Google’s new Pixel protection program isn’t cheap, but it provides peace of mind

Coinciding with the release of the Pixel 10 series of smartphones, Google is introducing a new hardware protection program called Pixel Care+. This new warranty plan is available in two flavors, which together replace the Preferred Care extended warranty previously offered by the company.

The new standard Pixel Care+ tier provides unlimited claims for accidental damage and mechanical troubles across Pixel devices, along with free screen and battery repairs. Reading into the fine print, it appears that battery replacements require a capacity of less than 80 percent in order to be eligible, and that the inner display on foldable Pixels isn’t included within the free screen replacement coverage.

Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft, as its name implies, adds an additional layer of coverage in the event of a lost or stolen Pixel device. This perk costs a couple of dollars extra per month, while retaining all the other benefits of the standard Pixel Care+ plan.

Pixel Care+ and its Loss and Theft add-on can be purchased on a month-by-month basis for up to sixty recurring months, or in a single lump sum for two years’ worth of coverage. Exact prices vary based on Pixel smartphone, Pixel Watch or Pixel Tablet model, with a full list of eligible units and associated costs listed on the Google Store Help page. Both plans are cancelable at any point in time.

According to Google, existing Preferred Care subscribers will be automatically transitioned over to Pixel Care+ over the coming months. In short, the switch away from Preferred Care equates to the introduction of free screen and battery repairs, along with lower service fees on the whole when it comes to accidental hardware damage.

The lack of foldable inner screen coverage is disappointing

Pixel Care+ and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold aren’t the match made in heaven I was hoping for

Despite recent durability advancements made within the folding phone sector, mobile handsets with hinges are more susceptible to damage than their candy-bar style counterparts. Google’s latest Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the very first device of its kind to ship with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, which is a step in the right direction, but the gadget’s inner display is still as soft and scratchable as ever.

I’m sure there are logistical and engineering reasons as to why the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s main display misses out on Google’s new Pixel Care+ warranty, but it’s disappointing nonetheless. Beyond pricing, durability remains the one major hurdle faced by folding phones, and an all-encompassing protection program would go a long way in providing peace of mind for anyone willing to shell out for a device with a screen that bends and creases.