Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
long story short
- Samsung Care Plus subscribers will be eligible for unlimited battery repair services for devices with less than 79% charge capacity.
- These battery repairs will be bundled with existing benefits at the Samsung Care Plus and Care Plus with Theft and Loss subscription levels.
- Starting in May, the monthly subscription cost for both levels will also increase by $2.
Good news is coming for Galaxy device owners who are enrolled in the Samsung Care Plus plan. Samsung is revamping its device protection program to provide users with unlimited battery repair services starting in May 2024.
Samsung Care Plus is a device protection plan that offers various plans to protect your Galaxy phone or tablet. New Galaxy buyers can sign up for the Care Plus program within 60 days of purchasing an eligible device. It goes beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty, offering unlimited repairs for drops, spills, and mechanical failures, including $29 screen repairs, and even includes theft coverage (depending on plan). Samsung Care Plus plans range from $10 per month to $18 per month for 36 months.
Changes in battery coverage
Previously, Samsung Care Plus only offered one-time battery replacements for eligible devices, and only for mechanical failures. The new update expands coverage to address deteriorating battery health.
If your Galaxy device’s battery charge drops below 79% (as confirmed by diagnostic testing), you will be eligible for free battery repairs under Care Plus Theft and Loss Service or the standard Care Plus plan, with unlimited repairs throughout the coverage period period.
Like other Samsung Care Plus services, users can choose convenient in-home repair or mail-in service for these battery repairs. It’s unclear whether these battery repairs also include replacing unhealthy batteries entirely.
Additionally, Samsung mentions “no additional damage to the covered device” as a condition for this, meaning any signs of external damage or mishandling could add some complications. The official terms and conditions of the Care Plus plan do not yet reflect this new development.
Rushil Agrawal / Android Authority
There’s a small price to pay for this extra benefit. Starting with the May billing cycle, the monthly cost of both Samsung Care Plus plans will increase by $2. According to Samsung, continuing to pay after May 1 will mean you accept the changes. Existing subscribers can stay on more expensive plans or cancel without penalty by contacting a Samsung Care Plus representative.
This change coincides with Samsung’s recent introduction of advanced battery health protection features in One UI 6.1. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to extending the life of Galaxy devices.