Smartphones are indispensable in our daily lives and are one of the main ways we connect with people, stay up-to-date on the news, or simply distract ourselves. Therefore, buying a smartphone is a decision that must take into account the brand, model, operating system, and other factors.
Because it's often a high-cost purchase, it's normal to worry about potential issues with your smartphone, whether it's a manufacturing defect, theft, or loss. Naturally, you want your device to last for as long as possible. But is paying extra to extend your phone's warranty worth it?
First, it's important to understand the difference between a manufacturer's warranty and an extended warranty.
Manufacturer’s Warranty and Extended Warranty: Key Differences
A manufacturer's warranty (or legal warranty) is a customer's right that covers manufacturing defects within a certain period, provided the damage was not caused by misuse of the device. On the other hand, an extended warranty (or insurance) is an additional purchased service that, depending on the case, also covers theft, robbery, or even accidental damage such as a cracked screen or liquid spills.
What the manufacturer's warranty covers
Every smartphone purchased online usually has a return policy of up to 7 days from the date of receipt, regardless of whether it has any defects or not. It is worth noting that retailers often have their own specific return policies, which may vary from 7 to 14 days or more. If this period is exceeded, the consumer may have up to 90 days of warranty (depending on the manufacturer’s warranty) if the smartphone presents any manufacturing defect, such as processor problems, storage errors, software failures, and similar issues that are not caused by misuse of the smartphone.
Some manufacturing companies state the period to repair the smartphone, exchange the product, refund the purchase, or offer a discount of the same amount on the purchase of another smartphone, depending on the case. Thus, it is important to ask the necessary questions while purchasing, and also read the warranty note that comes with your new device.
What the extended warranty covers
An extended warranty is usually offered to consumers at the time of purchase, and an additional fee is required. It takes effect from the moment the product is purchased. They have more coverage than the standard manufacturer’s warranty, so they give you some level of peace of mind, since you’re covered in case of big damage/loss to your device.
However, extended warranties vary in terms of coverage and pricing. Regardless of the warranty details, it only becomes valid once the manufacturer's warranty expires. For example, if you purchase a 9-month warranty from a company whose manufacturer’s warranty period is 90 days, this means you’ll receive a 1-year warranty combined.
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
Between the manufacturer’s warranty and the extended warranty, the latter covers most damages and provides greater security to the consumer in the event of an accident. However, you should pay close attention to the terms of the warranty you purchase and check the contract for the exact coverage, as it largely depends on the manufacturing company and its coverage conditions.
Get more than a warranty
At M-KOPA, our smartphones come with a warranty that covers the repair or replacement of any phone. The warranty is valid if the phone is not tampered with, opened, modified and/or used in other ways not authorised by M-KOPA.
With our smartphones, you can also enjoy more services, including digital loans, hospital coverage, and even data plans to help you stay connected to the world through your phone.
Get your smartphone today with M-KOPA.
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