Mandatory label imposed for assessing smartphone's longevity
Introducing the Fresh, Informative, and Straightforward Guide to the New EU Smartphone Label
Starting from June 20, smartphones sold across Europe will flaunt a fresh label — a mandatory requirement for models available in stores and online. This label is designed to enlighten consumers about the resilience of their devices in drops and water, the durability of their batteries, and the ease of repairing them. The European Commission's ambition? Extend smartphone lifespans by 22% in value by 2030.
What's the Deal with This Label?
Five compact illustrations nestle under an energy efficiency scale and a handy QR code to access details of the evaluations. The scores are the results of tests conducted by the manufacturers, and the methodology is defined by the European Union (EU).
How Are These Criteria Evaluated?
Energy Efficiency:
Smartphones will earn an energy efficiency grade ranging from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least, based on their power consumption during a typical usage cycle (calls, internet, videos, gaming, etc.). Scores in the efficiency scale are crucial as a phone rated G consumes energy twice as much as a phone rated A. Now, that's surprising! As Marie Baton, a technical advisor for the NGO Clasp, puts it, "The EU used the tool it had available; the label that Europeans are familiar with."
Battery Life:
The label discloses the number of hours an average user can expect before needing to recharge their device. This figure might seem a bit off for folks who indulge in three-hours-a-day video marathons or gaming sessions, but it's spot-on for those who only text, call, and check social media. Nonetheless, this figure remains essential in helping you compare various smartphone models.
Battery Durability:
The label reveals the number of complete battery recharge cycles the device can withstand before witnessing substantial degradation (falling below 80% original capacity). Devices are tested up to 1,400 full battery recharge cycles in labs. At their best, this corresponds to around four to eight years of usage depending on the phone and user, unless the battery gets cooked by excessive heat. Smartphones with a battery life of less than 800 cycles receive an F rating. However, no smartphone should qualify for such a rating according to the Ecodesign directive.
Now, let's dive in, explore the details behind the EU's pioneering smartphone label, learn about its various criteria, and find out what they represent!
[1] Detailed EU regulation for the energy and reparability label for smartphones and tablets[2] Press release on the introduction of the new smartphone label in June 2025[3] Manufacturer guidelines for testing and certification[4] Industry association on sustainable electronics[5] Consumer advocacy group promoting healthy smartphone practices
The label unveiled for smartphones sold in Europe includes information about the energy efficiency of gadgets, with grades ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Additionally, it reveals the battery life of the devices in terms of hours of usage, and the number of complete battery recharge cycles a device can endure before experiencing substantial degradation.
