Redmi K40 Retail Box Teases No Charger?
The short answer is yes: the Redmi K40 retail box does not include a charger in the box, and the company confirmed this before the phone launched. The box itself is also thinner than previous Redmi flagship boxes, which is a visual hint that the power adapter is missing.
Why the Redmi K40 Ships Without a Charger
Xiaomi, Redmi’s parent brand, made a deliberate decision to remove the charger from the Redmi K40 series retail packaging. The official reason given at launch was to reduce electronic waste and lower the carbon footprint of shipping. By making the box smaller and lighter, more units can fit into a single shipping container, which cuts transport emissions per phone. This mirrors a broader industry trend that started with Apple removing the charger from iPhone boxes in 2020 and was later followed by Samsung for some Galaxy models. Xiaomi’s move for the K40 was notable because Redmi had built its reputation on offering aggressive value, and the missing charger forced buyers to either use an older adapter or purchase a new one separately.
What Is Actually in the Box
Inside the Redmi K40 retail box you will find:
- The Redmi K40 handset itself
- A USB-C to USB-A cable
- A SIM ejector tool
- A transparent silicone protective case
- User manuals and warranty documentation
Notably absent is the 33W power adapter that the phone supports. The included cable is rated for standard charging, but without a compatible adapter you cannot reach the phone’s maximum charging speed. The box is also noticeably slimmer than previous Redmi packaging, which is a direct result of omitting the bulky charger.
How Fast Can the Redmi K40 Charge Without the Included Adapter?
The Redmi K40 supports 33W wired fast charging via USB Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. To get the full 33W speed, you need a charger that supports at least 33W output with the correct protocols. If you use an older 10W or 18W charger, the phone will charge but much slower. For example, a 10W charger might take over two hours to fully charge the 4,520 mAh battery, while the 33W adapter can bring it from 0 to 100% in roughly 52 minutes according to Xiaomi’s official figures. The phone does not support wireless charging, so a wired adapter is your only option.
How to Choose a Replacement Charger
When buying a charger for the Redmi K40, look for these specifications:
- Output: at least 33W (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 11V/3A, or 12V/2.25A)
- Protocol compatibility: USB PD 3.0 or Quick Charge 3.0
- Connector: USB-C port on the charger (the cable is USB-C to USB-A, so a USB-A port also works)
Many third-party GaN chargers are smaller and more efficient than the original Xiaomi adapter. However, you should check that the charger supports the specific voltage/current combinations listed above. A charger that only outputs 18W (9V/2A) will work but will not deliver the full speed. Also, note that the phone’s fast charging may not activate if the charger uses a proprietary protocol that the phone does not recognize.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Redmi K40 supports 33W only with Xiaomi’s own charger. In reality, the phone follows the USB PD standard, so any PD charger that can output 33W or more will trigger fast charging. However, some users report that the phone does not show the “fast charging” indicator with certain third-party chargers even if they are 33W. This is usually because the charger does not support the specific PPS (Programmable Power Supply) profile that the phone requests. Another issue is that the included cable is USB-A to USB-C, and some older USB-A chargers do not support fast charging over that cable. To get the best results, use a USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB PD charger that supports PPS.
Comparing the Redmi K40 to Other Phones
The Redmi K40 is not alone in omitting the charger. The Xiaomi Mi 11 also launched without a charger in some markets, and the iPhone 12 and 13 series did the same. In contrast, many budget and mid-range phones from brands like Realme and Motorola still include a charger in the box. The K40’s situation is unique because it is a flagship-level phone at a budget price, and the missing charger adds an extra cost that some buyers did not anticipate. When comparing the K40 to the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which also has a 33W charger included, the K40’s box is thinner but the phone itself is more powerful (Snapdragon 870 vs. Snapdragon 732G).
Is It Worth Buying a New Charger?
If you already own a charger that supports 18W or higher, you can use it with the Redmi K40, but you will not get the full 33W speed. The difference between 18W and 33W is roughly 20 minutes for a full charge. A genuine Xiaomi 33W charger is relatively inexpensive, and many third-party options are available. Given that the phone’s battery lasts a full day for most users, the slower charging may not be a dealbreaker. However, if you rely on quick top-ups during the day, investing in a 33W charger is worthwhile. Always buy from a reputable seller to avoid counterfeit chargers that can damage the battery or pose a safety risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Redmi K40 come with a charger in the box?
No, the Redmi K40 does not include a charger in the retail box. It only comes with a USB-C cable, SIM tool, case, and manuals. You need to use an existing charger or buy one separately.
Can I use any USB-C charger with the Redmi K40?
Yes, you can use any USB-C charger, but the charging speed will depend on the charger’s output. For full 33W fast charging, the charger must support USB PD 3.0 with PPS or Quick Charge 3.0 and output at least 33W.
Why did Xiaomi remove the charger from the Redmi K40 box?
Xiaomi cited environmental reasons, such as reducing e-waste and lowering shipping emissions. The thinner box also reduces packaging material and allows more units to be shipped at once.
Does the Redmi K40 support wireless charging?
No, the Redmi K40 does not support wireless charging. It only supports wired charging up to 33W, so you need a wired adapter.
How long does it take to charge the Redmi K40 with a 33W charger?
With the official 33W charger, the Redmi K40 can charge from 0 to 100% in about 52 minutes. Using a lower wattage charger will take longer.
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