Complete Guide to iPhone Display Replacement: OEM vs Copy, Incell, Soft OLED.

Complete Guide to iPhone Display Replacement: OEM vs Copy, Incell, Soft OLED.

  I Service India     10 May 2025, 6:27 pm
Complete Guide to iPhone Display Replacement: OEM vs Copy, Incell, Soft OLED.

Cracked iPhone screen thinking of replacing it, but not sure which type to go for OEM(Original) , Soft OLED, Incell, or one of those cheaper copies? You're not alone, picking the right screen can get confusing fast.

But here’s the deal the screen you choose isn’t just about fixing a crack. It affects how your phone looks, how it feels to use, even how long your battery lasts.

So, we put together this friendly, this blog help you make sense of all the display options available today. Whether you’re a iphone repair shop owner, iphone reseller, or just someone fixing their own device, you’ll walk away knowing:

  • What display type your iPhone originally came with (LCD or OLED)
  • The real-world differences between OEM, Refurbished, Soft OLED, Incell.
  • What each screen feels like — brightness, touch, colors
  • How to choose the right one based on your needs or business

Apple’s iPhone Display Types: What Came with Your Phone?

Apple iPhone Display Type

Technology Used

Found in Models

Retina LCD

IPS LCD with high ppi

iPhone 6 to iPhone 8, SE (2020/2022)

Liquid Retina HD

Advanced LCD with Haptic Touch

iPhone XR, iPhone 11

Super Retina HD

OLED

iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro

Super Retina XDR

OLED with HDR10, Dolby Vision

iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (expected)

Pro-Motion Display

120Hz adaptive OLED (LTPO)

iPhone 13 Pro, 14 Pro, 15 Pro, 16 Pro, 17 Pro


What Are Your Replacement Options?

1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

  • This is the real deal — same screen Apple puts in new phones
  • Bright and sharp: 500–800 nits for LCD, 800–1000+ nits for OLED
  • True Tone, vivid colors, top-tier durability
  • Best for: When you want the absolute best experience, no compromises

2. Refurbished OEM / Pulled Displays (used)

  • Genuine Apple screen, but with new outer glass (Glass Change)
  • Genuine Apple screen, (USED) Handset Removed
  • Almost as good as OEM — 90–95% of the original quality
  • Great colors, great touch — but costs less
  • Good for: People who want quality but save a little cash

3. Soft OLED (Premium Aftermarket)

  • Flexible OLED that feels close to Apple’s own
  • Brightness around 500–700 nits, punchy colors
  • Slimmer, lighter, and more durable than Hard OLED
  • Ideal for: iPhone X and newer, if OEM is out of budget
  • Many Brands Like GX, JK Soft, KAIKU

4. Hard OLED (Budget Aftermarket)

  • Uses rigid OLED instead of flexible
  • Colors may look a bit too bright or off-tone
  • Thicker and more prone to cracks
  • Use if: You’re doing budget repairs on OLED phones

5. Incell LCD (Mid-Range Copy)

  • Combines LCD and touch into one panel
  • Bright enough (350–450 nits), decent feel
  • A nice upgrade over low-end options
  • Best for: iPhone 6 through iPhone 11 replacements

6. TFT (Entry-Level Copy Screen)

  • Lowest quality option, but lowest cost too
  • Dull colors, laggy touch, and dim brightness
  • Only worth considering for temporary fixes

iPhone Models & Which Screens Fit for You.

iPhone Model

Original Display

Aftermarket Options

Notes

iPhone 6 to 8 Series

LCD

OEM, Refurb, Incell, TFT

Plenty of budget and mid-range options

iPhone X

OLED

OEM, Soft OLED, Hard OLED

All screen types work with Face ID

iPhone XR

LCD

OEM, Incell, TFT

Incell offers good balance

iPhone XS / XS Max

OLED

OEM, Soft OLED, Hard OLED

Soft OLED fits better due to screen curves

iPhone 11

LCD

OEM, Incell, TFT

Very repair-friendly model

iPhone 11 Pro / Max

OLED

OEM, Soft OLED, Hard OLED

Refurb with OEM flex cable works best

iPhone 12 to 14

OLED (XDR)

OEM, Soft OLED

Avoid Hard OLED; not reliable here

iPhone 15 Series

OLED (XDR)

OEM only (as of now)

Aftermarket still catching up

iPhone 16 Series

OLED (XDR)

OEM, Soft OLED (limited)

Early aftermarket options available

iPhone 17 Series

OLED (XDR, LTPO)

OEM only (expected)

Likely locked to OEM for a while


Side-by-Side: Which Screen Does What?

Display Type

Brightness

Color Accuracy

Touch Response

Durability

Price

Best For

OEM

Excellent

Perfect Match

Ultra-Smooth

Strong

High

Premium repairs or resale

Refurb OEM

Very Good

Nearly Original

Smooth

Decent

Medium

Value-conscious customers

Soft OLED

Good

Deep & Rich

Smooth

Decent

Medium

High-end aftermarket choice

Hard OLED

Average

Too Vibrant

Slight Delay

Fragile

Low

Basic OLED fixes

Incell

Moderate

Okay Balance

Fair

Medium

Medium

Budget LCD phones

TFT

Low

Faded

Laggy

Weak

Very Low

Temporary or cheapest option


FAQ?

Q1. Can True Tone still work after replacing the screen?
Yes — but only if you transfer the display data from the original screen using a special tool or the original flex cable.

Q2. Is Soft OLED really better than Hard OLED?
Yes. It’s thinner, more flexible, and more durable. Colors also look way more natural.

Q3. I want to sell my phone later. Which screen keeps the value?
OEM or Refurb OEM is your best bet. They help your iPhone feel original, which buyers love.

Q4. Can I switch from LCD to OLED?
Nope. LCD and OLED screens use different hardware and aren't compatible across models.


Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice

Changing your iPhone screen is more than just a fix — it’s a decision that affects how your phone feels every day.

Whether you're going all-in for OEM, saving with refurb, or just need a working screen on a tight budget, knowing your display options gives you power to choose smartly.

At iServiceindia, we’ve got all these screen types ready — OEM (ORIGINAL), Refurbished (USED), Soft OLED, Incell, and even TFT — backed by warranty, fast delivery, and support that actually helps.

Need help deciding?
Talk to us or explore the full collection at
www.iserviceindia.in

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