A phone screen is a laminated stack of cover glass, touch digitizer and display panel (LCD or OLED), replaced as one assembly. Original OLED screens cost the most. Aftermarket OLED and LCD-based incell screens cost less, with differences in thickness, contrast and power use. Screens are sold by model, for example in this screens catalog.
What layers make up a screen?
- Cover glass: the part that cracks.
- Touch layer (digitizer): senses fingers.
- Display panel: LCD with a backlight, or self-lit OLED.
- Flex cables: connect display and touch to the board.
Because the layers are laminated, a cracked cover glass usually means replacing the whole assembly at a shop.
How do LCD and OLED differ?
| LCD | OLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Backlight behind the panel | Each pixel emits light |
| Blacks | Dark grey | True black |
| Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Under-display fingerprint | Generally not supported | Supported on phones designed for it |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
What replacement options exist?
- Original (OEM, OEM pull or service pack): matches the phone as built.
- Aftermarket OLED (soft or hard OLED for iPhone): OLED look at a lower price.
- Incell / LCD: the lowest cost, with thicker build and greyer blacks on phones that shipped with OLED.
Catalogs usually sort these by brand and model, for example iPhone screens and Samsung aftermarket OLED screens.
Why do some screens come with a frame?
A screen pre-installed in a new frame avoids separating a glued panel from the old frame. That step risks cracking the new screen and takes time. The part costs more but saves labor.
Does a replaced iPhone screen show a message?
On recent iPhones, Parts and Service History in Settings shows whether a replaced display is a genuine Apple part. Non-genuine or unverified parts can show as "Unknown."
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace only the cracked glass?
Specialist refurbishers separate glass from the display with dedicated machines. For most shops and owners, the whole assembly is replaced.
Sources
Sources checked September 29, 2026. Prices, stock and program terms change; confirm them on the linked pages.