In terms of Samsung Care+, 2024 wasn’t a great year. According to a contract that surfaced in May of last year, the tech giant effectively forces independent third-party repair shops to provide Samsung with consumer information. In exchange, these shops get access to the company’s repair components. The contract contained details about the customer’s complaint. It also included private data such as the customer’s name and contact details. Phone identifiers, such as an IMEI number, also appeared in the information.
The South Korean electronics giant had started a self-repair program with iFixit. However, that program ended on the same day last year. According to iFixit, “Samsung does not seem interested in enabling repair at scale.” At the time, iFixit was one of the few locations where customers could get genuine Samsung components for do-it-yourself repairs. Therefore, this was a huge setback for customers.
However, things began to improve later in the year. The tech giant added more than 300 new repair locations in the US. It also strengthened its cooperation with Cell Phone Repair by Assurant (CPR). In addition, Samsung certified all of its experts in Wireless Industry Service Excellence. Now, Samsung is making a significant update to its Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss program. The company hopes to start 2025 on the same note.
Service Care+ Additional Coverage
Last month, Samsung sent an email to Samsung Care+ members about the upcoming program upgrade. Today, the tech giant officially announced the upgrade. The change includes unlimited free broken screen and rear glass repairs for Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss users, regardless of device tier. Previously, the same repair service cost $29.
It’s important to note that all Galaxy S phones receive the free repair. However, the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series phones appear to be excluded. Additionally, members of the tech giant’s basic Samsung Care+ service will still need to pay the $29 price for screen and rear glass repairs. The Theft & Loss subscription provides free broken screen and rear glass repairs. Customers can use this benefit at any of the more than 700 authorized Samsung repair shops in the US.
Samsung covering the expense of this free screen and rear glass repair offer is also noteworthy. For example, the tech giant expanded Samsung Care+ to include unlimited battery replacements back in May. However, that change resulted in a $2 increase in prices for everyone. Existing members will receive the upgrade immediately without a price increase as of today, January 15.
Service Care+ Prices
Samsung Care+ prices vary depending on your device and the level of protection you want. A phone’s monthly membership includes theft and loss insurance. The monthly price ranges from $8 to $18, based on the device tier. Newer phones fall under the higher and more expensive levels. Meanwhile, monthly prices for tablets and watches range from $8 to $16.
If you decide to pay a one-time fee, phones cost between $129 and $349. Tablets and watches cost between $129 and $299. Choosing the basic Samsung Care+ package instead of theft and loss protection saves roughly $5 per month. It also saves about $100 when you choose the one-time cost.
