Samsung has announced a major upgrade to its Care Plus extended warranty plans, offering unlimited same-day glass repairs at no extra cost to subscribers of its priciest plan, Care Plus with Theft and Loss. This move is a significant enhancement to the existing benefits, providing added value to customers who are prone to breaking their phone screens.
Previously, subscribers would have to pay $29 for each screen repair, but with this new policy, those on the Care Plus with Theft and Loss plan will not incur any additional costs. The new policy covers not only the outer screen but also the back panel and inner screens on folding phones, according to Samsung spokesperson Dale Hogan.
This development is particularly noteworthy for owners of Samsung's foldable phones, as repairing a cracked inner screen can cost hundreds of dollars without an extended warranty. In fact, a single inner screen repair could justify the cost of the Care Plus plan, making it a more attractive option for those who value the added peace of mind.
Samsung's phones are grouped into tiers, with pricing for repairs based on these tiers. The monthly cost for a Tier 4 device, which includes the likes of the Galaxy S24 Ultra or any of Samsung's folding phones, is $18. The Galaxy S24 Plus costs a little less, at $15 per month, and the regular S24 is $10. While the Care Plus plan is not inexpensive, the added benefits, including unlimited screen repairs, may make it a more compelling option for some customers.
In comparison, a two-year Care Plus plan for the Galaxy S24 Ultra costs $259 if paid upfront, which is $90 less than the Care Plus Theft and Loss plan. To break even between the two plans, a customer would need to get three screen repairs, making the pricier plan more suitable for those who are particularly accident-prone.
The Care Plus with Theft and Loss plan offers additional benefits, such as replacing a device for a flat fee if it goes missing. For customers who value these perks, the added cost may be justified. Ultimately, the enhancement to the Care Plus plan is a welcome development, providing more comprehensive protection for Samsung device owners.
In a broader context, this move by Samsung reflects a growing trend in the tech industry towards offering more comprehensive and inclusive warranty plans. As devices become increasingly sophisticated and expensive, manufacturers are recognizing the need to provide customers with greater peace of mind and protection for their investments. Samsung's decision to include unlimited screen repairs in its Care Plus with Theft and Loss plan is a significant step in this direction, and one that is likely to be welcomed by customers.