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.
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
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.
Phone Screen Repair: Why You Should Always Use Original Parts – Expert Guide + 14 Real Risks of Cheap Replacements
# Introduction
When it comes to phone screen repair, the market is filled with options—but not all parts are created equal.
Choosing between original (OEM) parts and cheaper alternatives might seem like a matter of budget, but it can have long-term consequences for your device’s performance, safety, and even warranty. In this article, we’ll explain why using genuine parts is essential, and how Sydney CBD Repair Centre ensures your phone gets the quality it deserves.
# What Are Original (OEM) Phone Parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are components made by the same company that manufactured the original parts used in your phone. These parts are:
Designed specifically for your phone model
Meet the original factory specifications
Ensure full compatibility and reliability
Often come with a warranty or guarantee
They offer the same performance and durability as the part that came with your new phone.
✅ Perfect fit and finish
✅ True-to-life colors and brightness
✅ Flawless touch response
✅ Preserves water resistance (if resealed properly)
✅ No compatibility issues with updates or security features
✅ Maintains resale value
When it comes to flagship devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra, or Google Pixel 8 Pro, OEM screens ensure your investment is protected.
In extreme cases, aftermarket parts can short-circuit internal components—costing you more in the long run.
# How to Tell if Your Screen is Original or Fake
Look out for these signs:
Indicator
OEM Screen
Aftermarket Screen
Color Accuracy
Sharp and vibrant
Washed out or over-saturated
Brightness
Even and adaptive
Often dull or uneven
Touch Sensitivity
Smooth and responsive
Laggy or jittery
Build
Tight frame fit
Loose or slightly misaligned
Brand Labeling
Often branded
Typically blank or generic
Always ask your repair centre to confirm part authenticity and show packaging if needed.
# Impact on Touch Sensitivity and Display Quality
OEM screens maintain:
Smooth scrolling
Fast, accurate multi-touch
True 120Hz refresh rate (on supported models)
Responsive gestures and swipes
Zero ghost touch or lag
Fake screens often reduce your phone’s performance, especially on gaming or high-refresh displays like those on the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S series.
# What Happens to Face ID and Fingerprint Sensors?
When non-original screens are installed:
Face ID may stop working on iPhones
Fingerprint sensors (especially under-screen ones) can fail
TrueDepth camera alignment can be off
Dynamic Island features or display notches may glitch
Proper OEM integration ensures these features continue functioning just like new.
# Will Aftermarket Screens Affect Battery Life?
Yes. Lower-quality screens can:
Draw more power due to inefficient backlighting
Cause overheating, affecting battery health
Disrupt adaptive brightness features, keeping the screen too bright
OEM parts preserve your phone’s power efficiency and overall system harmony.
# Warranty Concerns: Genuine vs Third-Party Parts
Using non-genuine parts can:
Void your manufacturer warranty
Limit your eligibility for trade-ins or insurance
Compromise your ability to get future repairs
At Sydney CBD Repair Centre, all our screen repairs come with a 90-day warranty and do not void extended coverage if done out of warranty.
# Why Sydney CBD Repair Centre Only Uses Genuine Parts
We believe your device deserves the best. That’s why we offer:
✅ Genuine parts direct from suppliers
✅ Certified repair technicians
✅ No shortcuts, no knockoffs
✅ Same-day express service
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
🏆 Trusted by over 2000+ satisfied customers and rated the #1 Mobile Repair Centre in Sydney.
# What to Ask Before Getting Your Screen Repaired
Before handing over your phone, ask:
Do you use genuine parts?
What’s the warranty on the screen repair?
Will Face ID or fingerprint still work?
Can I see the new screen before installation?
How long will the repair take?
If a shop can’t answer confidently, look elsewhere.
✅ We welcome questions and offer free assessments at Sydney CBD Repair Centre.
# 6 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are genuine parts really that different from third-party ones?
Yes. OEM parts match the exact specs of your original screen and perform far better than cheap copies.
2. How do I know if my screen was replaced with a fake?
Lower brightness, poor touch response, and odd display colors are common indicators. Ask for the invoice and packaging info.
3. Can non-original screens damage my phone?
Yes, they can cause overheating, short-circuiting, or software malfunctions over time.
4. Is there a big price difference?
OEM screens cost more upfront but last longer and won’t cause issues—saving you money in the long run.
5. Do you offer a warranty on your repairs?
Absolutely. We provide a 90-day warranty on all screen repairs using genuine parts.
6. How long does a genuine screen replacement take?
Most screen repairs are done within 1–2 hours at our Sydney CBD location.
# Conclusion
When it comes to phone screen repair, cutting corners with cheap parts might save you money today—but it will cost you more in performance, safety, and reliability down the road.
At Sydney CBD Repair Centre, we pride ourselves on using 100% genuine parts, expertly installed by qualified technicians, backed by a solid warranty, and trusted by thousands of customers across Sydney.
David from Sydney CBD Repair Centre – The Best place to fix mobile phones as 6 Years In A Row!
Top Mobile Phone Repair In Sydney. More than 2000 Positive Reviews on Google and Same Day Repairs.
Visit us today for:
✓ Same Day Express Repairs
✓ Genuine Parts Guarantee
✓ Competitive Pricing
✓ 90-Day Warranty
✓ 6-Time Award Winner for Best Phone Repairs
