iPhone Screen Types: OEM, Incell, OLED, GX & LCD Compared

Not all iPhone screens are the same. Here's everything you need to know before getting your screen replaced, so you pick the right option for your budget and phone.

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When you get your iPhone screen repaired, most shops offer several screen types: OEM, Incell, OLED, GX, or LCD. The differences matter for brightness, durability, price and resale value.

At iMobile Repair Center in Detroit, we stock Incell screens and limited OEM options. Here's a plain-English breakdown so you can make the right choice.

Every iPhone Screen Type Explained

Six screen types you'll encounter when shopping for a repair, what each one is, and who it's best for.

OEM
Same display that shipped with your iPhone. Identical brightness, color and touch response. Most expensive but preserves resale value. Shows as Genuine Part in repair history.
🔄
Refurbished OEM
Genuine Apple screen pulled from another device and refurbished. Nearly identical to OEM at a slightly lower price. Good compromise for resale value.
🎮
OLED Aftermarket
Deep blacks and vivid colors. Ideal for streaming and gaming. More fragile than Incell and costs more. Best if you prioritize display quality over durability.
💎
GX (High Copy)
Premium aftermarket marketed as high copy OEM. Looks close to original, durability varies by manufacturer. Priced between Incell and OLED.
📺
LCD
Older iPhones shipped with LCD panels. Cheaper to replace, not as bright as OLED. Still common for budget repairs on iPhone 8, 7, 6 and SE.

Screen Type Comparison at a Glance

All six options ranked across the four things that matter most when choosing a replacement screen.

Screen Type Visual Quality Durability Price Best For
OEM Identical to Apple Highest $$$$ Long-term use, resale value
Refurbished OEM Very close to OEM High $$$ Mid-cost resale option
Incell ★ Good, slightly dimmer Very reliable $$ Everyday users, budget-conscious
OLED Aftermarket Bright, vivid colors Lower (fragile) $$$ Gaming, media lovers
GX Looks close to OEM Medium $$ to $$$ Visuals on a budget
LCD Decent, less vibrant Reliable $ Older iPhones, cheapest repairs

★ iMobile Detroit stocks Incell as our standard aftermarket option. See pricing for your model →

Which iPhones Have LCD vs OLED?

Apple switched from LCD to OLED starting with the iPhone X. Knowing your panel type helps narrow down which screen options are compatible.

📺 LCD Models
iPhone 6 iPhone 6s iPhone 7 iPhone 8 iPhone SE (all) iPhone XR iPhone 11
✨ OLED Models
iPhone X iPhone XS iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 12 iPhone 13 iPhone 14 iPhone 15 iPhone 16 All Pro & Pro Max

iPhone 17 is expected to standardize OLED across all models in the lineup.

OEM vs Aftermarket: Two Simple Rules

Most people don't need OEM. Here's the honest breakdown.

Choose OEM if you…
  • Plan to keep your iPhone long-term
  • Care about peak display performance
  • Want the best resale or trade-in value
  • Need it to show as genuine in repair history
Choose Aftermarket if you…
  • Are on a budget or have an older phone
  • Need a quick fix without over-investing
  • Don't plan to resell the device
  • Want the best value? Go Incell

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about iPhone screen types and replacements in Detroit.

OLED aftermarket screens offer the best gaming experience: deep blacks, vivid colors and faster pixel response. Just note that aftermarket OLEDs are more fragile than Incell and cost more. If you're rough on your phone, Incell is a more durable everyday option.
OEM and refurbished OEM screens hold the best resale value because they show as a genuine part in your iPhone's repair history, visible to any buyer in Settings > General > About. Aftermarket screens show as "unknown part," which can affect trade-in and private sale offers on newer models.
Incell is the best balance of price and durability. It's the most widely used aftermarket option in professional repair shops, including ours. Touch response is good, brightness is acceptable for most environments, and it lasts longer than fragile OLED aftermarket screens at a fraction of the OEM price.
The standard iPhone 11 has an LCD panel (called Liquid Retina by Apple). The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have OLED displays. This matters for repair pricing. OLED replacements generally cost more than LCD.
Aftermarket screens work fine for everyday use but may trigger a notification in Settings saying the display couldn't be verified as genuine. This is cosmetic and doesn't affect performance. On newer models (iPhone 13 and later), True Tone may be disabled with some aftermarket screens. We can discuss your options when you come in.
iMobile Repair Center is at 20503 Dequindre St, Detroit, minutes from Warren and surrounding areas. We stock Incell screens for most models and carry limited OEM options. Walk in with no appointment. Most screen repairs are done same day while you wait. Call (313) 900-1032 with any questions.

Ready to get it fixed?

Walk in at 20503 Dequindre St, Detroit. Most repairs done while you wait.

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Or call (313) 900-1032

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