When it comes to replacing a smartphone LCD screen, the word “original” gets thrown around a lot. But here’s the truth: in today’s market, most of what’s advertised as “original” isn’t original at all. Whether you’re a repair shop owner, a sourcing agent, or a new buyer, understanding what you’re really getting is the key to avoiding unnecessary losses.
Let’s break it all down in a clear, honest, and practical way.
Understanding the Screen Market
Почему 90% of “Original Screens” Are Actually Reassembled Screens
Walk into any wholesale market, and you’ll hear the same phrase again and again:
“This is original.”
But the reality? Над 90% of these so-called original screens are actually reassembled (后压) screens.
These reassembled screens use:
- Original display panels from broken phones
- New outer glass
- Re-laminated touch layers
Are they bad? Не обязательно. But they aren’t the pure original screens sellers claim.
What Counts as a True Original Disassembled Screen
A real original screen is:
- Taken directly from a working device
- Never refurbished
- Never re-laminated or repaired
Such screens are extremely rare, especially for high-end phones like iPhone 14/15 series or Samsung’s flagship models.
Why High-End Genuine Screens Are Rare and Expensive
High-end models rarely enter recycling channels, and when they do, screen damage is common. A flawless original disassembled screen is basically a unicorn—possible, but extremely hard to find.
The Reality of High-Quality Reassembled Screens
Why Accepting High-Quality Reassembled Screens Is More Practical
Instead of hunting for an impossible “original,” it’s more realistic to look for top-grade refurbished screens. A properly reassembled screen can deliver:
- 95%+ original performance
- Excellent touch response
- Accurate color reproduction
- Long lifespan
The key? Finding a skilled refurbisher.
How to Identify Reliable Screen Refurbishers
A great refurbisher matters more than an “original” label.
Technical Skills
Advanced skills include:
- OCA laminating with zero bubbles
- Polarizer replacement
- Accurate alignment
Materials Used
Quality materials = better durability.
A good refurbisher uses:
- Premium OCA
- High-grade touch ICs
- Scratch-resistant glass
Testing and Quality Control
Top suppliers run:
- Multiple function tests
- Aging tests
- Brightness and color calibration
If a seller can confidently say, “We test every screen,” that’s a good sign.
Understanding iPhone “True Tone” / “Original Color Display”
Why True Tone Is Lost After Screen Replacement
True Tone (原彩) relies on encryption between the display and the phone’s logic board.
Once you replace the screen—even with an original part—True Tone disappears unless the chip data is transferred.
Chip Pairing and Encryption Explained
Apple stores color/brightness profile data in a small display chip. Without matching this data, the phone cannot enable True Tone.
How Sellers Add True Tone to Non-Original Screens
Good suppliers use equipment to restore True Tone in two ways:
Chip Writing
Copying data from the old screen to the new one.
Chip Transplant
Physically soldering the original chip onto the new screen.
Both methods require skill—and increase cost.
Why a Screen “With True Tone” Costs More
If a seller offers a non-original screen with True Tone, it means:
- Extra labor
- Extra equipment
- Higher technical difficulty
This indicates the seller is not cutting corners.
OLED vs LCD — Choosing the Right Type
Why You Should Not Replace an OLED With an LCD
Switching from OLED to LCD might seem like a cost-saving idea, but it comes with compromises:
Increased Thickness
LCD modules are thicker—your phone may no longer fit perfectly.
Higher Battery Consumption
LCD uses more energy, especially at higher brightness.
Inferior Display Quality
You’ll notice:
- Dull colors
- Lower contrast
- Worse viewing angles
No Always-On Display
LCD cannot support AOD (息屏显示), a major downgrade for OLED-model phones.
When LCD Is Acceptable and When It’s Not
LCD is fine for:
- Older models
- Budget repairs
- Simple functionality needs
But for high-end OLED devices?
Stick to OLED—your experience depends on it.
The Hidden Meaning Behind “Warranty” Promises
What Sellers Really Mean by “Warranty Included”
A seller’s “warranty” often sounds good—but what it really means is:
Replacement with Similar Grade Only
You don’t get a new screen—just another refurbished one.
Not Guaranteed New
Your replacement may have:
- Низкая яркость
- Minor defects
- Poorer touch response
Hidden Risks
Some sellers use warranties to mask inconsistent quality.
Why It’s Better to Buy Perfect Quality the First Time
Instead of relying on warranty swaps, it’s far better to:
- Spend slightly more
- Get top-tier quality
- Avoid disputes and downtime
One good screen > three low-quality replacements.
How to Buy the Best Screen on the First Try
Key Questions to Ask Your Supplier
- Is this screen refurbished or original disassembled?
- What materials do you use for lamination?
- Can you provide testing videos?
- Do you support True Tone writing?
Testing Steps Before Installation
Always test:
- Touch function
- Bright spots / dead pixels
- Brightness uniformity
- Face ID / датчики
- Camera color tint through the screen
Tips to Avoid Common Traps
- Don’t buy “too cheap to be true” screens
- Avoid sellers who can’t explain their screen grade
- Prefer suppliers who offer testing before shipping
Заключение
The LCD screen market is full of labels—“original,” “A-grade,” “premium,” “with True Tone”—but understanding what they really mean helps you avoid costly mistakes. High-quality reassembled screens are often the smartest and most practical choice, as long as they come from skilled professionals using proper materials.
Помнить, the goal isn’t hunting for a mythical “perfect original”—it’s finding the best screen quality for your needs, from a supplier you can trust.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
1. Are all refurbished screens bad?
Not at all. High-quality refurbished screens can be extremely close to original performance.
2. Why does True Tone disappear after replacing an iPhone screen?
Because the original screen’s chip data isn’t matched with the phone’s motherboard.
3. Is it safe to choose a cheap LCD for an OLED phone?
You can—but the experience will be significantly worse.
4. What is the difference between “original” and “original disassembled”?
Original means untouched; original disassembled means removed from a working phone.
5. Why do sellers offer long warranties for cheap screens?
Warranties often cover replacement with a similar used/refurbished part, not a perfect new one.
