How To Tell The Difference Between OEM And Aftermarket Screens

In the world of mobile phone repairs and replacements, understanding the difference between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket screens is crucial. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions, whether you're a technician or a consumer looking to replace a damaged screen on your iPhone. Here, we'll explore several key aspects that can assist you in distinguishing between these two types of screens.

Markings on Flex Cable

 

The flex cable of a phone screen is not just a simple connection; it holds valuable clues about the origin of the screen. OEM flex cables typically have distinct and precise markings. These markings are often a combination of alphanumeric codes, logos, or symbols that are specific to the original manufacturer. For example, on an iPhone OEM flex cable, you might find Apple - related markings that are carefully engraved or printed with high - quality standards.

 

These markings serve multiple purposes. They can indicate the part number, which is crucial for identifying the exact model and version of the screen that is designed for the specific device. Serial numbers may also be present, allowing for traceability in the manufacturing process. Logos, such as the manufacturer's brand, are another common feature. The font, size, and style of these markings are consistent and follow the company's design guidelines.

 

In contrast, aftermarket flex cables may have markings that are either absent, unclear, or imitations of the OEM ones. Some aftermarket manufacturers may attempt to mimic the OEM markings, but upon closer inspection, differences become apparent. The quality of the printing or engraving may be inferior. The markings might be smudged, have inconsistent font styles, or be of a different color than the genuine OEM markings. Additionally, some aftermarket flex cables may have markings that don't make sense in the context of the original device's manufacturing system, such as random or non - standard codes.

 

LCD Flex Cable IC Chip

 

The IC chip on the LCD flex cable is the brain behind the screen's functionality. In an OEM screen, the IC chip is a highly specialized and precisely engineered component. It is designed to work in perfect harmony with the device's hardware and software. The chip's manufacturing process for OEM screens involves strict quality control measures. The components within the IC chip are carefully selected and assembled to ensure optimal performance.

 

The packaging of the OEM IC chip is of the highest quality. It has a smooth and clean appearance, with no visible flaws such as rough edges or burrs. The soldering of the chip to the flex cable is precise and consistent, with no signs of overheating or poor connection. The IC chip's design is tailored to the specific requirements of the device. It has specific power management features, signal processing capabilities, and compatibility with the device's operating system.

 

Aftermarket screens, on the other hand, often use IC chips that are of lower quality. These chips may be sourced from generic manufacturers that produce chips for multiple types of screens. The components within the aftermarket IC chips may not be of the same grade as those in OEM chips. As a result, the performance can be subpar. The power consumption of the aftermarket IC chip might be higher than normal, leading to reduced battery life. The signal processing may not be as accurate, resulting in issues such as color distortion or image flickering.

 

Visually, the aftermarket IC chip may have a different appearance compared to the OEM version. The packaging may look less refined, with visible seams or marks. The soldering may be uneven, and there may be signs of poor workmanship. The layout of the components on the chip may also differ from the OEM design, indicating that it is not a genuine part.

 

Resolution Quality

 

Resolution quality is a telltale sign of the authenticity of a screen. OEM screens are engineered to provide the exact resolution specified by the device's manufacturer. This means that every pixel is placed with precision, and the pixel density is consistent across the entire screen. For an iPhone, the OEM screen offers a crystal - clear display with sharp edges and vivid colors. The sub - pixels are calibrated to work together seamlessly, providing excellent color accuracy and contrast.

 

The display technology used in OEM screens is often of the highest quality. Whether it's an LCD or an OLED screen, the manufacturing process ensures that the layers within the screen are aligned perfectly. This results in a uniform brightness distribution and no dead pixels. The viewing angles are also optimized, allowing for a clear view of the screen from various positions.

 

Aftermarket screens, unfortunately, frequently struggle to match the resolution quality of OEM screens. Some aftermarket manufacturers may claim to have the same resolution, but in practice, there are noticeable differences. The pixel density may be lower than expected, leading to a slightly fuzzy or less - sharp image. Colors may appear washed out or oversaturated in an unnatural way. This is because aftermarket screens may use cheaper display materials or have less - precise manufacturing processes.

 

In some cases, the resolution mismatch may be more significant. The screen may not be able to display certain high - resolution content as intended. For example, when viewing high - definition videos or playing graphics - intensive games, an aftermarket screen may show artifacts or pixelation that are not present on an OEM screen. This can greatly affect the user experience and is a clear indication that the screen is not of OEM quality.

 

Screen Glass

 

The quality of the screen glass is another important factor in distinguishing between OEM and aftermarket screens. OEM screen glass is typically made from high - quality materials that are both durable and have excellent optical properties. For example, on an iPhone, the glass used in the OEM screen is designed to be scratch - resistant and provide a smooth touch experience.

 

The manufacturing process of OEM screen glass involves advanced techniques to ensure its quality. The glass may undergo special treatments to enhance its strength, such as chemical strengthening. This process makes the glass more resistant to impacts and reduces the likelihood of cracking or shattering. The surface of the OEM glass is also carefully polished to provide a clear and smooth viewing surface. The transparency of the glass is optimized to allow for maximum light transmission, resulting in a bright and vibrant display.

 

Aftermarket screen glass, however, can vary greatly in quality. Some aftermarket glasses may be made from cheaper materials that are more prone to scratches. The manufacturing process may not be as refined, resulting in a glass surface that is not as smooth. You may notice a slightly grainy texture when touching the screen, which can affect the user's interaction with the device.

 

In terms of durability, aftermarket screen glass may not hold up as well as OEM glass. It may be more likely to crack or chip under normal usage conditions. Additionally, the optical properties of the aftermarket glass may be inferior. The transparency may be lower, resulting in a dimmer display. The color reproduction may also be affected, as the glass may have a slightly tinted appearance that can distort the colors shown on the screen.

 

Temporary Freezing of Your iPhone's Screens

 

Temporary screen freezing is an issue that can be related to the quality of the screen, especially when differentiating between OEM and aftermarket options. In an iPhone with an OEM screen, freezing issues are typically not caused by the screen itself. The OEM screen is designed to work seamlessly with the device's hardware and software, and any freezing is more likely to be due to other factors such as software glitches, memory issues, or problems with other components.

 

However, with aftermarket screens, temporary freezing can be more common and often related to the screen's compatibility with the device. Aftermarket screens may not have the same level of optimization as OEM screens when it comes to communicating with the iPhone's motherboard. This can lead to issues where the screen fails to update its display in a timely manner, resulting in a frozen or lagging appearance.

 

The IC chip on the aftermarket screen, as mentioned earlier, may be a contributing factor. If the chip has compatibility issues or poor signal processing, it can cause the screen to freeze intermittently. Additionally, the quality of the connections between the screen and the device, including the flex cable and its connectors, may be subpar in aftermarket screens. These connections may be more prone to interference or loose connections, which can disrupt the flow of data and cause the screen to freeze.

 

Another possible cause of freezing in aftermarket screens is the power management of the screen. If the aftermarket screen's power requirements are not properly met or regulated by the device, it can lead to instability. This can manifest as the screen freezing or dimming unexpectedly, especially during high - usage scenarios such as when running multiple apps or using graphics - intensive functions.

 

In conclusion, when trying to determine whether a screen is OEM or aftermarket, it's essential to consider these multiple factors. By carefully examining the markings on the flex cable, the quality of the LCD flex cable IC chip, the resolution quality, the screen glass, and any issues with screen freezing, you can make a more accurate assessment.