Samsung has long sold itself as the value-packed alternative to Apple during the smartphone wars. But when it comes time to fix a damaged phone, that cheaper reputation starts to fade fast. A new Insuranceopedia analysis found that Samsung users pay up to 60% more for insured repairs than iPhone users, with average repair costs landing around $100 to $120 for Samsung versus about $75 for Apple.

Samsung’s repair bill is higher than it looks

Insuranceopedia compared publicly available AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+ fees and weighted the results based on how phone damage typically happens in real life. The study assumed screen damage is the most common issue, followed by accidental damage and full replacement scenarios. That methodology produced a clear result: insured Samsung repairs are meaningfully more expensive on average than insured iPhone repairs.

The gap is not just about one bad repair visit. According to the analysis, Samsung users can end up paying 30% to 60% more per repair, which can add up quickly over time.

Apple’s fixed-fee model gives users more predictability

One of the biggest differences in the study comes down to how the plans are structured. AppleCare+ uses fixed fees, so customers generally know what they will pay before they file a claim. Insuranceopedia noted examples such as $29 for screen repair, $99 for other damage, and $149 for theft or loss.

Samsung Care+, by contrast, has more variable pricing depending on the device and the type of damage. The study cited Samsung screen repair costs ranging from $0 to $29, other damage from $99 to $249, and replacement costs from $199 to $499. That variability is a big reason Samsung’s average repair cost comes out higher.

Premium Samsung phones face premium repair pain

Insuranceopedia also pointed out that Samsung has moved deeper into the premium phone market, with high-end  Galaxy S Ultra, Z Fold, and Z Flip devices competing directly with iPhone Pro models. Those phones often sell for about $1,300 to $1,800, putting them squarely in the flagship category. Premium phones are expensive to protect and expensive to fix, so even when Samsung owners are paying for insurance, they may still face a steeper bill when something goes wrong.

Loyalty and market share are slipping, too

The repair-cost story is only part of the picture. Insuranceopedia’s report also says Samsung is facing weakening loyalty and market share pressure. The study cited a Consumer Intelligence Research Partners survey showing that around 90% of iPhone users stick with Apple when they upgrade, highlighting the strength of Apple’s ecosystem.

It also referenced Statista and StatCounter data suggesting Samsung’s market position has softened in several regions, including India, Asia, Europe, the U.S., and globally. In the report’s framing, Samsung’s higher repair costs sit alongside a more competitive market and a more mobile customer base.

What this means for smartphone buyers

The biggest takeaway is that the sticker price of a phone is only part of the story. Repair costs, replacement fees, and insurance terms can make a big difference in the true cost of ownership. Insuranceopedia’s findings suggest that Samsung buyers should pay close attention to protection-plan pricing before they buy, especially if they are considering a premium Galaxy model.

If you are looking for an extra layer of protection, Asurion offers Tech Care plans for phones, tech, and appliances, along with claims support and repair or replacement options depending on the plan. Asurion also says protection plans typically involve a deductible, which is still often lower than replacing a device outright.

For many, Samsung may still offer excellent phones, but Insuranceopedia’s study suggests ownership can get pricier once repairs enter the picture. With insured repairs averaging more than Apple’s and plan pricing that can vary widely, Samsung owners may want to think beyond the purchase price and factor in the cost of fixing the phone later.

Credit: Insuranceopedia