Apple iPhone Screen Comparison
Screen (Main Section)
Sub Section 1 - Incell (LCD) 💰
What is it
Incell is an LCD-based display where the touch layer is integrated directly into the screen panel. This technology is commonly used in older iPhone models and is widely adopted for budget screen replacements. It does not use OLED technology and therefore does not replicate the display characteristics of newer iPhones.
User Experience
Incell displays have noticeably lower brightness and contrast compared to OLED screens. Black colors appear more grey rather than true black, and overall colors look less vibrant. Scrolling is standard at 60Hz, which feels normal but not especially smooth. The screen structure is slightly thicker, which may affect the visual appearance of bezels.
It works reliably for everyday use such as messaging, calls, and browsing, and they do not affect phone performance or system stability. However, users who frequently watch videos, use their phone outdoors, or are sensitive to display quality may find the screen looks dull compared to the original.
Incell LCDs require a constant backlight to illuminate the display, which results in slightly higher power consumption, particularly when displaying dark content. As a result, users may notice moderately reduced battery efficiency compared to OLED screens, especially if they frequently use dark mode. The additional power draw may also lead to marginally higher heat generation during heavy usage.
Who it’s for
This option is suitable for users who are budget-conscious, using the phone temporarily, or are not sensitive to display quality. It is also commonly chosen for backup devices or older users.
Sub Section 2 - OLED
2.1 HARD OLED 💰💰
Hard OLED refers to OLED displays built on a hard and rigid glass substrate. You can think of it as a screen with a firm, fixed structure rather than a flexible one. This type of OLED has been used for many years and is commonly found in earlier OLED devices and some older iPhone models.
User Experience
Because the screen is built on a rigid glass layer, it does not bend or absorb impact as well as newer flexible OLED screens. This means that if the phone is dropped, the force is more likely to go straight into the glass, making Hard OLED screens easier to crack compared to Soft OLED or genuine Apple displays.
In terms of display quality, Hard OLED is a big improvement over Incell (LCD). It offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vivid colours. It also uses power more efficiently than LCD, especially when using dark mode. Scrolling may feel smoother than Incell on some versions, but it does not fully match the smoothness of Apple’s ProMotion displays.
Who’s it for
It’s a good choice for budget users who take good care of their phone and are less likely to drop it. If durability and drop resistance are a top concern, Soft OLED or Apple Genuine screens may be a better option.
2.2 SOFT OLED – Best Value for Money
Soft OLED is an OLED screen built on a flexible base, similar to the screen Apple uses in its original iPhones. Instead of being completely rigid, the screen can bend slightly, which helps it absorb impact better.
User Experience
Soft OLED offers a near-original look and feel with strong display quality, good durability, and stable performance. Power efficiency is comparable to Apple’s original screens and generally better than LCD, particularly when using dark interfaces.
In very bright outdoor conditions, maximum brightness may be slightly lower than a brand-new Apple Genuine screen, but this difference is usually minimal and not noticeable for most users.
Same like Hard OLED, the phone may also display an “Unknown Part”. This notification does not affect display quality, functionality, or durability.
Because it offers a strong balance between display quality, durability, and price, Soft OLED has become the most popular choice in the market and is often considered the best value-for-money option for iPhone screen replacements.
Who’s it for?
It is ideal for users who want a high-quality, near-original display experience without paying the full cost of a genuine Apple screen, making it one of the best overall value options.
Sub section 3.Apple Genuine Part
Apple Genuine Part (Re-Conditioned / Refurbished) refers to an original Apple display panel manufactured by Apple’s official suppliers where the front glass has been replaced, while the underlying OLED panel remains original Apple hardware.
During the refurbishment process, the original cracked or damaged front glass is carefully removed, and a new glass layer is bonded onto the original Apple OLED panel using specialised equipment. The core display components - including the OLED panel, pixel structure, and touch circuitry - remain unchanged.
User Experience
Since the front glass is not factory-bonded by Apple, minor differences in surface feel or edge finishing may be noticeable compared to a brand-new Apple screen. Cosmetic condition may vary slightly between units, and prior usage history of the OLED panel cannot always be fully determined.
Who it’s for
This option is well suited for users who want genuine Apple display performance, are comfortable with a refurbished component, and prefer a more cost-effective alternative to original Apple screens.
3.2 Apple Genuine Part (Pre-registered) – Best Quality for Price 💰💰💰💰
Apple Genuine Part (Pre-Registered) refers to an original Apple screen manufactured by Apple’s official suppliers that has been registered in Apple’s repair system before installation. The screen itself is genuine Apple hardware and meets Apple’s original manufacturing specifications.
The term pre-registered means the part has been allocated for an authorised repair workflow, allowing the iPhone to recognise the replacement screen after installation. As a result, the device typically does not display the “Unknown Part” or “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display” notification once calibration is completed.
Because these parts are allocated specifically for authorised repair workflows, pre-registered Apple Genuine Parts can be difficult to source.
User Experience
A pre-registered Apple Genuine Part offers true Apple display quality at a lower costcompared to brand-new screen. In terms of display quality, there is no difference between a pre-registered Apple Genuine Part and any other genuine Apple screen. Brightness, colour accuracy, contrast, touch responsiveness, and ProMotion performance are identical to the original screen that came with the device.
Who it’s for
This option is ideal for users who prioritise original Apple display quality, care about system messages and resale perception, and want a repair outcome that feels as close to “factory-original” as possible.
3.3 Apple Genuine Part (Original)💰💰💰💰💰
This refers to a brand-new, unused Apple original screen that comes directly from Apple’s supply chain (or Apple-authorised channels) without being tied to any specific device beforehand. This is the highest-priced screen replacement option.
Sub section 3.Apple Genuine Part
Apple Genuine Part (Re-Conditioned / Refurbished) refers to an original Apple display panel manufactured by Apple’s official suppliers where the front glass has been replaced, while the underlying OLED panel remains original Apple hardware.
During the refurbishment process, the original cracked or damaged front glass is carefully removed, and a new glass layer is bonded onto the original Apple OLED panel using specialised equipment. The core display components - including the OLED panel, pixel structure, and touch circuitry - remain unchanged.
User Experience
Since the front glass is not factory-bonded by Apple, minor differences in surface feel or edge finishing may be noticeable compared to a brand-new Apple screen. Cosmetic condition may vary slightly between units, and prior usage history of the OLED panel cannot always be fully determined.
Who it’s for
This option is well suited for users who want genuine Apple display performance, are comfortable with a refurbished component, and prefer a more cost-effective alternative to original Apple screens.
3.2 Apple Genuine Part (Pre-registered) – Best Quality for Price 💰💰💰💰
Apple Genuine Part (Pre-Registered) refers to an original Apple screen manufactured by Apple’s official suppliers that has been registered in Apple’s repair system before installation. The screen itself is genuine Apple hardware and meets Apple’s original manufacturing specifications.
The term pre-registered means the part has been allocated for an authorised repair workflow, allowing the iPhone to recognise the replacement screen after installation. As a result, the device typically does not display the “Unknown Part” or “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display” notification once calibration is completed.
Because these parts are allocated specifically for authorised repair workflows, pre-registered Apple Genuine Parts can be difficult to source.
User Experience
A pre-registered Apple Genuine Part offers true Apple display quality at a lower costcompared to brand-new screen. In terms of display quality, there is no difference between a pre-registered Apple Genuine Part and any other genuine Apple screen. Brightness, colour accuracy, contrast, touch responsiveness, and ProMotion performance are identical to the original screen that came with the device.
Who it’s for
This option is ideal for users who prioritise original Apple display quality, care about system messages and resale perception, and want a repair outcome that feels as close to “factory-original” as possible.
3.3 Apple Genuine Part (Original)💰💰💰💰💰
This refers to a brand-new, unused Apple original screen that comes directly from Apple’s supply chain (or Apple-authorised channels) without being tied to any specific device beforehand. This is the highest-priced screen replacement option.