One Stop Guide on Extended Warranty for Your Mobile Phones

In today’s market, smartphone brands cater to multiple consumer segments. From budget smartphones to mid-range, mid-premium, and premium or luxury smartphones, smartphone brands have covered the entire spectrum. That said, when we talk about premium smartphone models, we usually think about iPhones or Samsung phones. 

However, other brands like Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO, Vivo, Motorola, and OnePlus have also recently unveiled high-end, premium smartphone models, and aim to compete with the two tech giants that have cemented their places at the top for nearly a decade.

Smartphones, more than other gadgets are prone to accidental damages, considering we carry them with us everywhere. From the time we wake up, till the time we retire at the end of the day, we do not part with our mobile phones. 

If we own a premium smartphone, such as the latest iPhone model, or the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone, we tend to worry about its safety. So does it make sense to purchase an extended warranty? And if so, what do you have to know before making the purchase?

Why should you opt for a warranty extension?

If you have recently purchased a premium smartphone from one of the top smartphone brands such as Apple or Samsung, you would have spent at least Rs. 60,000 - Rs. 70,000 on the new device. While brands provide the standard limited warranty for a period of 12 - 24 months, you can purchase extended warranty for mobiles, taking the amount you have spent into consideration. 

However, before opting for the warranty extension, you can first check the iPhone warranty or the Samsung phone warranty, by visiting the brand’s website and entering the phone’s IMEI number (or serial number).

Both Apple and Samsung offer extended warranties through AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+ programs respectively, which also provide coverage for accidental damages. You can also purchase extended warranties from third-party services, which usually offer more comprehensive warranties as compared to mobile phone brands, while also providing doorstep pick-up and delivery services.

Things to remember about extended warranties

Before the iPhone warranty check or purchasing a Samsung mobile extended warranty, it is imperative that you remember the following points.

• Transferable Warranty: Before splashing the cash on an extended warranty, it is important to check if you can transfer the warranty. The need for a transferable warranty arises when you plan to sell your smartphone to someone else, in order to raise funds to purchase an upgraded model. Most of the third-party services offer transferable warranties, which can come in handy if you ever consider selling or giving away your smartphone.

• What’s covered: As previously mentioned, AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+ programs offer coverage against accidental damages (twice in a year in the case of iPhones), along with technical or mechanical failures. Other third-party services also offer coverage against loss of the device due to theft, which can be helpful. It is important that you read the fine print, and know what is covered under the extended warranty, and what isn’t.

• Free pick-up and delivery: In the case of third-party warranties, most of the companies offer free doorstep pick-up and delivery service, which significantly reduces the time and effort on your part. However, that might not be the case when it comes to extended warranties offered by smartphone brands. Free pick-up and delivery service saves you the time and effort of visiting a service center, and thus offers greater convenience.