Warranties in the mobile space

Warranties are not new, and have been provided for seemingly countless commodities for decades. Smartphones present new challenges to the old warranty models because these devices are often simultaneously covered by their manufacturer and the cellular provider. Navigating this web of warranties to determine which one applies can be challenging. With some basic information, a user can determine the extent and limitations of warranties on their smartphones.

Basic terms

Go into a big-box store and purchase an item. In all likelihood, you will be offered an extended warranty of one type or another. Depending on the item, the price and duration of this warranty may fluctuate greatly. For a new television, for example, the warranty might cost thirty-five dollars and cover your television for damages for a period of three years. You may even be offered the opportunity to extend the warranty beyond three years for an additional thirty-five dollars.

If you ask what sorts...