Most people do not understand the difference between a broken screen and a broken LCD. Our phones have a glass screen on top of the LCD to protect it from damage. The LCD beneath is the expensive one and is responsible for displaying images on your phone screen. When the glass is broken, it refers to damage to the outer layer of the phone screen. This damage does not necessarily impact the functionality of the phone. However, broken LCD refers to the damage done to the internal screen technology which is responsible for displaying videos and images on the screen. It can result in issues such as distorted visuals or color abnormalities. Unlike broken glass, a broken LCD requires more extensive phone repair service. 

What’s The Difference Between a Broken Screen and a Broken LCD?

What is a Broken Glass Repair?

The glass screen is on the top of your phone. Although its function is to protect the LCD beneath it, it is made up of glass only. Since it is on top and made of glass, it is most susceptible to damage. A single drop to the floor or an impact can cause it to crack. 

The good news is that it is inexpensive to repair because it is very easy to find. The common sign of broken glass is a spider web, making it difficult to use your phone.

What is a Broken LCD Repair?

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is responsive for displaying visual elements on your phone screen. This one is quite expensive to replace or repair. Common signs of a broken LCD include a black screen, black spots on the screen, or disturbed touch sensitivity. It is advised by the experts to get the broken LCD repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the phone. 

However, it is important to ensure that the LCD used for display is high-quality, like the ones we use at Your Phone Guy LLC, and not the cheap, low-quality ones. 

Various Layers on The Phone Screen

To further understand the difference between a broken screen and a broken LCD, you must understand the various layers on the phone screen. Below, we have listed those layers and explained them in detail.

• Glass: This layer is on the top of the phone. It is made up of glass and is usually one millimeter thick. If you drop your phone somewhere, this one is the most likely to get damaged.

• Digitizer: This layer is situated below the glass screen. It's an electrical force that responds to touch and detects it. So, when you move or swipe your finger on the screen, the digitizer acknowledges this touch input and sends the data to the device's core. Digitizer is also referred to as ‘Touch Screen’.

• LCD: The full form of LCD is a Liquid Crystal Display. This layer displays images, videos, icons, and every visual thing on your phone screen. 

Conclusion

So these are the major differences between a broken screen and a broken LCD. It is important to understand the difference between the two when assessing smartphone damage to ensure you select the most suitable repair option. While broken glass mainly refers to the damage done to the outer layer of the phone screen, and is often cosmetic, a broken LCD signifies internal damage which is more serious and requires professional assistance. We hope this blog helps you recognize the distinctions between the two types of screen damage and seek appropriate solutions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is screen and LCD the same?

No, the screen and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) are different. The screen is the entire display assembly, including the glass, touch sensors, and other components. The LCD, on the other hand, is the specific technology used to produce images on the screen.

2. Is the LCD damage screen damaged?

Yes, if the LCD is damaged, it affects the screen. The LCD is an important part of the screen assembly which is responsible for displaying images. Damage to the LCD can result in issues like dead pixels, color distortions, or even a completely non-functional display.

3. What does a broken screen look like?

A broken screen has various signs, including cracks, shattered glass, or black spots. In addition to the physical damage, a broken screen may also have unresponsive touch functionality, color abnormalities, or distorted images. The visual symptoms depend on the severity of the damage.