Buying a flagship smartphone is a major investment, and repairing one after accidental damage can be costly.
While both Apple and Samsung include a one-year limited warranty with their premium devices, their extended protection plans offer different levels of coverage that could influence a buyer's decision.
Apple and Samsung provide a standard one-year limited warranty with their flagship smartphones, including the latest iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
The warranty covers hardware defects and manufacturing faults that arise during normal use. However, accidental damage, software issues caused by users, and physical damage are not included under the basic warranty offered by either company.
As a result, users who want broader protection must purchase an extended care plan.
AppleCare+ expands coverage beyond manufacturing defects
Apple's premium protection service, AppleCare+, extends coverage to include accidental damage, theft, loss, and user-related incidents for an additional fee.
The AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plan offers unlimited repairs for accidental damage and allows up to two theft or loss claims every 12 months. Customers can choose either monthly or annual payment options.
For users with multiple Apple devices, Apple also offers AppleCare One. The plan covers up to three devices, increases theft and loss claims to three per year, and provides an advance replacement device before customers send in their damaged phone or report a theft.
However, AppleCare pricing varies depending on the iPhone model, and AppleCare One is only available through monthly billing.
Samsung Care+ offers flexible subscription options
Samsung users can choose between Samsung Care+ and Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss.
Both monthly and two-year plans are available, with pricing based on four different smartphone tiers.
Samsung Care+ includes unlimited accidental damage coverage but requires a one-time $29 service fee for repairs unrelated to mechanical failures.
The Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss plan covers up to three theft or loss claims every 12 months and promises same-day replacement. It also does not charge a deductible for cracked screen or back glass repairs.
Pricing and enrollment differences
For Apple's most expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max, the AppleCare One plan covering three devices with theft and loss protection costs $400 over two years when billed monthly.
Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss for the Galaxy S26 Ultra costs $349 as a one-time payment for similar protection on a single device.
Samsung also offers greater flexibility when purchasing extended coverage. Customers can enroll even after 60 days from buying their phone by completing an online verification process.
Apple, on the other hand, requires customers seeking AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss or AppleCare One after the initial purchase period to visit an Apple Store for an in-person device inspection, as online verification is not supported.
One area where Apple appears to have an advantage is international warranty support.
According to the report, Apple generally provides better support for repairs while users are travelling internationally, provided replacement parts are available.
Samsung's international warranty experience can be more restrictive. The report cites a Samsung Community forum post in which a customer with a phone purchased in France was reportedly denied a replacement in the UAE because the device did not have a local purchase receipt.
It also notes that several Reddit users have shared similar experiences, claiming that warranty claims outside the country of purchase were rejected or difficult to process.
Both Apple and Samsung offer similar one-year manufacturer warranties, but their extended protection plans are designed for different types of users.
Samsung provides more flexible enrollment options and lower deductibles for certain repairs, while Apple offers broader multi-device coverage and stronger international warranty support.
For users who own multiple iPhones or frequently travel abroad, Apple's extended care plans may provide greater convenience. Those looking for flexible subscription options and lower repair charges for accidental damage may find Samsung's plans more appealing.
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