Sony’s newest Xperia 10 VII has joined the trend of leaving out USB cables, citing concerns over electronic waste.
The shift isn’t entirely new—back in 2020, Apple stopped providing charging bricks in their smartphone boxes, claiming it was no longer a “practical choice.” Following Apple, other big names like Samsung and Xiaomi also chose to exclude chargers from their packages, suggesting that buyers no longer needed them. Now, the trend continues, and Sony appears to be the latest major brand to adopt this approach.
Sony Ditches USB Charging Cable with New Xperia Smartphone
The Sony Xperia 10 VII was launched in global markets last month. While we’re looking forward to testing and reviewing it, a recent unboxing shared by a Reddit user caught our attention.
As per r/Brick_Fish, Sony’s newest device has not only excluded the charger from the package but also surprisingly does not come with the usual USB-C cable, something many, including the Reddit user, had expected.
This change has prompted us to reconsider the future of smartphones and the overall “unboxing experience.” A few years ago, unboxing a new phone was a moment of genuine excitement, but today, it often feels underwhelming.
Modern smartphones, which come with hefty price tags, seem to have lost some of the “premium” feel in their packaging. Take the Xperia 10 VII, for example — it can cost over 450 euros (around Rs 47,000). Yet, despite this steep price, the package often feels minimal, as if the phone is included simply for the sake of having it.
A common question comes up: “Why is there only a cable?” While chargers have been removed and information booklets serve to communicate the brand’s terms, the USB-C cable is considered an “extra” — something most users likely already have plenty of.
Sony’s decision, likely aimed at reducing e-waste and preventing customers from juggling multiple cables, isn’t unique. Apple has taken a similar approach with the recently launched AirPods Pro 3, which also come without a charging cable.
Eliminating a single cable from thousands of devices worldwide can save brands a significant amount of money—and conveniently allow them to sell it separately at an additional, “nominal” cost.
This move raises some concerns.
While it’s true that most consumers already have several charging cables, not all USB cables are created equal. The ones included in the box are usually high-quality and certified, ensuring they meet specific standards. This reduces the chances of compatibility problems, short circuits, data corruption, and other potential issues.
If you choose to buy a separate cable, it may not match the durability or performance of the original. Inferior cables can increase the risk of device damage and may not support the fastest charging speeds.
Much like chargers, cables might soon become an optional accessory, making the experience of unboxing a new smartphone feel less complete. Even though Apple isn’t the one setting this trend this time, a decision like this from a brand such as Sony could encourage other tech companies to adopt it as the “new standard.”
As consumers, our best approach is to stay informed about different types of cables, use the appropriate one for our devices, and gradually accept this shift.
