Buying Guide

How to Buy a Replacement Screen

Complete guide to buying replacement screens for phones, laptops, and monitors. Compare OEM vs aftermarket, find best prices, and avoid common mistakes.

Buying a replacement screen can be overwhelming with so many options, prices, and sellers. This comprehensive guide helps you find the right screen for your device, understand the differences between OEM and aftermarket options, and make an informed purchase decision.

⚠️ Critical: Verify Your Device Model First

Before ordering any replacement screen, you MUST know your exact device model number. Using the wrong model will result in incompatible parts and wasted money.

Find Your Device Model Number →

This guide shows you how to find your model number using commands, settings, and physical inspection for Android, iPhone, Windows PC, and MacBook.

📏 Also: Know Your Screen Size

After verifying your device model, check your exact screen size. Use our free tool to check instantly.

Check Your Screen Size Now

Table of Contents

1. OEM vs Aftermarket Screens: Which to Choose?

OEM Screens

  • Original manufacturer quality
  • Perfect fit and compatibility
  • Warranty from manufacturer
  • More expensive (2-3x cost)
  • Harder to find for older devices

Best for: Newer devices, when quality is critical, warranty coverage needed

Aftermarket Screens

  • Much cheaper (50-70% less)
  • Widely available
  • Good quality options available
  • Quality varies by manufacturer
  • May need compatibility verification

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, older devices, DIY repairs

Our Recommendation: For most users, high-quality aftermarket screens offer the best value. Look for sellers with good reviews and return policies. For newer premium devices (iPhone 14 Pro, latest Samsung), consider OEM if budget allows.

2. Mobile Phone Replacement Screens

iPhone Screens

iPhone screens are among the most commonly replaced. Prices vary significantly by model and quality.

Model OEM Price Aftermarket Difficulty
iPhone 14 Pro $300-400 $80-150 Hard
iPhone 13/14 $250-350 $60-120 Medium
iPhone 12 $200-300 $50-100 Medium
iPhone 11/X $150-250 $40-80 Easy

Shop iPhone Replacement Screens

Find the best replacement screens for your iPhone model:

Android Phone Screens

Android screens vary widely by manufacturer. Samsung and Google Pixel screens are most commonly replaced.

Samsung Galaxy

S23 Ultra: $200-400 (OEM) / $80-150 (Aftermarket)

S23: $150-300 (OEM) / $60-120 (Aftermarket)

Google Pixel

Pixel 7 Pro: $200-350 (OEM) / $70-130 (Aftermarket)

Pixel 7: $150-250 (OEM) / $50-100 (Aftermarket)

Shop Android Replacement Screens

Find the best replacement screens for your Android device:

3. Laptop Replacement Screens

MacBook Screens

MacBook Pro 16": $400-800 (OEM) / $150-300 (Aftermarket) - Very difficult to replace
MacBook Pro 14": $350-700 (OEM) / $120-250 (Aftermarket) - Very difficult
MacBook Air 13": $300-600 (OEM) / $100-200 (Aftermarket) - Difficult

Warning: MacBook screen replacement is extremely difficult and often requires professional service. Consider repair shop quotes.

Shop MacBook Replacement Screens

Find replacement screens for your MacBook model:

Windows Laptop Screens

Windows laptop screens are generally easier and cheaper to replace than MacBooks.

Size OEM Price Aftermarket Difficulty
13.3" $150-300 $50-120 Medium
15.6" $200-400 $60-150 Medium
17.3" $250-500 $80-200 Hard

Shop Laptop Replacement Screens

Find replacement screens for your Windows laptop by size:

4. Where to Buy Replacement Screens

🛒 Online Retailers

  • Amazon: Best selection, fast shipping, good return policy
  • eBay: Often cheaper, but verify seller ratings
  • iFixit: High-quality parts, excellent guides included
  • Repair Parts Sites: Specialized retailers with good support

🔧 Local Options

  • Repair Shops: Often include installation, warranty
  • Electronics Stores: May have parts in stock
  • Manufacturer Service: OEM parts, official warranty

5. Expert Buying Tips

✅ Verify Compatibility

Double-check your exact device model number. One letter difference can mean incompatibility.

✅ Check Seller Reviews

Read recent reviews, especially ones mentioning your device model. Look for sellers with 4+ star ratings.

✅ Understand Return Policy

Make sure you can return the screen if it doesn't fit or has defects. 30-day returns are standard.

✅ Look for Installation Kits

Many screens come with tools and adhesive. This saves money if you're doing DIY repair.

⚠️ Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices

If a screen is 80% cheaper than competitors, it's likely low quality or a scam.

Related Guides