Understanding your
Display Replacement Options

When replacing a phone screen, the price difference comes down to how the screen is made and how closely it matches the original. Below is a simple breakdown of each
option, from lowest to highest cost.

LCD ($)
LCD screens use a backlight instead of self-lit pixels. They are thicker than original screens, use more battery, and don’t produce the same color depth or true blacks as OLED. This is the most affordable option and works well for budget repairs, but it won’t look or feel exactly like the original display.

Hard OLED ($$)
Hard OLED screens offer better contrast and deeper blacks than LCDs while remaining cost-effective. They are built on a rigid glass layer, making them slightly thicker and more fragile than factory screens. These are typically what you find on websites like Amazon.com / eBay with and without warranties.

Soft OLED ($$$)
Soft OLED screens are built on a flexible layer like the original factory screen. They are thinner, brighter, and more durable than Hard OLED, with color and touch response that closely match the original. This is the best aftermarket option for customers who want near-factory quality. These are typically what we sell at Tech in Trouble.

Refurbished ($$$$)
Refurbished screens use original manufacturer OLED panels with new replacement glass. Because the display itself is OEM, they match factory quality in color, brightness, and touch feel. These screens may show very minor cosmetic variation and are limited in availability, but performance is essentially original.

Service Pack ($$$$$)
Service Pack screens are brand-new, factory-sealed original manufacturer parts. They are identical to the screen your phone shipped with and are the same parts used in authorized repairs. This option offers perfect fit and performance at the highest cost. These screens are typically the ones shipped from factory with factory programming, eliminating any “genuine” warning messages.