Why I Needed New Displays in the First Place?
I've broken more iPhone screens than I'd like to admit. My iPhone 8 Plus hit the floor one morning when I was half awake and trying to check messages. The display iPhone 11 Pro Max didn't last much longer - one small fall from the couch, and it started showing a faint flicker. My old iPhone 6s? Its screen just faded out over time, losing brightness little by little.
I looked up repair prices, and Apple's official service cost almost as much as buying a used device. So I decided to try something new: find my own replacement displays, learn the process, and do it myself. It took a few tries and a couple of mistakes, but now I can honestly say I know what makes a good iPhone display and what's not worth the money.
Getting to Know the display iPhone 11 Pro Max
The display iPhone 11 Pro Max is stunning - the OLED panel is bright, colorful, and super sharp. It's easily one of the best screens Apple ever made. But when I bought my first replacement, I didn't know much about display types. The screen looked okay at first, but the whites were yellowish and the brightness felt weak. Later, I found out it was a "soft OLED," which is cheaper but not as solid.
After that, I ordered a "hard OLED" version from a different seller. The difference was obvious. The colors were balanced, the blacks were deep, and it felt just like the original. Since then, I always double-check the type before buying.
My Honest Experience After Replacing the iPhone 11 Pro Max Display
I won't pretend it was easy. Replacing a screen that expensive made me nervous. I followed a YouTube guide step by step, making sure not to rush. When I finally powered it on, the display lit up perfectly - no dead pixels, no delay.
The touch felt smooth, Face ID worked fine, and I honestly couldn't tell it apart from the factory display. I used it for months after that without any problem. That's when I realized: if you get a good-quality display iPhone 11 Pro Max, it can make your phone feel brand new. But cheap copies? They don't last. I once tried a budget version out of curiosity, and it started ghosting after two weeks. Lesson learned.
Discovering the Strength of the display iPhone 8 Plus
If you ask me, the display iPhone 8 Plus doesn't get enough credit. Sure, it's LCD instead of OLED, but it's still a great screen - clear, bright, and very color-accurate. When I replaced my 8 Plus display, I could immediately tell the new one was decent quality. The touch worked well, and the backlight was even.
Compared to the 11 Pro Max, it doesn't have the same deep contrast, but honestly, I like its softer look. It's easier on my eyes when I read for long periods or scroll late at night.
Original vs. Aftermarket iPhone 8 Plus Displays: My Take
I've tried both - an original pulled screen and an aftermarket version. The original was obviously better: colors looked slightly cleaner, and the glass felt thinner and smoother. The aftermarket display iPhone 8 Plus I tried was cheaper, but the color temperature leaned a little cool.
If you just need your phone to work and look normal again, aftermarket is fine. But if you're particular about display quality, try to find OEM or "refurbished original" parts. They cost more, but they hold up way longer.
Why I Still Trust the display iPhone 6s?
Now, about the display iPhone 6s - I still respect that screen. It's one of Apple's most durable LCDs. I've dropped that phone more times than I can count, and it kept going. When the original display finally started dimming, I swapped it myself.
The new display didn't look flashy, but it worked beautifully. The brightness wasn't as high as modern screens, but for everyday use - messages, calls, browsing - it was more than enough. There's something satisfying about bringing an old iPhone back to life for under $40.
Testing and Comparing My iPhone 6s Replacement Display
After installing the new display iPhone 6s, I tested it under sunlight, opened a few photos, and scrolled through social media. Everything looked fine - no lag, no discoloration. The touch felt just as responsive as before. If anything, it made me realize that you don't always need the most advanced screen; you just need a reliable one.
Key Tips for Buying the Right iPhone Display Online
After all these replacements, here's what I've learned the hard way:
- Always double-check compatibility. Some screens look similar but don't fit the same model.
- Look for real buyer photos. They tell the truth about color and brightness.
- Warranty matters. If the seller doesn't offer one, skip it.
- Buy from a known parts shop. I've had good luck with repair stores that specialize in iPhones, not random sellers.
Red Flags to Avoid When Buying Displays
A few things that make me click "back" instantly:
- Listings that are too cheap to be true.
- Sellers who don't mention whether it's OLED or LCD.
- Products shipped without protective packaging.
- No return policy. That's always a bad sign.
Side-by-Side Comparison: iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 6s Displays
| Model | Display Type | Resolution | Brightness | Price Range | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | OLED | 2688 × 1242 | Excellent | $90–$150 | Feels premium; incredible contrast |
| iPhone 8 Plus | LCD | 1920 × 1080 | Very Good | $40–$80 | Clear, reliable, great value |
| iPhone 6s | LCD | 1334 × 750 | Decent | $25–$50 | Simple and dependable for daily use |
My Final Recommendation
Here's my honest opinion: if you want the best visuals and don't mind paying more, go with the display iPhone 11 Pro Max - it's gorgeous. If you need a strong, budget-friendly screen that just works, the display iPhone 8 Plus is perfect. And if you're keeping your old phone alive, the display iPhone 6s still does the job better than you'd expect.
At the end of the day, what matters most is getting the right balance of price and performance. Spending a bit more upfront for a quality screen saves you from replacing it again later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are aftermarket displays safe to use?
Yes, as long as they come from a trusted supplier and include a warranty.
2. How do I tell if it's OLED or LCD?
OLED has deeper blacks and higher contrast, while LCDs look brighter in sunlight.
3. Will replacing my screen mess up Face ID or Touch ID?
Not if you transfer your original sensor carefully or get help from a repair tech.
4. Can I replace it myself?
Yes, but take your time and follow a step-by-step video guide.
5. How long do replacement screens last?
A good one lasts 2–3 years, just like the original.
6. Where should I buy them?
I usually check iFixit or trusted repair stores online.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your iPhone display isn't about being a tech genius - it's about patience and making smart choices. Whether it's the premium display iPhone 11 Pro Max, the reliable display iPhone 8 Plus, or the classic display iPhone 6s, each one has its own charm.
I've learned that a good display completely changes how a phone feels to use. Spend a little more on quality, read real reviews, and don't rush your decision. The result is a phone that looks and feels like it just came out of the box - and that's a pretty great feeling.