Are Aftermarket Screens Any Good? What You Need to Know
Not All Screens Are Created Equal
You’ve probably seen it before: two repair quotes for the same phone, but one’s much cheaper than the other.
The reason? Aftermarket screens.
They’re common in phone repairs, especially for older models — but are they actually any good?
Let’s break down what they are, how they compare, and what to watch out for.
What Is an Aftermarket Screen?
An aftermarket screen is a third-party replacement part made by a manufacturer other than the original brand.
They’re designed to be compatible with the device — for example, an iPhone screen made by a different factory than Apple’s — but not officially branded or produced by the phone’s manufacturer.
Aftermarket doesn’t automatically mean bad — but it does mean quality varies.
The Different Types of Aftermarket Screens
There’s a big difference between a cheap copy and a high-grade aftermarket part.
Here’s how they generally stack up:
| Type | Quality | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Grade Copy | Poor | Washed-out colours, slower touch, dim backlight, may fail within months. |
| Mid-Grade Aftermarket | Decent | Similar brightness and feel, but colours might not be as vivid as the original. |
| Premium Aftermarket (Refurbished OEM) | High | Uses genuine glass or frames with new internal parts — very close to original quality. |
At Phone Repair NZ, we only use quality-tested aftermarket screens from trusted suppliers. If it’s not up to standard, we don’t install it — simple as that.
Pros of Aftermarket Screens
✅ Lower cost: Often 20–40% cheaper than genuine parts.
✅ Great for older models: Perfect when your phone’s resale value doesn’t justify an expensive OEM screen.
✅ Readily available: Easier to source, especially for discontinued phones.
Cons of Aftermarket Screens
❌ Quality can vary: Colours, brightness, and touch sensitivity aren’t always identical to the original.
❌ Shorter lifespan: Some low-end copies wear out faster or develop touch issues over time.
❌ Warranty risk: Poorly made aftermarket screens can cause additional issues, especially if installed incorrectly.
What We Recommend
For newer phones, a genuine or OEM screen is usually the best choice.
For older models or secondary devices, a quality aftermarket screen can be a smart, cost-effective option.
Every screen we install — genuine or aftermarket — comes with our six-month warranty covering both parts and workmanship.
The Christchurch Verdict
Aftermarket screens can absolutely be worth it — as long as you’re getting them from a trusted repairer who stands by their work.
At Phone Repair NZ, we test, fit, and quality-check every part before it leaves the bench.
No cut corners. No mystery stock. Just honest advice and dependable repairs.