OLED vs. LCD: Which Smartphone Screen is for You?

Tech - by Joe Weber - updated on 8/8/2025

When your smartphone screen breaks, you may discover that you have more than one repair option. Some devices use LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels, while others feature OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens. In certain cases, you'll be offered the choice between the two when replacing your screen.

Both technologies have their strengths, but not every phone supports both types. Understanding the difference can help you make the right decision for your repair.

What's the Difference Between OLED and LCD?

• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Uses a backlight behind the screen. Pixels are illuminated by this light source, meaning even “black” pixels are really just darkened areas of a lit display. LCD screens are more common in entry-level and budget phones, and they may come with slightly larger bezels or thicker builds due to the need for backlighting.
• OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): Each pixel lights up individually. When a pixel is black, it’s truly off, giving deeper contrast and more vibrant colors. OLED displays also enable thinner, more premium-feeling phone designs—especially in larger devices—because they don’t require a bulky backlight.

This difference in how the displays work affects everything from picture quality to battery life.

OLED vs. LCD: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's a quick look at how these two technologies stack up:

Feature	OLED Screen	LCD Screen
Picture Quality	Deep blacks, high contrast, more vibrant colors	Bright, sharp images but less contrast
Brightness	Newer OLED screens are superior, even in direct sunlight	Typically brighter and performs better outdoors
Color Quality	Provides rich, vivid colors	More natural, slightly muted colors
Viewing Angles	Excellent from all angles	It can appear washed out at wider angles
Power Efficiency	More efficient when displaying dark images (pixels turn off)	Consumes constant power due to the backlight
Durability	Slightly more delicate, can be more prone to screen burn-in	More durable, less prone to damage from screen burn-in
Cost	Usually more expensive	Generally more affordable
Common Use	Found in higher-end models (iPhone 12+, Galaxy S22 Ultra and newer, etc.)	Found in many budget and mid-range phones

Which Screen Is Right for You?

If you've cracked your phone screen, you might be offered more than one replacement option. In many cases, that means deciding between an OEM-style OLED replacement or a more affordable LCD alternative. Both will get your phone back in working order, but the experience can feel a little different.

Choose OLED if:

• You want your phone restored to its original condition with the same display technology it came with
• You rely on your phone for streaming, gaming, or photo editing and want the deepest blacks, brightest colors, and best viewing angles
• You're willing to invest more in your repair for the highest-quality experience

Choose LCD if:

• You're looking for a more budget-friendly repair option that still gives you a sharp, reliable screen
• You mainly use your phone for calls, texts, and social media, where ultra-vibrant colors aren't as important
• You want a sturdy, dependable screen type that often costs less to repair or replace in the future

At Batteries Plus, we offer high-quality screen replacements for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, whether your phone originally used OLED or LCD. Our technicians can walk you through your options so you can pick the one that best fits your needs and your budget.

Screen Repairs: Do You Really Have a Choice?

When it comes to screen repairs, not every phone gives you the option to choose between OLED and LCD. Many devices are built with one specific display type, and the replacement needs to match what the manufacturer designed. For example, Apple switched to OLED in newer iPhones starting with the iPhone 12, while earlier models may still use LCD.

In some cases—especially with repairs on certain newer Samsung Galaxy or iPhone models—you may be offered both an OEM-style OLED replacement or a lower-cost LCD alternative. That's where knowing the difference really matters.

At Batteries Plus, our technicians will walk you through your options so you can make the best decision for your budget and how you use your phone.

Final Thoughts

Not every phone gives you the option to choose between OLED and LCD—many devices are designed for just one screen type. When you do have a choice, it usually comes down to whether you want the same premium OLED your phone came with or a more affordable LCD alternative.

If you've cracked your screen, don't wait—bring your phone to Batteries Plus. Our experts can walk you through your repair options and help you decide what works best for your budget and your needs. You can also schedule your screen repair online today to save time and get back to using your phone faster.

FAQs About OLED vs. LCD Phone Screens

Q: Can I replace my phone's OLED screen with an LCD?

A: Sometimes. Certain iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models allow you to choose between an OLED or LCD replacement, but many devices are designed for one specific screen type. You can check which screens are available for your phone on our website or by visiting your local Batteries Plus. Our technicians can also confirm your options and help you choose the best fit.

Q: Is an OLED screen better than an LCD screen?

A: OLED screens typically offer deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast. LCDs are still reliable, bright, and often cost less to repair or replace. The right choice depends on your budget and how you use your phone.

Q: Why is an OLED screen replacement more expensive?

A: OLED technology is more advanced and costly to manufacture, which makes repairs using OLED parts pricier than LCD alternatives. That higher cost reflects the premium picture quality and performance you get with OLED.

Q: How do I know which screen my phone has?

A: It depends on the model. For example, iPhones before the iPhone 12 often used LCD screens, while iPhone 12 and newer models use OLED. Samsung also uses OLED in most flagship Galaxy devices. Our repair experts can quickly identify your screen type for you.