OEM vs Non-OEM Parts

Understanding replacement part quality and making the right choice for your device

OEM Parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer parts made to exact factory specifications

Premium Quality
VS

Non-OEM Parts

Third-party manufactured parts designed to fit and function like originals

Cost-Effective

Why Does Part Quality Matter?

Not all replacement parts are created equal. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision that balances quality, cost, and your specific needs.

Manufacturing Standards

OEM parts follow strict quality control processes and use original materials. Non-OEM parts may use alternative materials or manufacturing processes to reduce costs.

Quality vs Cost Balance

The choice between OEM and non-OEM isn’t just about quality—it’s about finding the right balance for your budget, usage patterns, and expectations.

Professional Assessment

Our technicians evaluate each repair to recommend the most appropriate part quality based on your device’s condition, age, and your specific requirements.

Detailed Part Comparison

Screen Replacements
Batteries
Charging Ports
Camera Components

OEM Screen Assemblies

Original Quality
Perfect Color Accuracy

Exact color calibration matching factory specifications

Maximum Brightness

Full brightness range for optimal outdoor visibility

Original Glass Quality

Same oleophobic coating and scratch resistance as new

Perfect Touch Response

Precise touch sensitivity across entire screen

Long-Term Reliability

Designed to last as long as the original screen

£80 – £350

Depending on device model

6-month warranty included

Non-OEM Screen Assemblies

High-Quality Alternative
Good Color Accuracy

Minor differences in color saturation and warmth

Slightly Reduced Brightness

5-15% lower maximum brightness in most cases

Alternative Glass

Good quality glass but may lack premium coatings

Excellent Touch Response

Full touch functionality with same sensitivity

Good Durability

Reliable performance for everyday use

£40 – £180

Significant cost savings

6-month warranty included

Important Note About Water Resistance

Neither OEM nor non-OEM screen replacements can restore the original water and dust resistance to factory levels. This is due to the nature of the repair process and adhesive limitations.

OEM Batteries

Factory Standard
Original Capacity

Exact mAh rating as specified by manufacturer

Optimal Chemistry

Same lithium-ion formulation for peak performance

Smart Battery Management

Full compatibility with device’s power management

Longer Lifespan

800-1000 charge cycles before significant degradation

Safety Standards

Certified to highest safety and quality standards

£45 – £120

Premium battery technology

Non-OEM Batteries

Quality Alternative
Claimed Capacity

May not always match advertised mAh ratings

Alternative Chemistry

Different lithium-ion formulation, still safe and functional

Basic Management

Compatible with device charging systems

Shorter Lifespan

500-700 charge cycles typical lifespan

Safety Certified

Meets basic safety standards for consumer use

£25 – £65

Budget-friendly option

Battery Performance Over Time

OEM Battery
Non-OEM Battery
6 Months
95%
88%
12 Months
90%
78%
18 Months
85%
68%
24 Months
80%
58%

OEM Charging Components

Precise Engineering
Perfect Fit

Exact dimensional tolerance for proper connection

Full Speed Charging

Supports maximum charging speeds and data transfer

Durable Connectors

High-quality metal contacts resist wear and corrosion

Heat Management

Proper thermal design prevents overheating

£35 – £85

Professional grade components

Non-OEM Charging Components

Functional Alternative
Compatible Fit

Designed to fit properly with minimal tolerance issues

Good Charging Speed

May not support fastest charging protocols

Standard Connectors

Adequate quality but may wear faster than OEM

Basic Protection

Includes essential safety features

£18 – £45

Cost-effective solution

OEM Camera Modules

Optical Precision
Original Optics

Same lens quality and coating as factory installation

Perfect Image Quality

No degradation in photo or video quality

Full Feature Support

All camera features work exactly as designed

Accurate Focus

Precise autofocus and optical stabilization

£60 – £200

Premium optical components

Non-OEM Camera Modules

Compatible Alternative
Alternative Optics

Similar lens design but may have different coatings

Good Image Quality

Minor differences in color reproduction or sharpness

Basic Features

Core camera functionality works properly

Functional Focus

Autofocus works but may be less precise

£30 – £95

Affordable camera solution

Which Parts Should You Choose?

Our recommendation depends on your specific situation, budget, and how you use your device.

Choose OEM Parts If:

  • You want the best possible quality and performance
  • Your device is relatively new (under 2 years)
  • You plan to keep the device for another 2+ years
  • You use your device professionally (photography, business)
  • Resale value is important to you
  • Budget allows for premium quality
Best for: Premium devices, professional use, long-term ownership

Choose Non-OEM Parts If:

  • Budget is the primary consideration
  • Your device is older (3+ years)
  • You plan to upgrade within 1-2 years
  • Casual use (calls, messages, basic apps)
  • Emergency repair to keep device functional
  • Device has other issues that limit its lifespan
Best for: Budget-conscious repairs, older devices, temporary solutions

Part Availability by Device

Not all devices have both OEM and non-OEM options available. Availability depends on device popularity and market demand.

High Availability

Both OEM & Non-OEM Available

Devices:

  • All iPhone models (iPhone 11 and newer)
  • Samsung Galaxy S series (S20 and newer)
  • Google Pixel (6 and newer)
  • iPad (All recent models)
  • MacBook (M1/M2 models)

Popular devices with high repair volume typically have multiple quality options available.

Limited Availability

Mostly OEM, Some Non-OEM

Devices:

  • OnePlus phones
  • Newer Samsung models
  • Surface tablets and laptops
  • Gaming laptops (Razer, MSI)
  • DJI drones

Specialized or newer devices may have limited non-OEM options due to lower market volume.

OEM Only

OEM Parts Only

Devices:

  • Very new models (first 6 months)
  • Professional equipment
  • Specialized electronics
  • Low-volume devices
  • Custom modifications

Newest or specialized devices typically only have OEM parts available initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will non-OEM parts void my warranty?

If your device is still under manufacturer warranty, any third-party repair (regardless of part quality) may void the warranty. However, if your warranty has already expired or the damage isn’t covered, using non-OEM parts doesn’t create additional warranty issues. Our 6-month repair warranty covers both OEM and non-OEM part installations.

How can I tell the difference between OEM and non-OEM parts after installation?

For screens, you might notice slightly different color temperature or brightness levels. Batteries may show different charging patterns or longevity. Camera modules could have minor differences in image quality. However, for most users doing everyday tasks, the differences are often minimal and only noticeable in direct comparison.

Do you recommend non-OEM parts for any specific situations?

Yes, non-OEM parts can be excellent choices for older devices (3+ years), emergency repairs when budget is tight, devices with multiple issues, or when you’re planning to upgrade soon. They provide good functionality at a fraction of the cost, making economic sense in many situations.

What warranty do you provide for different part qualities?

We provide the same 6-month warranty for both OEM and non-OEM parts. This covers defects in the part itself and our installation work. The warranty doesn’t cover accidental damage, water damage, or normal wear and tear, regardless of part quality.

Can you upgrade from non-OEM to OEM parts later?

Yes, you can always upgrade to OEM parts later if desired. However, this would involve a new repair service and associated costs. We recommend making the right choice initially based on your needs and budget rather than planning to upgrade later.

Why are OEM parts more expensive?

OEM parts cost more due to higher-quality materials, stricter manufacturing standards, research and development costs, and limited supply channels. They’re manufactured to exact specifications with premium components, while non-OEM parts use alternative materials and processes to reduce costs.

Ready to Choose the Right Parts for Your Repair?

Our experienced technicians will help you select the perfect balance of quality and value for your specific needs and budget.

Fixfactor Quality Repair Process