Original vs. aftermarket screens: a repairer’s take.
Original vs. Aftermarket Screens: A Repairer’s Take
When your phone’s display cracks, flickers, or stops responding, the first big question is: Do I go for an original screen or an aftermarket one? As a repair shop that’s been in the business for over a decade, Sydney CBD Repair Centre has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to both options. Here’s our honest breakdown.
What Is an Original Screen?
An original screen (often called OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer) is made by the same company that produced the screen your phone had when it left the factory.
Pros:
- Perfect colour accuracy and brightness
- Same touch sensitivity as the original
- Fully compatible with your phone’s software and hardware
- Maintains water resistance (for supported models)
- Better long-term durability
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to aftermarket options
What Is an Aftermarket Screen?
An aftermarket screen is made by a third-party manufacturer, not the phone’s original supplier.
Pros:
- Cheaper upfront cost
- Widely available for older or less common models
Cons:
- Colours may be less vibrant or overly saturated
- Touch responsiveness can feel slightly off
- Lower build quality and shorter lifespan
- May not fit perfectly, leading to dust or moisture ingress
- Can void your phone’s warranty
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Original Screen | Aftermarket Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | True-to-original, factory calibrated | Varies, often less accurate |
| Touch Response | Smooth, accurate | May feel slower or less sensitive |
| Durability | High, resistant to scratches and pressure | Lower, more prone to cracks |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Warranty Support | Maintained (if authorised repair) | Often voided |
A Repairer’s Recommendation
From a professional perspective, original screens win in every category except cost. For high-end devices like iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, or Google Pixels, the display is one of the phone’s most important components. Using a low-quality aftermarket screen can make your expensive phone feel and perform like a budget model.
That’s why at Sydney CBD Repair Centre, we only use genuine parts unless a customer specifically requests aftermarket for budget reasons. This ensures:
- Longer-lasting repairs
- Better resale value for your device
- No compromise in daily usage
When Aftermarket Might Make Sense
There are situations where aftermarket screens are reasonable:
- The phone is old and not worth the cost of an OEM replacement
- You need a temporary fix before upgrading
- You’re okay with reduced quality for the sake of affordability
Final Word
If you want your phone to look, feel, and function like it did when it was brand new, original screens are the way to go. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a drop in quality, aftermarket screens can be a short-term solution — but be prepared for potential trade-offs.
📍 Get your screen fixed with genuine parts today: https://SydneyCBD.repair/locate-us
📞 Call: +61280114119
