A smartphone is more than just a device that connects us to the world. It’s our constant companion, entertainment hub, and our gateway to the internet. However, it is also a delicate gadget that requires care and attention.
The display of a smartphone is a vital component of the user experience, but it is also highly vulnerable to damage. One of the most common damages that can occur is a cracked or damaged display or screen, which can severely impact the phone’s functionality.
In this article, we will dive into the various types of damages that can happen on a smartphone display or screen, the causes behind them, and the measures you can take to avoid or fix them
Damages or Issues on Smartphone Displays
Scratches
Scratches can occur on the display of a smartphone from a variety of causes. The most common cause is dropping the phone, which can result in scratches or cracks. Another cause of scratches can be putting the phone in a pocket or bag with keys or other sharp objects. Scratches can also be caused by using abrasive cleaning materials or cloth on the display. Scratches can range from small surface scratches that are barely noticeable to deep scratches that can affect the functionality of the phone
Cracks
The most common type of damage that happens to a smartphone screen is a crack. A crack can happen due to many reasons, such as dropping the phone, placing something heavy on it, or even squeezing it too hard in your pocket. Cracks are often visible on the surface of the screen and can range from a small hairline crack to a severe break that extends across the entire screen
Dead Pixels
Dead pixels are pixels on the display that no longer function properly and appear as small black or white spots on the screen. Dead pixels can occur due to manufacturing defects or physical damage to the screen. Dead pixels are often noticeable on bright backgrounds and can be very distracting. In most cases, dead pixels cannot be fixed and the only solution is to replace the display
Burn-in
Burn-in is when an image gets stuck on the screen and creates a permanent or semi-permanent ghost image. This is commonly seen on OLED displays and can occur after extended use of the same image. For example, if you watch a lot of content with a logo in the same spot, like the CNN logo or a video game HUD, the image can burn into the screen. This can be prevented by not leaving static images on the screen for extended periods of time and by adjusting the brightness and contrast settings of the display
Shade
Shade is another type of damage that can occur on smartphone displays or screens. This occurs when a portion of the display becomes shaded or dark, making it difficult to read or view content on that part of the screen. Shading can occur due to several reasons, such as a damaged LCD or OLED layer, damaged backlights, or improper placement of display connectors. It can also occur due to overheating or water damage
Liquid Mark
If water or any other liquid seeps into the screen, it can leave a mark on the display. This can happen when a phone is dropped into water or any other liquid, or when a liquid is spilled onto the screen. Liquid marks can cause the screen to malfunction, discoloration, distortion on the display or go completely blank thus making it difficult to view content
Backlight Bleeding and Screen Dimming
This is a common issue that can happen due to aging or overuse. The screen may start to dim and lose brightness, making it difficult to see
Touch Response
Another common type which can happen due to a variety of reasons such as damage to the digitizer, a software glitch, or physical damage to the touch screen. Symptoms of touch response issues include the phone not responding to touch, a delayed response, or a response that is not accurate
Causes of the damages
Physical Impact
Physical impact is the most common cause of smartphone screen damage. Accidental drops, bumps, and impacts can cause cracks or shatters on the screen. The extent of the damage depends on the force of the impact and the angle of the fall. Sometimes, a small drop can cause severe damage, while at other times, a more significant impact may cause only minor damage. The only way to prevent this type of damage is to use a protective case and screen protector
Pressure
Placing something heavy on the phone or squeezing it too hard in your pocket can also cause damages on the screen. The pressure can cause a crack or even damage the internal components of the phone
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can also cause damages to the screen. Exposure to heat or cold can cause the screen to expand or contract, leading to a crack or other damages
Water Damage
Water damage is a common cause of damage to smartphones, and the screen is no exception. Water can seep into the device through any openings, including the screen, and cause a short circuit in the display. This can result in a damaged display or complete screen failure. Even if the phone is water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof, and if exposed to water for too long, it can still damage the screen
Manufacturing defects
Sometimes, smartphone displays can develop issues due to manufacturing defects. These issues can range from dead pixels, backlight bleeding, touch response issues, and more. These issues are usually covered under the device’s warranty, and the manufacturer will repair or replace the device.
Measures to Avoid or Fix Damages on the displays
Use a Screen Protector
Using a screen protector is one of the best ways to avoid damages on a smartphone screen. Screen protectors are thin sheets of plastic or tempered glass that are placed on top of the screen to protect it from scratches, cracks, and other damages.
Use a Phone Case
Using a phone case can also protect the phone from damages. Phone cases come in various materials, such as plastic, silicone, or leather, and can protect the phone from drops, pressure, and other damages.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Avoid exposing the phone to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a car on a hot day or using it in freezing temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause damages to the screen and other components of the phone.
Avoid Water Exposure
Avoid exposing the phone to water or other liquids. If the phone does get wet, turn it off immediately and dry it thoroughly. You can use a bag of rice or a specialized phone drying kit to absorb the moisture.
Get Professional Repair
If the damage to your smartphone display or screen is beyond a simple DIY fix, it’s best to seek the help of a professional repair service. Trying to fix it yourself may cause more harm than good, potentially leading to more costly repairs or even rendering your device unusable.
Look for a reputable repair service with experienced technicians who use high-quality replacement parts. Don’t be tempted to go for cheap repairs, as they may use subpar parts that can cause more damage to your device in the long run.
When choosing a repair service, consider factors such as their warranty policies, turnaround time, and customer reviews. Some services may offer on-site repairs or even same-day service, which can be convenient if you rely heavily on your smartphone for work or personal use.
Remember that a professional repair can also help identify underlying issues that may have contributed to the damage, such as a faulty battery or charging port. Addressing these issues can help prevent future damage to your smartphone display or screen.
By comprehending the reasons behind smartphone display damage and taking preventative measures, a great deal of frustration and irritation can be avoided.
What else?
Trade-in or exchange can be another option to consider. Startups like InstaCash, smartphone manufacturers and many retailers offer trade-in programs that allow you to trade in your damaged device for a new one at a discounted price. In some cases, you may also be able to exchange your damaged device for a refurbished one.
Trade-in programs can be a great way to get a new device while minimizing the impact of a damaged smartphone on your wallet. However, it is important to note that trade-in values for damaged devices may be lower than those for undamaged devices, so it is worth considering the cost of repair versus the trade-in value before making a decision.
With InstaCash‘s easy and convenient trade-in program, you can receive an excellent price for your old device and even upgrade to a high-quality refurbished smartphone at an affordable price. Don’t wait up, trade in your old device now and join the growing number of consumers who are choosing to go refurbished with InstaCash.
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