HTC One M9 will be covered against accidental damages, even carrier switching [RUMOR]

The battle between the next-generation of Android flagships is heating up. While it’s increasingly becoming harder to compete on raw hardware alone, OEMs are now forced to get a little more creative, looking to software or other services to gain that edge.

Last year, we saw HTC introduce the “HTC Advantage” which — aside from promising to deliver major Android releases for flagship devices — also offered a free, 1-time replacement of the display for the HTC One M8. It was a nice gesture, even if it was only limited to the first 6 months of the device’s life. For the One M9, HTC could be 1-upping that service on every level.

As Android Central is now reporting, HTC could be planning to introduce their new “UH-OH” Protection service (this is more than likely what HTC was planning on announcing during tomorrow’s event). The service will cover a new HTC One M9 purchase for up to 1 year from date of purchase and not just the display — even water damage.

Probably the most interesting addition is carrier switching is also covered, meaning if you change carriers during this year, you’ll get a free replacement to a compatible One M9 wherever your travels may lead you.

Suddenly, those early “overheating” reports don’t sound like the end of the world after all, right?

Every HTC One M9 owner to get one free replacement for water damage, cracked screen, or switching carriers

Here’s everything you need to know about the HTC One M9 | Talk about it at AndroidForums.

HTC’s big HTC One M9 news today wasn’t about a release date or price as we’d all thought and hoped, but it is pretty big. As we’d heard yesterday, the company has officially announced “Uh-Oh Protection,” a new guarantee that nets you a free overnight HTC One M9 replacement in the event of a cracked screen, water damage or the unfortunate hassle of switching carriers.

HTC UH OH Protection provides consumers who damage their new HTC One M9 with an untimely fall onto the pavement or into a toilet with a free phone replacement within 12 months of purchase. Consumers who don’t take advantage of UH OH Protection within the first 12 months will receive 0 towards the purchase of a future HTC One.

There aren’t many strings attached, though there are a couple of things to note:

• To get your replacement overnight, you’ll need to offer up a credit card number for HTC to put a 0 hold on. You know, just in case you’re trying to pull a fast one on them.


• You can also opt for a more traditional replacement approach where they send your new smartphone out the moment they receive your damaged one.


• The offer is US-only for now, unfortunately.

All it takes is a quick call to 866-449-8358 or a chat with HTC’s customer service reps online in order to get you on your way. This is a huge offer that most other companies ask you to fork over 0 or more for (and that’s not even including a costly deductible that might drive that cost up even further).

Is HTC trying to become the “Un-manufacturer?” Between this and everything else that comes as part of the HTC Advantage it certainly seems that way. Other OEMs should do well to take note. HTC is holding an event and live Q&A with customers in regards to the announcement in Seattle later today, and you can watch along right here starting at 9am Pacific: