Smartphone screens, in addition to displaying information, also carry the function of a control body. Like any glass product, they are quite fragile. In case of damage, the phone becomes almost impossible to use. Someone can take it to the service, for which they will have to pay a lot of money, and someone will ask if it is possible to change the matrix on the phone on their own. We will tell you about all the nuances of the device and replacing the display in the material below.
Classic displays
In most smartphone touch screens, there are two components. Matrix (actually, the screen itself) and touchscreen - touch panel.
For those who are interested in what a matrix is in a phone, we inform you that it is an LED or liquid crystal panel. What it is exactly depends on the manufacturing technology. On the front side, it is covered with thina protective glass layer and a stainless steel protective layer at the back.
The touchscreen usually represents the entire front panel of the device. This is a glass, and in rare cases, a plastic plate that has a conductive layer on the inside and, in most cases, an oleophobic coating on the outside.
OGS modules
We continue to study what a matrix is in a phone. Recently, manufacturers have been equipping their devices with such screens in order to reduce the thickness of the case. OGS or One glass solution (solution with one glass) is a matrix and a touchscreen connected into one monolithic panel. If one of the components fails, the entire module changes, which partially simplifies the task. Reducing the thickness is achieved by reducing the air gap between the matrix and the touchscreen, as well as the fact that the touch panel is used as a protective glass for the matrix.
Specifics of repairing OGS screens
Replacing the same sensor or matrix individually is within the power of qualified specialists, and even then not in all cases. This is due to the fact that with this approach, the repair itself will cost more than the part, since this requires special accessories. This is a warm-up stand, a stencil, a photopolymer and an ultraviolet lamp.
This type of screen is installed on the vast majority of modern smartphones. You can try to replace a separate part of the display module with your own hands, but only if you have a lot of time, a desire to learn new things, and if you don’t mindmachine.
Self-replacing the matrix on a phone with an OGS module
It is worth noting that it is strongly not recommended to repair such a panel with your own hands due to its complexity and the likelihood of damage to other components of the device. It is much easier and safer for self-replacement to purchase the display module assembly.
As for the flagships of HTC and Samsung, which were released after 2015, their self-repair is impossible without damaging parts of the case. When buying a display module or its parts separately, the kit usually comes with a basic set of tools (screwdrivers, suction cups, etc.). To replace one of the screen components, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- Disassembling the device. Remove the back cover, and if it is non-removable, warm it up with a hair dryer and gently pull it off with a suction cup. Next, unscrew all the screws and very carefully disconnect all cables.
- Remove the display module. In the same way as the back cover was removed with a hair dryer and a suction cup.
- Fix display for delamination.
- Disconnect the matrix from the touchscreen by heating it with a hair dryer and inserting a thin thread or string from the edge, cut the adhesive layer with it without stopping heating.
- Remove adhesive residue from the sensor and phone screen matrix using a special cleaner.
- Apply glue to the part to be replaced and glue the screen components as evenly as possible.
- Cure the adhesive with a UV lamp. The exact hardening time will be indicated on the packaging.
- Reinstall the screen, connect all cables.
- After the glue has completely dried, assemble the smartphone.
Self-repair of air gap screen
These types of displays are much more suitable for home repairs. The tools that come with the spare parts will be enough to restore the device to working order. The difference between what is a matrix in a phone and a sensor is described above, so this should not cause problems when ordering the necessary part.
The process itself is slightly different from what was described in the previous paragraph. The device is disassembled, the display module is removed, and so on. The simplicity of this design is that when separating the matrix and the touchscreen, you do not need to use special tools. They are interconnected with a special double-sided adhesive tape, and parts are attached to it after replacement. Of particular note, care must be taken when working with the cables and internals of the smartphone so as not to damage the internal components.
Does it make sense to repair the screen yourself?
This article provides instructions on how to replace damaged screen components, but does it make sense to do it yourself or should you go to a phone repair company? The matrix and the sensor are parts sensitive to external influences. If you are not careful enough, you can disable the entire display module. Separately, it is worth analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of self-repair.
Purchasephone repair organizations produce parts in bulk at a significantly reduced cost. Finding the same price tag in retail is almost impossible. As an option - order a part from China, but this is fraught with weeks of waiting.
Self-replacement is advisable if an inexpensive device has been damaged. After all, the cost of repairs in the service can cost half the price of the device. You can spend a lot of time without achieving a positive result. Such actions can be justified by great enthusiasm and a considerable number of free hours.
Conclusion
This article describes what a matrix is in a phone and what a sensor is, what distinguishes them from a display module. Recommendations and instructions for self-repair are also given. But if you feel a lack of experience in this area and the fear of damaging the device, it is better to contact qualified craftsmen at the service center. There, the replacement of the damaged part will be carried out quickly, efficiently and with a guarantee.
