SAMSUNG

European Union to launch new energy label for battery life and target Samsung's Galaxy line

The European Union is tightening its grip on technology manufacturers and wants to ensure that equipment sold in Europe offers not only greater transparency, but also greater durability and respect for the environment. From June 20, 2025, all smartphones and tablets sold in Europe will have to display a new energy label: the EPREL.

This measure is part of a set of initiatives that the European Commission has been implementing with the aim of strengthening users' rights, demanding greater responsibility from manufacturers and reducing the environmental impact of electronic devices. Now, in addition to the usual information about energy consumption, the labels will include data on battery efficiency, resistance to falls, degree of protection against water and dust, as well as the ease of repairing the device.

The new EPREL label (acronym for European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) applies to cordless landlines, basic cell phones, smartphones and tablets with screens between 7 and 17.4 inches — only devices with foldable or rollable screens are excluded.

The information visible on the label includes:

-Energy efficiency class (from A to G)

-Battery resistance per cycle

-Number of cycles the battery can handle without losing significant efficiency

-Degree of resistance to repeated falls

-Repairability class

-Protection level against dust and liquids (IP rating)

But the label will not just be decorative. Brands will have to ensure, for example, that the battery maintains at least 80% of its capacity after 800 charging cycles — a very demanding number by today's standards. In addition, the equipment must be prepared to withstand accidental drops and be protected against dust and liquids.

Another important point is related to repairability. Manufacturers will have to make essential parts available for repair within a maximum period of 5 to 10 business days, even after the product is no longer sold, for a period of seven years. What's more, it will be mandatory to guarantee software updates for five years.

Samsung is already taking action, but it will have to do more... Samsung, one of the giants that sells the most devices in Europe, has already stated that it will align itself with the European Union's requirements when it comes to software support. The South Korean brand has committed to offering up to six Android operating system updates even on entry-level models, which far exceeds what was common practice until recently.

However, when it comes to battery performance requirements, the manufacturer still has work to do. The brand's devices will have to meet EPREL's strict criteria, which could involve significant improvements in battery technology to prevent premature degradation.

All models launched on the European market will have to be registered on the European Commission's EPREL platform, with the information submitted subsequently verified by the authorities.

If you are a user who values ​​durability, ease of repair and a clear commitment to the environment, these new measures are a step forward. And for brands, it is yet another sign that the future of technology in Europe involves greater responsibility and transparency.

mundophone