Understanding Difference between LCD & Glass Damage - SellUp - Blogs

Understanding Difference between Screen Glass and LCD Damage

Apple
There is nothing worse than having a broken LCD screen on an iPhone.

According to a statistic, 64% of mobile users have had their phone screens cracked in the past.

 

Dropping the phone on the ground or being impacted by sharp objects are the two main causes of breaking the screen. 


Before you send the iPhone for repair, let's understand what component that makes up the LCD and how it is being repaired.

By determining what kind of repair needs to be done, you will save time and money.

Difference Between Screen Glass & LCD

Apple
Firstly, you need to understand the difference between screen glass and LCD. This is especially important when making decisions about the type of repair you want for your device.
Two parts make up the front display panel: the screen glass and LCD.
Apple

What is screen glass?

Screen glass is a protective layer placed on the LCD to protect it from scratches, dust, and other forms of damage. (also commonly referred to as the “screen”, "glass" or “digitizer”).

It also reduces glare and reflection, making the screen image clearer.

Screen glass is usually made of tempered glass or plastic and comes in various thicknesses.

Damage to the screen glass

In the event a damage is done to the screen glass, if the impact is not too great, only the glass will be broken or chipped off.

The LCD, which is beneath the glass screen, will be protected from further damage. The LCD will still function and no unusual distortions is seen on it. 
Screen glass cracked but LCD unaffected
Side of the screen glass cracked but LCD unaffected
Corner of the screen glass chipped but LCD unaffected. 
Screen glass is shattered and exposed part of LCD. Technician need to further inspect if LCD is affected

What is LCD?

LCD panel of iPhone
LCD, which stands for Liquid Crystal Display, is a type of display technology that uses liquid crystals to create the image on the screen. (commonly referred to simply as “LCD” or “LED” or “OLED”).

It is made up of many small pixels arranged in a grid. Every pixel has three subpixels used to create the screen colours.

LCDs are found in a range of products, from televisions to smartphones, and they are known for their bright, sharp images and low power consumption.

Damage to the LCD

Damage to LCD and glass
The display is the most fragile part of the phone. It covers almost the entire front panel of the iPhone.

Though Apple has improved its glass durability over time, it is still susceptible to cracking when dropped or hit by heavy objects.

Following are some of the signs to look out for if you suspect your iPhone is having issues with its display.

Screen is discoloured:

Tinted or yellowish screen is common for iPhone with extensive usage
If you notice that your iPhone's screen is discoloured or has a yellowish tint, it's time to replace the screen.

This could be a sign of water damage or other internal problems, and it could also be a sign that your phone has overheated.

Lines appear on your LCD

Horizontal or vertical lines on LCD
If you notice lines on your iPhone's screen, this could be a sign that the screen's internal components have been damaged.

There are small transistors and wiring internally and one of these could be malfunctioning.

Blacked out or blank display

Part of display blacked out
You can hear the chime sound when the iPhone is turned on, but the display is blank. Or a section of the LCD is blacked out and unresponsive.

Touchscreen is unresponsive

 If you notice that the touchscreen is not responding to your touch, the LCD is likely faulty.

Additionally, if the touchscreen is slow to respond or unresponsive in certain places, this can also signify a broken LCD.

Black spots or dead pixels

Apple
Dead pixels are small areas of the LCD that do not display images or text.

To check for dead pixels, set the phone background to Red, Green and Blue.

If you notice any unusual spots on these backgrounds, it indicates the pixel on the display has burned out.

Screen is unusually hot

If the phone's screen is hot to the touch, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the internal components.

This could be a sign of a battery or processor issue, which needs to be checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the LCD.

Screen flickering

Screen flickering on and off
If your iPhone's screen starts flickering or has a "static" effect, the LCD is highly unstable and need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

DIY repair kit
Can I replaced the LCD myself?

Yes, you can buy DIY kits online to replace the LCD yourself.

However, this is not recommended because most people are inexperienced and lack repair skills.

You could do more harm to the phone if the repair process is not carried out properly. There are also myths that some household items can repair cracked screen. Read this article before attempting any.

 
Is it possible to replace the LCD without replacing the glass?

It is not possible to replace an iPhone LCD without glass for two reasons:

1. The parts for LCD comes in one set which includes the glass.

2. The existing glass will be unusable after the LCD and glass separation process.

 
Where can I get an original iPhone LCD repair in Singapore?

Here is a full guide to finding authorized Apple Service Centres and Apple Independence Repair Providers.

 
Is there an alternative as the original LCD is too expensive?

Yes. There are OEM LCDs which have the same quality as the original but at a lower price. Since they do not have the Apple logo, they cannot claim to be original products. 

 
Are these OEM LCDs graded differently?

Yes. There are two types of grading available:

Grade A:
  • As good as the original.
  • Its touch sensitivity is 100% responsive.
  • Its background colour is white.
  • It will break less easily than Grade B parts. 
 
Grade B:
  • Less touch-sensitive.
  • Has a blue-ish background.
  • Breaks more easily after impact. 
Why should I choose Grade B?

This is for people who only need to use the device for a short period of time or as a backup phone. Some customers need to restore the display to transfer data out of the phone.

 
Is there any warranty after repair?

Yes. All our certified repair vendors provide at least 30 days of warranty after repair.

 
What is the repair process and how long does it take?

Step 1. In-processing and a full test of the phone to ensure all components are working fine.

Step 2. Disassembling the iPhone.

Step 3. Separating the glass and iPhone LCD using specialized machinery.

Step 4. Applying a brand new Grade A glass onto the existing LCD.

Step 5. Heat-induced process to adhere the new glass firmly to the existing LCD, using specialized machinery.

Step 6. Assembling the iPhone

Step 7. A full test of the iPhone to ensure the phone is working perfectly.

Estimated time needed about 100 minutes.

 
Is the data going to be lost after the replacement?

It is always recommended that users back up their data before sending it in for repair.

There is a small percentage (usually less than 1%) that data will be wiped during replacement.

 
How much will it cost to replace my broken LCD screen?

The cost of replacing a broken LCD screen will vary depending on what model it is (newer models are more expensive), which grade of LCD screen you need, and where you take it for repair.

Generally, it will cost $50 to $500 to replace a broken LCD screen

 

In Summary

It is important not to delay or take lightly phone screen problems but solve them as soon as possible.

If this is not done, further damage may occur. A cracked screen may allow water to seep into the phone and cause further damage.

Visit SellUp to get an instant repair estimate and find certified repair vendors near you.

Need help?

Let us know if you have any queries on our service. Whatsapp or call us at 9336 0575 or email us at [email protected]

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