If your phone’s screen cracks or the battery starts dying, the first question you’ll hear is: “Do you need a replacement?” The second being, deciding between original vs compatible vs fake repair parts.
In India, that decision affects not just how much you pay today. But also how long your phone lives, and how safe it is. And if your phone is on warranty or remains under warranty after repairs.
So, let’s bring some clarity to this matter. So you will be empowered with better knowledge before letting a technician touch your phone.
Also read: Don’t Overpay For iPhone Repair: Get Fair Price, Expert Service From Cashify!
Original Vs Compatible Vs Fake Repair Parts: What They Really Mean?
Original Or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
OEM and original are used interchangeably. It is because they are either made by the phone maker or by its contracted suppliers. They are built to the same specs as what came in the box. Expect near-perfect fit, color accuracy (for screens), and battery safety. Often, warranty coverage still exists after repair. Apple and Samsung official service centers use genuine parts. Apple explicitly states its service uses genuine Apple displays.
Compatible / Aftermarket / Premium third-party:
Made by third-party companies to fit and work with your model. Quality varies: some premium compatibles can look and perform very close to OEM. That’s the case at Cashify, and they also come for a fraction of the price. On the other side, cheaper compatibles cut corners. Many organised repair and recommerce services in India offer premium compatibles. One of them is Cashify.
Fake / Counterfeit parts:
These are cheap knock-offs that pretend to be OEM or pass off as good. They commonly fail early. These have poor display colour/touch (for the screen). Batteries swell or create safety hazards. Our suggestion would be to avoid these. They are the reason “cheap repairs” often cost more in the long run.
Also Read: How To Book A Doorstep Service For Mobile Repair? Cashify Explains!
Price Difference In Original vs Compatible vs Fake Repair Parts
It’s not just about the spare part quality but phone model, age, availability, and so on. Like an Apple iPhone repair cost for any component is expected to be on the higher end. But with a local repair shop, you might even get a cheap deal.
Prices in original vs compatible vs fake repair parts and services would vary. Here’s a rough estimation, keeping Apple and Samsung as examples.
| Type of Part | How Expensive? (Original Part Price = 100%) | Typical Price Range | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original/ OEM) | 100% (most expensive) | Apple/Samsung official screen repairs: Rs. 17,000–25,000+ | Best quality, safest, comes with warranty |
| Compatible (Aftermarket) | 5%–20% of the original (very cheap) | 50%–90% of the original (10–50% cheaper) | Good quality but varies; premium compatibles are close to original |
| Fake / Counterfeit | 5%–20% of original (very cheap) | Local market “cheap parts”: Rs. 1,000–3,000 | Poor quality, risky, usually no warranty |
Also read: Original Screen Vs Fake Screen: What You Need to Know?
Why Prices And Services Vary For Original Vs Compatible Vs Fake Repair Parts?
1. Parts cost & source
- Brand service centers buy and fit OEM parts. That cost is passed to you. However, official parts may be limited in supply for some models. Even that pushes the price up.
- Local shops often source compatibles or grey-market OEM-looking parts from wholesale markets. Here, margins can be small, so prices are low.
- Recommerce companies offer a mix: premium compatibles to OEM as an upgrade. Certified recommerce platforms like Cashify offer premium compatible by default. It’s the best option when it comes to original vs compatible vs fake repair parts.
Also read: How Can Cashify Smart Repair Service Enhance Your Mobile Repair Experience?
2. Labour & expertise
- Official centers have certified technicians and standardised processes. They have higher labour charges but consistent quality checks. Cashify provides a middle ground by keeping the repair cost affordable. The compatible parts are internally tested by highly experienced technicians.
- Local shops can be very cheap (lower labour charges), but technician skill varies. Complex repairs on modern phones (foldables, under-display sensors) can go wrong if not done by experienced technicians.
3. Warranty & after-service
- OEM repairs at authorised centers often carry a warranty on the part and the repair work. Third-party repairs usually offer limited or no warranty unless from a reputable organised service. Cashify and similar platforms advertise repair warranties and transparent part usage. If you are choosing Cashify for screen repairs, you will get a 6-month warranty and an additional one-month warranty*. Plus, there’s a 7-day refund as well. For battery repairs, they offer a 3-month warranty.
(*Repair warranties are subject to discretion based on Cashify’s terms and conditions. Please refer to our warranty policy for detailed information.)
Also read: Cashify’s Approach to Using Genuine Parts: Truth Behind It
When Is Compatible OK & When It Isn’t
Good fit:
- Older phones, where OEM parts are prohibitively expensive.
- Non-critical components where functionality matters more than perfect colour or sensor calibration.
- If a certified repair platform provides a premium compatible with testing and warranty, a sensible middle ground.
Avoid compatibles/fakes when:
- You have a high-end phone that’s relatively new. Here, display/brightness/colour calibration matters (flagship iPhones, Samsung AMOLED screens).
- You care about resale/refurbish value: OEM-repaired devices fetch higher resale.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Repair OnePlus 6T Screen?
Final Thoughts!
If you want peace of mind and can afford it, look for services that provide OEM. Also consider factors like how old your phone is, does resale value matters or not, and when to upgrade next. Using fake parts only to keep the lowest expense is straight out a no-no. The cost eventually adds up in the future.
If you want to have highly quality repair parts, keeping the service charge low, choose a certified platform like Cashify. It has the most balanced approach. There are no concerns regarding a price surge due to scarcity in availability. Plus, it offers more benefits to customers like warranty, refund, free doorstep and so on. Cashify keeps it hassle-free and is transparent about what they use.
Liked reading? You might in interested in: How Cashify Maintains High Repair Quality Standards: OEM vs Compatible Parts!
Are you still browsing through your broken screen? Don’t worry! Book at-home mobile phone screen repair with Cashify, an affordable and one-stop destination for all your mobile phone needs. In case you break your screen within 1 month of repair, we will replace your screen again for FREE.
