In-Cell vs. OLED: What’s the Difference? A Complete Guide for Repair Technicians & Customers

When repairing modern iPhones—especially from the iPhone X and newer—you’ll often see two screen types offered side by side: In-Cell LCD and OLED.
Even though they’re completely different technologies, they’re commonly compared in today’s repair market. If you offer both screen types (as many wholesalers and repair shops do), understanding the differences is essential for advising customers properly.

This guide breaks down what each display type is, why they’re compared, and how to help customers choose the best option.

What Is an In-Cell LCD Screen?

An In-Cell screen is a modern LCD display—usually IPS LCD—where the touch sensor is integrated into the display panel itself.

Key Features of In-Cell LCD

• LCD panel with built-in touch layer

• Good brightness and accurate color reproduction

• Blacks appear dark grey (not true black)

• Lower power consumption than older LCD, higher than OLED

• More affordable than OLED

• Widely used as aftermarket replacement screens

Best for: customers looking for a budget-friendly repair with decent quality.

What Is an OLED Screen?

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens use individual light-emitting pixels, eliminating the need for a backlight.

Key Features of OLED

• Each pixel lights up independently

• Perfect black levels and high contrast

• Rich, vibrant colors and excellent brightness

• Slimmer and lighter display structure

• More susceptible to burn-in or damage

• Higher price point than LCD

• Standard in iPhone X and newer premium models

Best for: customers who want original quality and a premium viewing experience.

Note: OLED screens also come in Hard OLED and Soft OLED variants. (See our separate blog post for a full breakdown.)

Why Are In-Cell and OLED Screens Compared?

Even though they use different technologies, here’s why they’re often presented together:

1. They work in the same devices

For example, an iPhone X originally uses OLED, but you can install an In-Cell LCD replacement to reduce repair costs.

2. Customers must decide between price vs. quality

• In-Cell = cheaper

• OLED = original experience

This makes side-by-side comparison necessary during repairs.

3. Suppliers stock both options

Most wholesalers (like Phone Chek’s upcoming parts catalog) offer both types, allowing technicians to match customer needs and budgets.

How to Explain the Difference to Customers (Simple Version)

Here’s an easy explanation you can use at the counter:

“In-Cell is a good budget replacement—bright and clear but not as vivid as the original. OLED gives the same quality your phone originally came with: deep colors, perfect blacks, and better responsiveness. If you want the best visual experience or plan to use your device long-term, go OLED.”

A simple explanation like this builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.

Repair Business Tips

1. Stock both screen types

This ensures you always have:

• A budget-friendly option

• A premium option

• Multiple quality tiers (In-Cell, Hard OLED, Soft OLED)

2. Show the difference visually

If possible, keep demo screens. Customers often understand the difference better by seeing it.

3. Ask about their usage

• Light user? Budget repair may be fine.

• Gamer, content creator, or long-term device owner? Recommend OLED.

Final Thoughts

In-Cell and OLED screens both have strengths. The “best” choice depends on what the customer values:

• Choose In-Cell for affordability and basic performance

• Choose OLED for premium image quality, deep blacks, and original-like display performance

By understanding the differences and communicating them clearly, you’ll build trust, improve customer satisfaction, and offer repair solutions that truly meet their needs.