How to Tell If Your Phone Has an OLED or LCD Screen?
Many people don't know what type of screen their phone has, even though it affects everything from color to battery life.
To check if your phone uses OLED or LCD, look at the screen's black levels, viewing angles, or use device specs from the manufacturer.
Knowing your screen type can help you understand color performance, screen burn-in risks, and repair costs. Let's go over the easiest ways to find out.
How do I know if my phone screen is LCD or OLED?
When your screen looks too bright or doesn’t show deep blacks, you might start wondering what type of panel your phone uses.
You can check your screen type by looking at black color quality, checking specs online, or using test apps. OLED screens show true blacks, LCDs glow slightly.
This question comes up often when clients ask us to supply replacement screens. Sometimes the original display is OLED, but they’re given a cheap LCD copy. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot the difference.
Three ways to check screen type
| Method | How to do it |
|---|---|
| 1. Check specs | Go to the phone maker's website or GSMArena |
| 2. Look at black color | Turn off lights and play a full-black video |
| 3. Use a test app | Apps like "Display Tester" can show pixel behavior |
If your screen stays fully black with no light bleed, it's OLED. If you notice any glow from the backlight, it's LCD.
I once had a customer who ordered OLED screens for a phone model that originally came with LCD. He thought the OLED would be better. But the phone didn’t support full OLED functions. That’s why screen type matters — not all phones are made to handle both.
How to tell if a screen is LCD or OLED?
Sometimes you're just handed a phone or a screen part with no label. So how do you figure it out without opening the device?
Look at the screen in a dark room. OLEDs are completely black when displaying black pixels. LCDs always have a slight backlight glow.
I often deal with screen parts from different suppliers. Some parts look similar, but perform very differently. One quick trick I use: turn the brightness all the way down and open a black image. If I still see light, it’s LCD.
Compare other details too
Besides black levels, check the following:
| Feature | OLED | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Black Color | Perfect black (pixels off) | Slight grey glow |
| Power use (black screen) | Very low | Still uses power |
| Viewing angles | Wide, no color shift | May look washed out |
| Burn-in risk | Higher | None |
| Brightness | Usually lower | Higher in bright light |
If you’re a mobile repair business like many of our clients in Spain and France, you need to tell these differences fast. We always mark our parts clearly, but it helps to know how to double-check by eye.
Is there a noticeable difference between LCD and OLED?
Some users say they can’t tell the difference. Others say it’s like night and day. So what’s really noticeable in daily use?
Yes, OLED shows deeper blacks, better contrast, and richer colors. LCD is brighter in sunlight and has no risk of screen burn-in.
I personally use phones with both types. When I use OLED, everything looks sharper. Colors are more vibrant. Watching videos in dark rooms is much better. But outdoors, I notice LCD screens are easier to see.
Pros and cons for daily use
| Feature | OLED | LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | High | Moderate |
| Color richness | Very good | Good |
| Sunlight visibility | Moderate | High |
| Burn-in risk | Yes | No |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Clients sometimes ask me which one to choose for replacements. My answer depends on what the customer values more: price or display quality. That’s why at XFD Phone Parts, we stock both versions — so our customers can choose based on their budget or end user needs.
How do I know my phone's display type?
If you're not sure what kind of screen your phone has, you're not alone. Even tech-savvy users sometimes have to look it up.
To find your phone’s display type, search the model online, check official specs, or use a display test app. Manufacturer websites give the most accurate info.
You can go to sites like GSMArena or the official phone maker’s support page. Just search your model number and look under “Display.”
Another method is using a flashlight. Shine it on the screen and observe how the light spreads. On OLED, you may see individual pixels. On LCD, the light diffuses evenly because of the backlight panel.
When this matters most
If you're planning a screen replacement, knowing the type is critical. OLED screens cost more and can’t be replaced with LCD in all cases. If your phone originally came with OLED, installing LCD can lower display quality and touch sensitivity.
We’ve helped dozens of wholesale clients avoid this mistake. That’s why we ask for photos or model info before sending any parts. We don’t just ship — we help verify that every screen fits the customer’s needs.
Conclusion
Knowing your screen type helps you choose better replacements, spot quality issues, and improve your phone experience. Always check specs before you repair or upgrade.
