Phone screen repair: original vs. third-party parts

What changes with each kind of screen, and what to ask before you hand over your phone.

Original parts

Screens made by or for the phone’s maker usually match colour and brightness and keep features working the way they should. They cost more.

Third-party parts

Good aftermarket screens are cheaper. Quality varies a lot by supplier, so ask the shop what they use and what warranty comes with it.

Before you drop it off

• Back up your phone.
• Turn off any find-my-phone lock only if the shop needs it, and ask why.
• Note anything else that’s wrong, like the battery, so they can quote both.

Is it worth it?

If the phone is a few years old or newer and works fine otherwise, a screen usually beats buying a new phone. If the battery is also weak, doing both at once often saves money.