Display failures are one of the most common problems among iPhone owners. Dropped, cracked, gone dark, stripes, spots - all these are signs that something is wrong with the screen. But when you contact a service center, you may be offered two repair options:
-
🔁 Glass replacement
-
🧩 Screen (display module) replacement
Many people do not understand the difference between them and why one service can cost 2-3 times less than another. Let's look at it step by step.
🔍 What is an iPhone screen?
The iPhone display is complex multilayer structure, which consists of:
-
Protective glass (top layer)
-
Touch layer (touchscreen)
-
LCD or OLED matrix (transmits image)
-
Backlights (on LCD models)
-
Controller and loops
These elements are securely glued together and work as a single unit.
🧊 Glass replacement: when is it possible and what is the point?
🔧 Glass replacement - is a process by which the original display and touchscreen, and is replaced only cracked outer glass.
This is possible if:
-
The image is displayed without distortion.
-
The sensor responds to touches across the entire surface
-
No black spots, stripes, flickering
-
Only the glass is damaged - for example, after a fall
🛠 The process requires special equipment:
-
The original glass is removed using a separator
-
Cleaning from glue and dust
-
Applying new glue and installing new glass
-
Pressing and testing
💸 This service is cheaper because it is saved factory OLED or IPS matrix, which costs the most.
⚠️ Important: not all services do quality re-gluing. Sometimes, instead of glass, they change the entire module - and the client is not informed about it.
💡 Display replacement: when is it necessary?
If your screen:
-
Doesn't show image
-
Shows stripes, noise, spots
-
The sensor is partially or completely not working
-
Has "torn out" pixels or backlight
-
Doesn't turn on at all
…then only one can help replacement of the entire display module, that is, glass, sensor and matrix assembly.
👨🔧 This process is simpler from a technical point of view - the module is removed and a new one is installed. But the module itself, especially the original one, is expensive.
There are 3 types of screens:
-
🟢 Original (removed from donor) - the best option
-
🟡 Refurbished - restored original (with new glass)
-
🔴 Copy - works, but the image quality is worse, the brightness is lower, it wears out faster
🆚 Comparison table
| Parameter | Glass replacement | Display replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 💰 Cheaper | 💸 More expensive |
| The original display is preserved | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Image quality | 🟢 No changes | 🟡 Depends on the module |
| Completion date | ⏱ 1–2 days | ⏱ 1–2 hours |
| Need for special equipment | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Risk of dust or defects | Average (with poor service) | Short |
🤔 How to understand what you need?
📌 If the iPhone works as before, but the screen is cracked, you can replace only the glass. This will save money and maintain the original characteristics.
📌 If the display does not work or works incorrectly, the module needs to be replaced. It's reliable, but more expensive.
📋 Which iPhone models can have glass and display replacement applied to them?
Glass or display module replacement services are available for most iPhone models, including:
🔹 iPhone SE (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation)
🔹 iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
🔹 iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
🔹 iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
🔹 iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
🔹 iPhone X / XR / XS / XS Max
🔹 iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
🔹 iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
🔹 iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
🔹 iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
🔹 iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
🛠 All these devices can be serviced either by gluing the glass (while preserving the display) or by completely replacing the module, depending on the nature of the damage. It is especially important to correctly determine the type of screen (LCD or OLED), as this determines the cost and technical approach.
🛑 Pitfalls
-
Not all services are honest about what they do. Sometimes you think they replaced your glass, but in reality they installed a cheap copy of the screen.
-
After unskilled re-gluing, stains may appear under the glass, sensory “dead zones” or poor gluing.
-
Cheap modules quickly lose brightness, convey colors worse, and consume more battery.
✅ What to choose?
If you have:
-
Cracks, but everything works — 💡 it is more profitable to change the glass
-
Image or sensor problems - 💡 Need a display replacement
📍 The main thing is to contact verified service center, Where:
-
Work with original spare parts
-
They make an honest diagnosis
-
A guarantee is given for the work
🔍 Features of glass replacement on iPhone OLED displays
Since the iPhone X, Apple has been using OLED displays in the Pro line and many of the base models. These screens deliver rich colors, high contrast, and deep blacks. However, replacing just the glass requires precision and specialized equipment to avoid damaging the delicate OLED panel.
At the service center rudservice.com.ua We professionally perform glass re-gluing, preserving the original matrix. This allows customers to save up to 50% on repair costs 💰 and maintain the factory quality of the display.
The service is available for models:
📱iPhone X, XS, XS Max
📱 iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
If the screen shows an image without distortion, but the glass is cracked, most likely, it is a re-gluing that will do, not a complete replacement. It is economical, fast and preserves the original quality of the display 🔧📲.
📲 Conclusion
Glass replacement and iPhone screen replacement are two different services. You don't always need an expensive module, sometimes it's enough to carefully replace only the top glass. But glass doesn't always save the day, especially if the matrix is damaged.
Understand the difference, don't be afraid to ask the masters, and always be interested in what exactly they will change for you 🔍
Need a consultation or diagnostics? Contact us — we will help you honestly and professionally! 👨🔧📞
