Buying an LCD Replacement Screen for a Google Pixel
Chances are you've experienced a cracked, broken, or shattered cell phone screen, but rather than forking out for a new phone, you can replace the damaged glass display yourself. LCD screens for Google Pixel and other touchscreen phones running on Android comprise of the LCD display itself and a digitizer, which is what’s responsible for understanding the actions of the touchscreen. While it sounds complicated, you can purchase digitizer LCD screens as a single unit so you can easily do the replacement repairs yourself.
What Is a Digitizer?
While you may be familiar with an LCD (liquid-crystal display) screen, a mobile smartphone digitizer may be less commonly understood. This device converts analog signals into digital signals and, in the case of most Google cell phones, is the part that covers the LCD screen.
- A digitizer converts your actions, such as a press or swipe, into a digital signal that your phone will understand. The digitizer flex cable, which is often included when you purchase a replacement LCD digitizer, then transfers this data.
- When assembling your new Pixel screen, you need to consider the digitizer (the front glass), the digitizer flex cable (that should be attached to the glass), and the LCD display. You can purchase them separately or altogether as a package, but keep in mind that mounting the flex cable yourself can be tricky and, if done incorrectly, will result in a poorly functioning touch screen.
How Do You Know When You Need to Replace Your Digitizer or LCD Screen?
Cracked glass, scuffs, and scratches can all damage the digitizer on your phone or Android device, making it visually unappealing and sometimes faulty in its operations. But if an image still displays and the touchscreen functions are working without any problems, then it may not need replacing.
- If the image or touchscreen functions are affected, it may mean you have damaged the LCD display beneath, and you’ll need to invest in an LCD assembly replacement.
- In many cases, the digitizer and LCD unit of a Pixel phone are fused together and should be reassembled as one, rather than trying to separate them into individual units.
Why Does a High-Quality Screen Matter?
It’s important to keep in mind when buying a new LCD screen online that the quality can vary significantly and, if you want the good results, you’ll need to purchase a quality screen.
- Some companies purchase original broken screens, then separate the LCD from the digitizer and fuse an original digitizer on it.
- Separating the LCD from the digitizer may cause micro-abrasions on the LCD that can compromise its look and picture quality.
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