Why iPhone Screen Grades Matter
When sourcing an iPhone replacement screen, you will encounter a range of terms: OEM, soft OLED, hard OLED, incell, aftermarket, A+, AAA. Buying the wrong grade means a visibly inferior repair. This guide explains exactly what each grade means and which one to choose for every iPhone model.
iPhone Screen Grade Reference Table
| Grade | Technology | Quality | Compatible iPhones | Typical UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM / Genuine | OLED / LCD (original) | ★★★★★ | All | From Apple/authorised only |
| Soft OLED | Flexible OLED | ★★★★☆ | iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro, 12–15 series | £40–£120 |
| Hard OLED | Rigid OLED | ★★★☆☆ | iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro | £25–£65 |
| Incell LCD | LCD (in-cell) | ★★★☆☆ | iPhone 6–11 (LCD models) | £15–£40 |
| Aftermarket / Copy | Low-grade LCD | ★☆☆☆☆ | Any (but quality is poor) | £6–£15 |
Soft OLED — The Best Third-Party Option for Modern iPhones
Soft OLED screens use flexible OLED panels — the same technology as the original Apple displays on iPhone 12 and newer. Key characteristics:
- Deep blacks, wide colour gamut matching DCI-P3
- Thin profile identical to the original
- True Tone works (on paired devices) or shows the Settings notification
- Best choice for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 series
Soft OLED is what Supreme Phone Parts stocks for all OLED-native iPhone models.
Hard OLED — Good for Older OLED iPhones
Hard OLED uses a rigid OLED panel. Still significantly better than LCD but slightly thicker than soft OLED and less vibrant at extreme viewing angles. Suitable for iPhone X, XS, and 11 Pro where soft OLED is cost-prohibitive.
Incell LCD — For iPhone 6 to iPhone 11 LCD Models
Incell LCD is the correct screen type for iPhones that originally shipped with LCD displays: iPhone 6, 7, 8, XR, and iPhone 11. Key points:
- Do not use incell on OLED-native iPhones (12 and newer) — the result is visibly inferior
- Good incell panels match original iPhone LCD quality closely
- Affordable — typically £15–£40
What to Avoid — Aftermarket Copy Screens
Copy screens are low-grade LCD panels sold at £6–15. Identifiable by:
- Washed out, grey-toned display (especially on OLED-native iPhones)
- Sluggish or unresponsive touch
- Reduced brightness
- Visible thickness difference
- Failure within weeks or months
Never use copy screens on OLED-native iPhones (12 and newer). The quality difference is immediately obvious to any customer.
Which Grade Should I Buy?
- iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12 series: Soft OLED only
- iPhone 11 Pro, XS, X: Soft OLED (best) or Hard OLED
- iPhone 11, XR, 8, 7, 6: Incell LCD
- Any model for trade/repair shop use: Always OEM-grade (soft OLED or incell as appropriate)
Browse OEM-Grade iPhone Screens →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does A+ screen mean?
A+ is a marketing term used by some sellers to describe their highest quality tier. It does not correspond to a standardised grade. Always ask specifically whether it is soft OLED, hard OLED, or incell to understand what you are actually buying.
Can I use a soft OLED screen on an iPhone 11?
No. iPhone 11 originally uses an LCD display. Soft OLED screens are designed for OLED-native iPhones (12 and newer) and are not compatible with iPhone 11.
Do OEM-grade screens support True Tone?
On iPhone 13 and earlier, True Tone works with quality OEM-grade screens. On iPhone 14 and newer, True Tone requires Apple's proprietary pairing tool and is disabled after third-party screen replacement regardless of quality grade.
Share:
Samsung Phone Battery Replacement UK — Which Models & Full Guide 2026
iPad Screen Replacement Guide UK — All Models, Costs & Tips 2026