Original or compatible screen? Replacement parts explained
Short answer
Phone screen replacement prices vary because screens vary. Original parts made for your phone by its manufacturer usually cost more. Compatible parts made by other companies can be cheaper but can differ in brightness, colour, touch feel and features. Always ask which kind of part will be used before you agree to a repair, and what the price includes.
The two main kinds of part
Original manufacturer parts
Made for your exact phone, matching its brightness, colours and features. Usually the most expensive option.
Compatible parts
Made by other companies to fit your phone. Quality varies a lot, from very good to poor. Usually cheaper.
OLED and LCD screens
Many modern phones use OLED screens, which show deep blacks and use less power with dark images. Some replacement screens use LCD technology instead, which costs less but may look different, use more battery and be slightly thicker. If your phone came with an OLED screen, ask whether the replacement is OLED too.
Things that can change after a screen replacement
Messages on iPhone
On some iPhones, a screen that isn't a genuine Apple part shows a message in Settings, and features such as True Tone may not work.
In-screen fingerprint readers
On some Android phones, you may need to set up your fingerprint again, and some compatible screens don't support it well.
Water resistance
After any screen replacement, a phone may not be as water-resistant as it was when new.
Brightness and colour
Compatible screens can look slightly different from the original.
Questions to ask before you agree
Is the part original or compatible?
And if it's compatible, which grade or type is it?
Is it OLED or LCD?
Will all features keep working,
Such as True Tone, Face ID or the fingerprint reader?
What does the price include?
Parts, labour and postage.
What happens if there's a problem with the new screen afterwards?
Still need help?
SmarterBox Limited's phone screen replacement service will tell you which part we'd use for your model, what it costs and what it means for your phone, before you send anything. Tell us your exact model and what the screen is doing.
Ask about a repairPublished by SmarterBox Limited (company no. 16160532), which runs SmarterBoxRepairs. This article is general information; prices and parts depend on your exact model, so ask for a price before sending anything.