new smartphones.
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