Introduction
Ever cracked your phone screen and wondered what type of screen you’re actually buying for the replacement? You’re not alone. The smartphone world is filled with jargon like Original, OLED, AMOLED, Incell, COG, COF — and honestly, it can get overwhelming. Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of smartphone screens you’ll find in the market today, how they stack up against each other, and which one might be the right choice for you.
Understanding the Basics of Smartphone Display Technologies
Let’s get the basics straight first before diving into comparisons.
What is an LCD?
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It uses a backlight to illuminate pixels, meaning blacks aren’t entirely black since the light’s always on. It’s widely used because it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to produce. But compared to newer tech, the contrast and color vibrancy can fall short.
What is an OLED?
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is where things get interesting. Every pixel in an OLED screen emits its own light — no backlight needed. This means true blacks, brighter colors, and better contrast. Plus, they’re thinner and more flexible.
What is AMOLED?
AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED) is a step up from regular OLED. It integrates a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer that controls each pixel individually for faster refresh rates and better battery efficiency. You’ll find AMOLED screens in most flagship smartphones.
What is TFT?
TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) is a type of LCD screen that uses thin-film transistor technology to improve image quality. While it offers decent display at a lower cost, viewing angles and color reproduction aren’t as strong as newer display types.
What is IPS?
IPS (In-Plane Switching) is a premium form of LCD with better color accuracy and viewing angles than TFT. It’s found in mid to high-end devices that don’t go for OLED panels.
What is Incell?
Incell technology integrates the touch panel directly into the LCD layer, making the screen thinner, brighter, and more responsive. Many newer smartphones favor Incell over traditional separate layer LCDs.
What are COG and COF Displays?
- COG (Chip on Glass): The controller chip is mounted directly on the glass.
- COF (Chip on Flex): The chip is on a flexible ribbon that connects to the display, allowing for ultra-thin bezels and curved screen designs.
The Grades of Mobile LCD Screens
When you go screen shopping, you’ll see these terms thrown around.
Original Screens
These are the exact same screens used by phone manufacturers. They offer the best display, touch response, and durability — but they’re also the most expensive.
Original Refurbished Screens
These are genuine original screens that were previously used or damaged, then repaired (like replacing glass or touch sensors) and resold. Quality is close to original but varies depending on the refurbishing process.
Copy Screens (Third-party)
Manufactured by third-party companies, copy screens come in different grades (AAA, AA, etc.). They’re much cheaper but often compromise on brightness, color, and touch response.
In-depth Comparison Between Screen Types
Let’s put them side by side.
Original vs Original Refurbish
- Original: Brand new, flawless performance.
- Original Refurbish: Almost identical if refurbished well, but risks lower touch sensitivity or shorter lifespan.
LCD vs OLED vs AMOLED
- LCD: Cheaper, decent brightness, no deep blacks.
- OLED: Vibrant, deeper blacks, more expensive.
- AMOLED: Best performance, color-rich, and battery-efficient.
TFT vs IPS
- TFT: Budget-friendly, narrower viewing angles.
- IPS: Superior color and viewing experience, slightly pricier.
Incell vs Regular LCD
- Incell: Thinner, lighter, better touch sensitivity.
- Regular LCD: Thicker, older tech, cheaper.
COG vs COF
- COG: Good for standard displays.
- COF: Allows ultra-thin bezels and advanced designs (like foldables).
Pros and Cons of Each Screen Type
| Screen Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LCD | Affordable, reliable | No true blacks, thicker |
| OLED | True blacks, vibrant colors | Expensive, prone to burn-in |
| AMOLED | Best performance, energy-efficient | Most expensive |
| TFT | Budget option | Poor viewing angles, colors |
| IPS | Great colors, viewing angles | Costlier than TFT |
| Incell | Thin, responsive | Can be pricey |
| COG | Compact, good performance | Less flexible than COF |
| COF | Ultra-thin designs possible | More complex, costly |
How to Identify Screen Quality When Buying Replacement Screens
- Check brightness and color clarity
- Compare touch responsiveness
- Look for manufacturer labels
- Buy from trusted, well-reviewed suppliers
- Avoid ‘AAA copy’ if quality matters
Common Myths About Mobile Display Technologies
- Myth: “AMOLED screens always burn-in quickly.”
Truth: Modern AMOLEDs are much more durable. - Myth: “All refurbished screens are poor.”
Truth: Good refurbishers can match original quality. - Myth: “TFT and LCD are the same thing.”
Truth: TFT is a type of LCD, but not all LCDs are TFT.
Which Screen Should You Choose?
For Budget Phones
Go for TFT or standard LCD. Affordable, functional, and gets the job done.
For Flagship Users
AMOLED or Incell IPS LCD if you prefer LCD. Top-notch performance and visuals.
For Mobile Gamers and Media Lovers
Nothing beats AMOLED or OLED. Deep blacks, high refresh rates, and ultra-smooth experience.
Future Trends in Smartphone Display Technology
Look out for microLED displays, under-display cameras, rollable screens, and holographic displays. The display game is just getting started.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mobile screens. What matters is your budget, how you use your phone, and what features you value most. Hopefully, this guide has cleared up the screen tech jungle for you. Next time you crack a screen, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between OLED and AMOLED?
A: AMOLED is a type of OLED with an active matrix system for faster, more efficient pixel control.
Q2: Is a refurbished screen worth buying?
A: If it’s from a trusted refurbisher with high standards — yes. They can perform nearly as well as new originals.
Q3: Why do some displays look brighter than others?
A: Brightness depends on the screen type, backlight strength (in LCDs), and pixel technology (in OLED/AMOLED).
Q4: What’s the best screen for gaming?
A: AMOLED or OLED displays. They offer fast refresh rates, deep blacks, and punchy colors.
Q5: How do I check if a replacement screen is original?
A: Check for manufacturer markings, compare display performance, and purchase from certified suppliers.
