Samsung OEM vs Third-Party Parts: UK Repair Guide 2026

When getting your Samsung repaired, you'll hear terms like "OEM", "service pack", and "aftermarket". Here's what they actually mean and which option makes sense for your repair.

Understanding Part Types

Samsung repair parts fall into three main categories, each with different quality, price, and warranty implications.

OEM (Original) Parts

What They Are

Parts made by Samsung or their authorised suppliers, identical to what came in your phone originally.

Pros

• 100% original quality and specifications
• Perfect colour matching and calibration
• All features work perfectly (fingerprint, etc.)
• Longest lifespan

Cons

• Highest price (40-60% more than aftermarket)
• Limited availability for older models
• Often need to source through authorised channels

Samsung Service Pack

What They Are

Genuine Samsung parts packaged specifically for repair services. Screens usually come with the frame pre-attached for easier installation.

Pros

• Samsung genuine quality
• Easier installation (pre-assembled)
• Usually 20-30% less than OEM replacement through Samsung
• Good availability for recent models

Cons

• Still premium pricing vs aftermarket
• Availability varies by model

Our Recommendation for Flagships

For Galaxy S series phones under 2 years old, we recommend service pack screens. The quality difference is noticeable and the extra cost is worth it for phones you'll keep for years. Read our detailed guide on why genuine Samsung screens matter to understand the full difference.

Aftermarket Parts

What They Are

Parts made by third-party manufacturers to fit Samsung phones. Quality varies enormously between suppliers.

Quality Tiers

• Premium aftermarket: 90-95% of OEM quality, good for most uses
• Standard aftermarket: 80-90% of OEM quality, noticeable differences
• Budget aftermarket: 60-80% of OEM quality, significant compromises

Pros

• Significantly lower cost
• Good availability
• Premium aftermarket can be very good quality

Cons

• Quality varies hugely by supplier
• May have lower brightness or colour accuracy
• Shorter lifespan possible
• Fingerprint sensor may be less reliable

Quality Comparison

Price Comparison

Here's how pricing compares across part types. For complete pricing by model, see our Samsung screen repair guide.

Warranty Considerations

Manufacturer Warranty

Any third-party repair voids Samsung's warranty. However, if your screen is cracked, it's likely already excluded as accidental damage.

Repair Warranty

We provide 27-month warranty on all Samsung parts regardless of type. If a part fails within warranty, we replace it free.

Our Recommendations

Choose Service Pack If:

• Phone is under 2 years old
• You plan to keep it long-term
• You use fingerprint heavily
• Display quality matters to you
• It's a flagship (S series, Fold, Flip)

Choose Premium Aftermarket If:

• Phone is 2-3 years old
• Budget is a concern
• You'll upgrade within 1-2 years
• It's a mid-range phone (A series)

Avoid Budget Aftermarket For:

• Flagship phones
• Daily driver phones
• Any phone you want to keep working well

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell what quality screen a repair shop uses?

Ask directly: "Is this a Samsung service pack or aftermarket screen?" Reputable shops will tell you clearly. If they're vague, assume it's budget aftermarket.

Why do some shops charge so much less?

Parts. A budget aftermarket S24 Ultra screen costs £100+ less than service pack. Some shops use the cheapest parts available. You get what you pay for.