Screen & display

Screen replacement explained: original, OLED and LCD options

Why screen prices vary, the difference between screen types, what happens during the repair and how to choose the right option for your phone.

  • Repair explained
  • Easy
  • 5 min read
  • iPhone, Pixel, Samsung
A smartphone with a badly cracked screen on a blue repair mat

In short: most modern phones use an OLED screen. A replacement OLED looks and behaves like the original; a cheaper LCD replacement works well but is a little thicker, less bright and uses more battery. We’ll show you the options for your model before you choose.

Why you replace the whole screen

On modern phones the glass, the touch layer and the display are bonded together into one part. You can’t safely replace just the glass at a counter, so a screen repair replaces the whole front assembly.

The screen types

Type Good to know
Original (genuine) screen Made for the manufacturer. Best colours, brightness and battery use. Usually the most expensive.
OLED replacement Same technology as the original. True blacks, thin, efficient. Very close to original.
LCD replacement (budget) Lower price. Slightly thicker, less vivid, can use a bit more battery. Fine for older phones or a tight budget.

For iPhone, our Budget LCD option isn’t covered by the 1-year warranty – every other screen option is.

What happens in the shop

  1. We check the phone with you, confirm the price and the screen type you’ve chosen.
  2. We warm the adhesive and lift the old screen with proper tools, disconnecting the battery first.
  3. Parts like the earpiece and sensors are moved over where needed.
  4. The new screen is fitted and sealed with fresh adhesive.
  5. We test touch, brightness, Face ID or fingerprint, the front camera and the earpiece with you.

Most phone screens take about 30 minutes. Foldables take longer – usually 1–3 working days.

Things to know

  • Your data stays on the phone, but back up anyway.
  • iPhones may show a message that the display can’t be verified as genuine Apple. True Tone can usually be kept – ask us.
  • Opening the phone affects its factory water seal. We reseal it, but treat it as less water-resistant.
  • Every screen repair comes with a free screen protector.

Still not working? We’ll take a look free.

Diagnosis is free and it’s no fix, no fee. We confirm the price before we start, and standard repairs have a 1-year warranty.

This guide is general advice for common problems. The steps don’t involve opening your device. Menu names can differ slightly between models and software versions. If your device gets hot, swells, smokes or smells of burning, stop using it, keep it away from anything flammable and get help. Opening a device yourself can damage it and affect any manufacturer warranty.

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