iPhone X, XS, XR and XS Max Screen Replacement UK 2026: LCD vs OLED Parts Guide

iPhone X, XS, XR and XS Max Screen Replacement UK 2026: LCD vs OLED Parts Guide

When Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, it marked a turning point in smartphone display technology — the first mainstream OLED iPhone, a radical new design, and the beginning of a screen replacement category that continues to generate significant repair volume in UK shops nearly a decade later. The iPhone X generation — covering the X, XS, XS Max, and the LCD XR — remains widely used across the UK, particularly among cost-conscious users who bought these devices secondhand.

This guide covers everything repair professionals need to know about iPhone X generation screen replacement in 2026, including the important technical differences between the OLED X/XS/XS Max and the LCD XR.

The Four Models: Key Differences for Repair

iPhone X

The original notch iPhone. 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. The iPhone X introduced Face ID, which is tied to the True Depth camera module — not to the screen. Screen replacement does not affect Face ID as long as the TrueDepth camera assembly is not disturbed. Still in active use across the UK, particularly in the £100–£150 secondhand market segment. Repair volume remains solid.

iPhone XS

Effectively an upgraded iPhone X with the same 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. Faster A12 Bionic chip and improved camera. Screen parts are interchangeable with iPhone X in some instances, though always verify exact compatibility. Strong repair demand from a loyal user base.

iPhone XS Max

The 6.5-inch big-screen OLED model. Larger panel means higher parts cost and higher repair price. XS Max owners are often older, value-conscious users who specifically chose the large screen — they repair rather than upgrade. Good margin opportunity for shops that stock XS Max screens.

iPhone XR

The XR is the important outlier in this generation — it uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display rather than OLED. Apple positioned the XR as the accessible option in the X generation, and it became one of the best-selling iPhones of all time. In 2026, the XR remains extremely common in secondhand UK markets. LCD Incell replacement screens are widely available, affordable, and represent high volume for UK repair shops.

OLED vs LCD: What Customers Need to Know

The iPhone X, XS, and XS Max use OLED; the XR uses LCD. This matters for repair shops because:

• OLED replacement screens cost more than LCD equivalents — pass this cost through in repair pricing
• OLED quality grades vary significantly — always specify premium OLED (not standard aftermarket) for X/XS/XS Max repairs
• LCD Incell for XR is cost-effective and performs well — the XR’s original LCD means customers are not expecting OLED performance
• True Tone and wide colour (P3) are features of the original screens. True Tone may not function on aftermarket screens. Be transparent with customers about this.

Screen Replacement Costs UK 2026

• iPhone X: £45–£65
• iPhone XS: £50–£70
• iPhone XS Max: £60–£85
• iPhone XR: £35–£55

Technical Repair Notes

Pentalobe Screws

All iPhone X generation devices use Pentalobe screws at the base. A quality Pentalobe screwdriver (P2 size) is essential — stripped screws are one of the most common complications in iPhone X repairs.

Battery Connector First

Always disconnect the battery before disconnecting the screen connectors. On the iPhone X generation the screen connectors are on the right side of the logic board — disconnect the battery on the left first.

Face ID Bracket

The Face ID earpiece bracket at the top of the screen assembly must be transferred from the old screen to the new one. Handle the bracket and its attached TrueDepth camera flex cable with extreme care — this cable connects Face ID and cannot be replaced without disabling Face ID permanently.

3D Touch (X and XS)

The iPhone X and XS feature 3D Touch — a pressure-sensitive digitiser layer. Quality replacement screens for these models must include a functioning 3D Touch layer. Test 3D Touch (or Haptic Touch on newer iOS versions) after fitting.

Stock Recommendation for UK Repair Shops

In 2026, the iPhone XR remains the highest-volume model in this generation — its enormous original sales figures translate to sustained repair volume. Stock XR LCD Incell screens as a regular item. X and XS OLED screens have lower volume but strong margin. XS Max is less frequent but high-value when it comes in.

Source iPhone X Generation Screens Wholesale UK

Supreme Phone Parts stocks premium OLED screens for iPhone X, XS, and XS Max, and quality LCD Incell screens for iPhone XR — all available for wholesale purchase with same-day dispatch from our Manchester warehouse. Browse our iPhone X collection or contact info@supremephoneparts.com for trade pricing.