Why Are “Domestic” Phone LCD Screens So Different in Price and Quality?

Introduction

Ever walked into a mobile parts market and noticed that two “domestic” LCD screens for the same phone model can differ in price by 3x or more? One costs a few dozen yuan, the other over a hundred. To the untrained eye, they look almost identical. But under the surface, the difference is massive. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Understanding the Basics of a Phone LCD Screen

An LCD screen isn’t just one piece of glass. It’s a small ecosystem of parts working together:

Glass: the protective surface you touch
Backlight: the light source behind the panel
Driver IC chips: the “brains” that control image output

When manufacturers cut costs on any of these, the final product suffers.

Types of Domestic Screens

Low-copy screens (“cheap copies”): Made with the cheapest materials, minimal testing, and often poor assembly. They’re designed to look like the original, but that’s about it.
High-copy screens (“premium copies”): Built with higher-quality components, stricter processes, and often close to OEM performance. They’re still aftermarket, but worlds apart from low-copy.

Material Differences

Glass Quality

Cheap glass scratches easily, cracks faster, and may not have anti-fingerprint coating. High-copy screens use thicker, treated glass, sometimes nearly as strong as original Gorilla Glass.

Backlight Modules

Low-copy: weak brightness, uneven spots, drains battery.
High-copy: uniform brightness, energy-efficient, better for outdoor use.

Driver IC Chips

Think of the IC as the “translator” between your phone and the display.

Low-copy: cheap chips cause lag, ghost touches, and higher power use.
High-copy: branded ICs ensure smooth response and stable display.

Manufacturing Process

In low-copy factories, manual assembly is common, shortcuts are frequent, and little attention is given to dust-free environments. High-copy production often uses automated lines, cleanrooms, and advanced bonding techniques like OCA/LOCA, which directly affect screen clarity and durability.

Quality Control and Testing

Cheap screens: random batch checks, many defects slip through.
High-copy screens: 100% functional testing, burn-in checks, touch calibration.

It’s the difference between rolling dice and guaranteeing consistency.

Cost Breakdown

So why does one screen cost 40 RMB and another 120 RMB?

Low-copy: cheapest glass, backlight, and IC; minimal labor.
High-copy: branded materials, stricter QC, longer testing times.

You’re not just paying for “the same product”—you’re paying for the invisible quality inside.

User Experience Differences

Low-copy users often complain:

Touch delay
Faded colors
Poor visibility outdoors

High-copy screens feel smooth, vibrant, and close to original. It’s like the difference between watching a movie on a blurry DVD vs streaming in HD.

Longevity and Reliability

Cheap screens often last only months. Problems like yellowing backlight, ghost touches, or cracked glass appear quickly. High-copy versions, if handled well, can last nearly as long as originals.

Risks of Choosing the Cheapest Screen

At first, it feels like you’re saving money. But when customers return angry because of defects—or when you replace a screen twice—you end up spending more than if you had chosen a high-copy option from the start.

Why High-Copy Screens Cost More

It’s not just “profit.” The higher price covers:

Premium materials
Professional assembly
Lower defective rates
Warranty support

Common Myths About Domestic Screens

Myth 1: “All domestic screens are the same.” Wrong—quality varies wildly.
Myth 2: “If it’s expensive, it must be imported.” Not true—many domestic high-copy screens are excellent and worth the price.

Practical Advice for New Buyers

Want to spot the difference quickly?

Compare brightness at max setting
Check the thickness and weight of the glass
Test touch response (lag = cheap chip)
Ask suppliers if ICs are branded

One Cent for One Quality: The Old Rule Still Works

In short, if a screen is unbelievably cheap, there’s always a reason. Just like fast food vs a proper meal—you get what you pay for.

Conclusion

Not all domestic LCD screens are created equal. The wide gap in price comes down to materials, process, and testing. Low-copy screens are fine if you want the cheapest fix, but they carry risks. High-copy screens, while pricier, deliver better performance and reliability. In the end, “one cent for one quality” is still the best rule to follow.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between low-copy and high-copy screens?
Low-copy uses cheaper materials with minimal testing, while high-copy uses better glass, chips, and strict QC.

2. Can cheap LCDs damage my phone?
Yes. Poor-quality ICs can cause overheating, ghost touches, or even motherboard issues.

3. Are high-copy screens worth the extra cost?
Absolutely. They provide better durability, display, and customer satisfaction.

4. How can I check screen quality before buying?
Check brightness, touch response, and ask about the driver IC brand.

5. Do all suppliers offer both types of screens?
Not always. Some specialize in cheap batches, while reliable suppliers usually stock high-copy too.

Loly

Hi, I’m Loly, the funder of MoPhoneParts.com, I’ve been running a factory in China that makes Mobile Phone Parts for 8 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to cellphone parts from a Chinese supplier’s perspective.