When buying a used iPhone screen, in addition to avoiding parameter misunderstandings, it’s more important to distinguish the real value of "screen types" (original/third-party/assembled) and be alert to sellers’ "after-sales routines"—many buyers cannot defend their rights after purchasing faulty screens because they ignore after-sales terms. A truly reliable used screen is a "high-quality screen matching the model + clear after-sales guarantee". Master the identification methods of 3 screen types + 4 after-sales pitfall avoidance points to place an order with zero risk.
First Distinguish 3 Screen Types: Original/Third-Party/Assembled, Value Differs by Double
Used iPhone screens in the market are mainly divided into three categories, with vastly different prices and quality. Sellers often "pass off inferior products as high-quality ones", using assembled screens as original screens. Accurate distinction is required:
Original Screen (Used/Official Replacement)
Core Features: Original factory accessories, 100% hardware matching, all functions (True Tone/High Refresh/Touch) work perfectly, long service life.
Market Price (Reference): 70%-90% of the average price of screens for the same model
Suitable For: Buyers pursuing stable experience and long-term use
First-Tier Third-Party Screen (e.g., OCA, JDI)
Core Features: Produced by regular manufacturers, adapted to models, core functions normal (some support True Tone/High Refresh), display quality close to original.
Market Price (Reference): 40%-60% of the average price of screens for the same model
Suitable For: Budget-limited buyers who accept non-original but need stability
Assembled Screen (Small Factory Splicing)
Core Features: Spliced from recycled screen fragments, parameters modified by software, incomplete functions (Fake True Tone/Fake High Refresh), short service life (6-12 months).
Market Price (Reference): 20%-30% of the average price of screens for the same model
Suitable For: Buyers for temporary use who don’t mind frequent replacementsTruth: The "original screen" claimed by sellers may be "assembled screen with modified parameters", and "third-party screen" may be "refurbished assembled screen"—the core identification points are "hardware matching + functional integrity", not the seller’s verbal commitment.
Quick Identification Method for 3 Screen Types (5 Steps):
1. Touch Sensitivity Test: Open Notes, click quickly and continuously with your finger (3-4 times per second), then swipe the edge of the screen with your fingertip—original/first-tier third-party screens have no touch delay or disconnection; assembled screens are prone to disconnection and slow response, especially in edge areas;
2. Press Test: Press the center and four corners of the screen with moderate force (avoid excessive force), observe if there are water ripples or momentary blackouts—high-quality screens have no abnormalities; assembled screens (with poor lamination technology) will have obvious water ripples and even temporary blackouts;
3. Cable Interface Check (if the seller allows disassembly): If the seller agrees to disassemble the phone, observe the screen cable interface—original screen cables are neat and have original factory marks (such as Apple logo, model); assembled screen cables are messy, have no marks, and even have obvious splicing traces;
4. Serial Number Verification: In "Settings-General-About-Parts and Service History", check the screen serial number (requires iOS 15.2 and above)—the serial number of the original screen can query the official replacement record; the assembled screen has no serial number or an invalid serial number;
Price Reverse Inference: If the price of the screen for the same model is much lower than the market average (e.g., the average price of the original iPhone 13 Pro screen is 1500 yuan, and the seller sells it for 500 yuan), it is likely an assembled screen, so don’t take chances.
4 Major After-Sales Traps: These Terms Mean "Abandoning Rights Protection"
Many buyers only focus on the screen itself and ignore after-sales terms. After purchasing a faulty screen, they are refused rights protection by the seller with "no return or exchange once sold"—the after-sales guarantee of used screens is more important than screen parameters.
Common After-Sales Traps (4 Types to Avoid):
1. Trap 1: "No return or exchange once sold"—screens without any warranty period may have aging or malfunction within 1-2 weeks even if tested normally (such as backlight attenuation of assembled screens). No after-sales service is equivalent to "buying a one-time screen";
2. Trap 2: "Only guarantee appearance, not functions"—sellers only promise "no scratches or damage" but avoid core issues such as "display failures and touch malfunctions". Subsequent functional failures cannot be claimed;
3. Trap 3: "Only repair, not replace during the warranty period"—failures of assembled screens (such as discoloration and disconnection) are mostly hardware defects, which are prone to recurrence after repair. "Only repair, not replace" means buyers have to bear repair costs repeatedly;
4. Trap 4: "Depreciation fee required for return or exchange"—some sellers promise a warranty but require a "20%-30% depreciation fee deduction" when returning or exchanging, which is essentially a disguised refusal to return or exchange.
Reliable After-Sales Terms (Must Meet 3 Points):
1. Clear Warranty Period: Provide a warranty of at least 3 months (6 months or more is recommended for original screens), and the warranty scope includes core issues such as "display discoloration, touch malfunction, and backlight aging";
2. Support Return and Exchange: For non-human-induced failures during the warranty period, no-questions-asked return and exchange are allowed, or the seller bears the round-trip shipping cost to replace the screen of the same specification;
3. Written Commitment: After-sales terms must be written in the transaction records (such as WeChat chats, platform order notes) to avoid verbal agreements (no proof, no rights protection).
Pitfall Avoidance Script (Must Say During Transaction):
"I need you to note in the order: the screen has a 3-month warranty, covering display discoloration, touch malfunction, and backlight aging; for non-human-induced failures during the warranty period, no-questions-asked return and exchange are supported, and the seller bears the shipping cost. I can’t place the order without this note."
Ultimate Purchase Formula: How to Buy a Used iPhone Screen Without Stepping on Mines?
Combining the previous parameter misunderstandings, screen types, and after-sales guarantees, summarize the "zero-risk purchase formula" that can be directly applied:
High-Quality Used Screen = Functions Matching the Model (True Tone/High Refresh as needed) + Real Screen Type (Original/First-Tier Third-Party) + Written Warranty of More Than 3 Months
Purchase Recommendations for Different Budgets:
1. High Budget (Pursuing Long-Term Stability): Choose "used original screen", require verifiable serial number + 6-month warranty, and complete the full-process test of parameters, display, and touch on the spot;
2. Medium Budget (Balancing Cost-Effectiveness): Choose "first-tier third-party screen (OCA/JDI)", require support for True Tone/High Refresh (corresponding to the model) + 3-month warranty, and focus on testing display consistency and touch sensitivity;
Low Budget (Temporary Transition): Choose "clearly marked assembled screen", do not buy assembled screens that sellers pass off as "original/third-party", do not expect long-term use, and prepare for replacement in advance.
