Original vs Copy Samsung Screens: How to Tell Before You Pay

An original Samsung screen and a copy can look the same on the counter, but a copy usually gives itself away within minutes: washed-out colours, grey blacks, a fingerprint sensor that stops working, or a battery that drains faster. Here is how to tell the difference before you pay, and what to ask any repair shop.

The three kinds of replacement screen

• Original Samsung (service pack). The same panel Samsung fits at the factory, often supplied with the frame attached. Highest price, same quality as new.
• Aftermarket OLED. A non-Samsung OLED panel. Colours are close, but brightness, touch and fingerprint performance vary from batch to batch.
• Incell or LCD copy. A cheap LCD panel made to fit an AMOLED phone. Cheapest, and the source of most problems below.

Six signs you have a copy screen

1. Blacks glow grey in a dark room. AMOLED pixels switch off for black; an LCD copy has a backlight that is always on.
2. The in-display fingerprint sensor fails or is slow. Under-display sensors on Galaxy A and S phones need an OLED panel to read through.
3. Always On Display looks grey or drains the battery. AOD relies on OLED pixels being off.
4. Colours look flat and the screen is dimmer outdoors.
5. Thicker borders or a raised edge where the screen meets the frame.
6. Touch lag or ghost touches, especially near the edges.

What to ask before you hand over your phone

• Which grade of screen is this price for: original service pack, aftermarket OLED or LCD?
• Does it come with the frame?
• How long is the warranty, and is it written on the receipt?
• Can I test the fingerprint sensor, Always On Display and touch before I pay?

Test the screen before you leave the shop

1. Open a fully black image or switch on dark mode in a dim spot. Blacks should be black.
2. Register a fingerprint and unlock the phone five times.
3. Turn on Always On Display and lock the phone.
4. Drag one finger slowly across every edge of the screen in a drawing app.
5. Check brightness at maximum next to a window.

Samsung screen replacement in Nairobi

We replace Galaxy A, S, Z Fold and Z Flip screens at our shop in Superior Center, Shop G7, Ground Floor, Kimathi Street, Nairobi, and we are happy to run every test above with you before you pay. See prices for every model on our Samsung screen replacement price list, or call 0712 939 925 for a quote. For other faults, visit our Samsung service center in Nairobi.