Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Overheats and Develops a Dangerous Swollen Battery

I am using a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that has always been in a case, and over the last three months, starting around March 2026, the phone has developed a serious battery problem. While charging and even when I am simply talking on the phone, it begins to get extremely hot, and the battery has swelled to the point that it has cracked the back of the device. When I bought the phone, I also purchased the case and the wall charging box directly from the AT&T store, and I have been using these accessories ever since. I just recently finished paying this phone off, and since then, I have had nothing but trouble with it, which is very disappointing given the cost of the device and the way I have carefully protected it. I contacted my carrier about this situation and was told that I could upgrade to a new phone, but that I could not trade in this device. Because I cannot get any trade‑in value and I have only just finished paying for this phone, I simply cannot afford to upgrade right now, especially when the damage appears to be caused by a swelling battery, which is also a safety concern. Due to the overheating and battery swelling that has cracked the back of the phone, I am requesting a replacement device without additional cost to me or another fair solution that does not require me to pay for a new phone. I expect this safety‑related issue to be taken seriously and resolved promptly.