iPhone Screens Explained – Soft OLED, LCD, and Refurbished Displays. What’s the Difference?

iPhone Screens Explained – Soft OLED, LCD, and Refurbished Displays. What’s the Difference?

Screen replacement is one of the most common iPhone repairs. But not all screens are the same – differences in quality, price, and durability can be significant. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between Soft OLED, LCD, and Refurbished screens and help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

1. Soft OLED – Closest to the Original

What is a Soft OLED screen?Soft OLED is a type of display that closely resembles the original screen used by Apple, especially in models like iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro, 12, 13, 14 Pro, and so on. It’s built on a flexible substrate, allowing for a thinner construction and delivering excellent contrast and deep blacks.

Pros:

• High image quality (very close to the original)

• Thin and flexible (easier to install)

• Great touch responsiveness

• Longer lifespan compared to LCD replacements

Cons:

• Higher price than LCD

• Slightly less durable than genuine Apple OLEDs

Price: Typically 20–40% cheaper than an Apple original screen, but more expensive than LCDs.

2. LCD – The Budget-Friendly Option

What is an LCD screen?This is a low-cost alternative used mainly in older iPhone models or as a budget solution for newer ones. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) doesn’t offer the same colour depth or contrast as OLED screens.

Pros:

• Much cheaper

• Still decent image quality for everyday use

• No risk of screen burn-in (common with OLEDs)

Cons:

• Lower colour accuracy and contrast

• Thicker screen (can affect fit)

• Slightly slower touch response

• Higher battery consumption

Price: Up to 50–70% cheaper than Soft OLED. A great choice for users with a tight budget.

3. Refurbished Screen – Original Quality at a Better Price

What is a refurbished screen?It’s an original Apple screen that had only the broken glass replaced – keeping the original OLED or LCD panel and digitizer intact. This way, you get genuine Apple quality at a lower price.

Pros:

• 100% original Apple display quality

• Same brightness, colour, and smoothness as the factory screen

• Perfect fit with the device frame

• Eco-friendly (less electronic waste)

Cons:

• Availability may vary (depends on donor parts)

• Refurbishing requires precision – always use a trusted repair shop

Price: Around 30–50% cheaper than a brand-new original screen. Better value than any aftermarket replacement.

Summary: Which Screen Should You Choose?

Screen Type	Image Quality	Price	Best For...
Refurbished	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	Customers who want original quality at a lower cost
Soft OLED	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	Great image quality without the full Apple price
LCD	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	Budget-conscious users

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Replacement Screen:

• Quality certification – avoid cheap, low-grade parts with no warranty.

• Repair shop experience – especially for refurbished screens, precision and skill matter.

• Warranty – always go with a repair service that offers at least 6–12 months of warranty.

Not sure which screen is best for your iPhone?Contact our team – we’ll be happy to advise you and help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.

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