LCD Vs OLED Screen Replacement for iPhones:
Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to replacing a damaged iPhone screen, you’ll likely encounter two main options: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). These screen technologies offer distinct advantages and trade-offs in terms of performance, price, durability, and overall display quality. Understanding the key differences between LCD and OLED replacements can help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.
Understanding LCD and OLED Technology
What is an LCD Screen?
An LCD screen consists of multiple layers, including a backlight, liquid crystals, and color filters. These layers work together to produce an image by controlling how light passes through the display. Since LCDs require a separate backlight, they generally consume more power and can’t achieve the same level of contrast as OLED screens.
What is an OLED Screen?
Unlike LCDs, OLED screens do not require a backlight. Each individual pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, allowing for true blacks, vibrant colours, and a higher contrast ratio. This self-emissive nature gives OLED displays their signature deep blacks and sharp image quality, making them the preferred choice for premium iPhones.

Key Differences Between LCD Vs OLED Screen Replacements
- Display Quality
- OLED: Offers superior colour accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast due to self-emissive pixels.
- LCD: Produces good colours but lacks the deep blacks and contrast of OLED. The image may appear slightly washed out compared to an original OLED screen.
- Brightness and Visibility
- OLED: Can achieve higher brightness levels while maintaining energy efficiency, making it more visible in direct sunlight.
- LCD: Tends to be slightly dimmer than OLED but still performs well in most lighting conditions.
- Power Consumption
- OLED: More energy-efficient because black pixels turn off completely, conserving battery life.
- LCD: Uses a backlight for illumination, meaning it consumes more power than OLED, especially when displaying darker images.
- Durability and Longevity
- OLED: More susceptible to burn-in (when static images leave a ghost-like imprint on the screen over time). However, modern OLED screens have built-in protections to reduce this risk.
- LCD: Less prone to burn-in but may experience colour degradation and backlight issues over time.
- Response Time and Refresh Rate
- OLED: Faster response times and higher refresh rates provide smoother scrolling and better gaming performance.
- LCD: Typically has slower response times, which may lead to slight motion blur in fast-moving content.
- Price and Availability
- OLED: More expensive because it is the original screen technology used in high-end iPhones, such as the iPhone X and later models.
- LCD: More affordable since it is a third-party alternative designed to replace OLED displays at a lower cost.
Pros and Cons of LCD Vs OLED Screen Replacements
LCD Replacement: Pros & Cons
✅ More affordable – A great budget-friendly option for those who want a functional screen without breaking the bank.
✅ Durable – Less prone to burn-in and screen degradation over time.
❌ Lower contrast and colour accuracy – Colours may appear less vibrant, and blacks may look more like dark grey.
❌ Higher power consumption – Can drain battery life faster than OLED screens.
OLED Replacement: Pros & Cons
✅ Premium display quality – True blacks, vivid colours, and excellent contrast.
✅ More energy-efficient – Conserves battery life better than LCD screens.
✅ Better for gaming and videos – Faster response times and smoother refresh rates.
❌ More expensive – Higher price due to its advanced technology and original part sourcing.
When Should You Choose an LCD or OLED Replacement?
Choose an LCD Replacement If:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly screen replacement.
- You don’t mind slight differences in colour accuracy and contrast.
- You want a screen that is less prone to burn-in.
- You have an older iPhone model that originally came with an LCD screen.
Choose an OLED Replacement If:
- You want the best possible display quality for your iPhone.
- You frequently watch videos, play games, or use high-resolution apps.
- You need a screen that preserves battery life more effectively.
- You are replacing a screen on an iPhone model that originally had an OLED display.
Final Thoughts
Deciding between an LCD and an OLED screen replacement for your iPhone ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution and can tolerate some trade-offs in display quality, an LCD replacement is a practical choice. On the other hand, if you want to maintain the original high-quality visuals of your iPhone and don’t mind paying a bit more, an OLED replacement is the better option.
Regardless of which screen replacement you choose, for the best performance and longevity, bring your iPhone to FoneFix Honiton for professional repair. Cheap repairs often compromise quality, leading to further issues down the line. At FoneFix Honiton, we use high-quality parts and expert installation to ensure your device works like new—because when it comes to iPhone repairs, the best option is rarely the cheapest. A high-quality screen replacement can restore your iPhone’s functionality and visual appeal, keeping your device looking and working like new.
Book your iPhone repair using our easy online repair booking service
You can call us on 01404 515095 or book your iPhone Repair on our website. Should you not see the repair you need then please get in touch becasue we always do our best to help. You can also reach out to us on our Facebook Page.