Samsung Hit with Class Action Over Sale of Galaxy S22 Ultra Smartphone Without Charger

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Samsung faces a proposed class action over its decision to sell the pricey Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone without a charging block. 

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The 11-page suit says that U.S. consumers reacted with “shock” when they realized a charging block was not included with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, purportedly as a way for Samsung to “[reduce] the phone’s environmental impact.” Per the case, the device, which reportedly retails for around $1,600, is sold with only a charging cord, S-Pen and SIM card key. 

According to the complaint, the only notice consumers received about the lack of a charging block with their S22 smartphone was a small-print disclosure on the back of the product packaging that states, “Packaging Contains: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S Pen, Sim Card, Ejection Pin, USB-C to USB-C Cable, Quick State Guide/Terms & Conditions.” 

The lawsuit contends that Galaxy S22 buyers are unable to use the smartphone as intended since it is sold without a charger. 

“Some have theorized that by not including a charging adapter, customers will be forced to pay extra money for wireless charging accessories, considered a high profit margin market,” the filing states. “However, typical purchasers of the Galaxy S22 Ultra do not want to charge their phones wirelessly and/or spend the additional money for unreliable wireless charging.” 

At the same time, the case notes, not all Galaxy S22 Ultra buyers have chargers from other devices at their disposal. 

“Where the utility of a good depends upon another good which is not provided by the manufacturer, the good is considered defective or at a minimum, diminished in value,” the suit argues. 

The lawsuit points out that when Samsung stopped including the charging block with its phones, not only was the product’s price not reduced correspondingly, but the price in fact went up, “unrelated to other added functionality which could justify this increase.” 

“If a customer realizes in the store that the Galaxy S22 Ultra they purchased does not come with a charger, they will almost always want to go home with a charger,” the suit argues.

The case looks to cover consumers in New York who bought a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone within the applicable statute of limitations period. 

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