The new European regulation, set out in Regulation 2023/1669, requires all smartphones and tablets to display a mandatory energy label and be registered in the EPREL database (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling).
This label is designed to help you make more informed and responsible decisions, thanks to information such as:
- The device’s actual energy consumption
- The battery life
- Its resistance to drops and water
- The repairability level
- And the number of charge cycles it can withstand without losing capacity
This change aligns with regulations already implemented for appliances and TVs, marking a turning point in how technology is understood: more user-focused, clearer, and more committed to the planet.
How to read the new energy label step by step
This new label takes transparency a step further. Unlike previous labels, it not only addresses energy consumption but offers a complete view of the device, from its efficiency to its durability and ease of repair. All with the goal of helping you, as a consumer, compare and choose with confidence.
Product identification and EPREL code
Each label will include:
- The brand name and model
- A QR code that links directly to the EPREL registry, where you can find detailed and official product information
Energy rating: from A to G
This is the most visual and easy-to-understand aspect. The device receives a rating between A (most efficient) and G (least efficient), based on factors like the processor, screen, and charge management. This way, you can quickly identify which smartphones and tablets consume less energy.
Battery life and charge cycles
This section indicates:
- How many hours and minutes the device can operate without recharging
- How many full charge cycles it can withstand before its performance decreases (regulations require at least 800 cycles retaining 80% capacity)
This helps you know if you’re choosing a device prepared for intensive and prolonged use.
Drop resistance index
It only applies to smartphones. The regulation requires a minimum resistance to 45 drops without a case. The index is represented with letters from A (very resistant) to E (less resistant).
In the case of tablets, this section is not mandatory, as their design and typical use make them less prone to this type of test.
Repairability: devices that are easier to fix
One of the major new features is the repairability index, also represented with letters from A to E. It evaluates:
- Ease of disassembling the device
- Replace parts
- Access technical information
This index aims to reduce electronic waste and promote more responsible consumption, prioritizing products you can maintain and repair easily.
Water and dust resistance (IP)
The label also includes the IP protection rating, which indicates:
- Dust resistance (from 0 to 6)
- Water resistance (from 0 to 9)
The regulation requires a minimum of IP44 for smartphones and IP40 for tablets, which guarantees protection against splashes and small solid particles.
Why is this label important for the environment?
The implementation of this new label goes far beyond providing more data to the consumer: it marks a commitment to technological sustainability.
By encouraging the manufacture of devices that:
- Last longer
- Be easy to repair
- And consume less energy
…the generation of electronic waste is reduced, one of the biggest environmental problems of the digital age.
And the best part: it gives you real tools to choose consciously. Because when you know if a smartphone or tablet is efficient, repairable, and durable, you’re also choosing to reduce your environmental footprint.
This change requires brands to be more transparent and puts the user at the center. Finally, you can tell at a glance whether a device is designed to last… or not.
SPC, ready for the new regulation from day one
At SPC we believe sustainability and accessibility should not conflict with technology. That’s why our products already meet the requirements of the new European regulation.
Thanks to a development model with in-house design in Spain and full process control, SPC has incorporated:
- Smart charging systems that extend battery life
- Devices with expandable storage and easy access to key components
- Durable materials and designs that promote repairability
And most importantly: we do it clearly and simply, so users can understand and appreciate each of these aspects before buying.
With this regulation, something we at SPC have been applying for a while is made official: technology can and should be more responsible, more transparent, and more durable.
Conclusion: more conscious and transparent technology for everyone
The new energy label for smartphones and tablets is great news for those who want to make better choices, care for the planet, and demand more clarity and commitment from brands.
✔️ Now you can compare devices by their efficiency, durability, and repairability
✔️ You can identify which products will last longer without losing performance
✔️ And you can find out if that device is designed for repair or if you’ll need to replace it soon
At SPC, we celebrate this initiative as a step forward toward technology that is more human, more accessible, and more aligned with the values we share with you.
👉 Starting June 20, check the label and choose wisely.
And if you want to discover devices that are already ready for this change, visit our website: www.spc.es
