A screen replacement for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs 1200 USD. That’s pricier than a MacBook Air. This probably explains why flip phone owners seem absolutely terrified when someone else holds their device.
Foldable phones are tech marvels that bring serious innovation into the smartphone game. Their increased screen sizes, compact size, and multi-tasking capabilities make them extremely appealing.
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But one look at the repair costs can greatly damage that appeal.
“Samsung wants to charge me $594 dollars to fix the Fold 6 inner screen which was damaged by me simply opening the screen. There is no external damage. What should I do?”
- An exasperated user venting on Reddit.
But the main question here is: if these problems are so rampant, why aren’t there better support options from manufacturers? And if they’re not helping out, who is?
Let’s go over what happens when your device breaks, the different kinds of coverage options for them, and why foldable phone warranty is non-negotiable if you want them to last.
Despite how amazing foldable phones are, their durability risks have been debated on since they were first launched. Even as manufacturers have worked on improving the phone’s lifespans, it still lags behind normal smartphones.
The pricing for repairs is where things get even trickier. Replacing the inner screen of a trifold phone can cost anywhere between 700 USD to 1400 USD, according to Samsung. Huawei charges 1,123 USD after trade-ins to replace the screen for the Mate XT Ultimate Design. Most manufacturers charge at least 50% of the foldable phone’s original cost during repairs.
Most foldable phone owners deal with at least one repair. A technician on Reddit shared,
“I am a former Samsung and Google Authorized Repair Technician, so I’ve repaired my fair share of these things. The first thing to understand is that they are not durable or long-lasting devices. Realistically, you should expect to replace them within two to three years. The inner displays simply aren’t durable enough to last much longer than that.”
The folding display is the most vulnerable component. The flexible OLED screen has a crease by design, and the stress of thousands of folds causes it to degrade, bubble, or crack. But screen issues can happen to anyone, even new users.
“My phone has no physical damage and has never taken any bad falls. It's quite new (Galaxy Z Flip 7) and I have Samsung Care+. All that happened is I simply opened the phone and heard a noise and it looked like this. The touchscreen stopped working instantly.”
- A frustrated Galaxy Flip Z owner.
Looking at the data, the chances of your foldable device needing repairs seems almost certain. Based on the track record of these devices, it's more a matter of when rather than a hypothetical scenario.
Manufacturers can’t do much about it
Most foldable phones come with a manufacturer warranty right out of the box, which sounds reassuring, until you actually need to use it.
“I bought a Razr 40 Ultra, and like so many other people, after just 6 months it suddenly broke out of nowhere due to the hinge mechanism. I have never dropped this phone, yet it still happened. After I sent it back, I was told that this is not covered under warranty… (a defective hinge system after 6 months is apparently not a warranty case—so what is actually covered by their warranty in their eyes?). I’ve had enough.”
- A frustrated user sharing their warranty experience on Reddit.
Standard warranties typically only cover manufacturing defects, meaning if your phone was broken before it ever reached you. The fine print matters here. Manufacturers are strict about what counts as a "defect" versus what counts as "user damage," and they often err on the side of the latter.
Screen creasing and cracking is a perfect example of this gray area.
Samsung has acknowledged that some creasing is normal, which makes it nearly impossible to get a warranty claim approved for it. And even with Samsung Care, the manufacturer’s extended warranty program, the situation isn’t much better.
“Got some screen cracking along the fold. Samsung support chat said screens are not under warranty”
- A disappointed Galaxy Flip owner on Reddit.
But this experience is common across most foldable device brands. One user said this about their experience with Motorola’s support:
“I would not trust the warranty. I got multiple cracks on the screen protector and was told that if they detect any physical damage whatsoever, they will charge me $35 got wasting their time and not cover any issues.”
Some manufacturers do provide trade-in options, which means you can get a discount on a newer model if you hand in your old foldable phone. However, this process is still expensive, even with discounts. For example, the maximum exchange price for lightly damaged phones bring down the price of a new Samsung TriFold to 1400 USD.
There’s another twist though: the confirmation on whether your trade-in is approved or not is up in the air even after you start using the new phone.
“My flip 4 had the same issue and Samsung deceived me into upgrading to the flip5 and now are claiming 0 value for my trade in. They're trying to make me pay full price. I'm going to lawyer up if they don't give me me credit for my 4 or a full refund on my 5 upgrade.”
- An upset customer on Samsung’s Community Forums.
The sad truth is that a lot of foldable device owners just accept that the phone will eventually break instead of looking into better coverage options.
Third-party warranty providers exist specifically to fill the gaps that manufacturer warranties leave wide open. Because let’s face it, most foldable phone companies leave you on your own, especially after the standard 1-year warranty ends.
Reliable third-party providers like SureBright not only extend the years of coverage- they even cover accidental damage. Their accidental warranty plan covers drops, spills,
handling issues, and mishaps that happen in real life. Screen cracks, hinge problems, and other foldable-specific issues get acknowledged and resolved instead of ignored.
Third-party providers also tend to offer fast turnaround times and more convenient repair options, including mail-in services, local repair partnerships, or even on-site technicians.
The benefits of going with independent providers become more obvious when you compare them to standard plans.
Foldable phones represent one of the most exciting shifts in smartphone design in years, but excitement doesn't make them immune to the very real vulnerabilities that come with their form factor. The hinges break, the screens crack, and at some point, most foldable phone owners will face a repair bill that feels completely out of proportion to the damage.
Standard warranties were not designed with foldables in mind, and relying on them for protection is a gamble that rarely pays off. Manufacturers don’t provide solid support options either, even with their own dedicated protection plans. And coverage isn't optional with these devices, it’s essential if you want your phones to last.
The right accidental warranty provider closes that gap. They account for the real-world risks of owning foldable phones.
Our advice is: If you’re looking at buying a foldable or have just purchased one, don’t wait for the damage to pop up before getting a plan. The best time to get coverage is just as you’re making the purchase or right after.
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