Collision of a smartphone with a hard surface or accidental drop of the screen down often lead to sad consequences, especially if we are talking about the flagship Xiaomi Mi 9. This device, released in 2019, still attracts users with its performance and high-quality assembly, but its glass and matrix remain vulnerable elements of the design. When cracks, stripes or “ink” appear on the surface, the owner inevitably faces the question of how much the display Xiaomi Mi 9 costs and whether there is a sense in restoring the device.
The cost of repairs is a multitude of factors, not least the type of spare part you choose, the market is oversaturated with offers, from expensive original modules to cheap counterparts of dubious quality, the price of the screen can vary depending on the region, the pricing policy of the service center and the chosen repair strategy, understanding these nuances will help you not only save your budget, but also avoid repeated breakdowns in the future.
In this article, we will discuss the pricing policy of the spare parts market, explain the difference between the different types of matrixes and tell you what to look for when buying, you will learn why cheap repairs can cost more in the long run and how to correctly assess the condition of your device before contacting the master.
Factors affecting the total cost of replacement
The first thing to understand when searching for a spare part is that the Xiaomi Mi 9 is equipped with a new one. AMOLED-Matrix, the production technology of which is much more complex and expensive than conventional IPS-That's why the price of a display module for this model is initially higher than for budget smartphones, and the cost is formed by the influence of several key parameters, the neglect of which can lead to unpleasant surprises when paying the bill.
Original modules shipped directly from Xiaomi’s partner plants cost significantly more to ensure full compliance with factory standards for color reproduction and brightness. At the same time, there are a huge number of copies on the market, which are divided into several quality categories.
The price is also affected by the delivery format: you can buy a framed display, which makes it easier to replace, or you can buy only frameless glass, which requires re-painting and special equipment. The second option is cheaper, but requires a high skill of the master. The cost of re-painting will also be included in the final check.
- 🔍 Type of matrix: original, OEM cheap-copy.
- 🛠️ Component: complete module with or without frame.
- 📍 Region and pricing policy of the selected service center.
- 💰 Currency exchange rates, as many parts are purchased for dollars.
If not only the front panel, but also the battery or plumes are affected, the cost of repair will increase. The masters often recommend changing the battery preventively if it has already exhausted its life, since when disassembling the phone its integrity can be violated.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a spare part separately, be sure to check the integrity of the plumes. Damage to the plume of the backlight or touch screen will make the new display useless, and it will be almost impossible to return money for the already purchased part.
So the final check amount is not just the price of glass, but the total cost, which includes the quality of the components and the complexity of the work, and the savings in the selection of parts can lead to the fact that in a month you will have to look for service again.
Discussion of screen types: Original, OEM and copies
The question of how much the display costs doesn’t have a single answer without specifying the type of matrix. For the Xiaomi Mi 9, there is a clear division of spare parts into three main categories, each with its own price and characteristics.
Original displays are parts identical to those installed in the factory, they have perfect color reproduction, support the technology Always On Display without high battery consumption and have an oleophobic coating of high quality, the cost of these modules is the highest, but it is justified by the life and comfort of use.
The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) category includes parts made in the same factories as the originals, but ordered by third parties or not having passed the strict control of the brand. Visually they are almost no different from the original, but can have a slightly less bright white or slightly different shade of black. OEM price is usually 20-30% lower than the original, making them a "middle ground" for most users.
The cheapest segment is the copy (Copy, LCD). In the case of Xiaomi Mi 9, which originally has a AMOLED-screen, under the guise of the original often sold IPS-matrix LED-These screens are thicker, have worse viewing angles, don't support Always On and consume more power, and the underscreen fingerprint scanner on these copies often works slowly or doesn't work at all.
You can distinguish a copy from the original not only by the price, but also by the weight of the module and the thickness of the frames. Copies often have thicker (frames) around the image. 9 priced 2-3 less than the average market, it is a guaranteed low-quality copy of the IPS-a matrix that will spoil the impression of the flagship.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap copies often lack support for high refresh rates or correct brightness, which can lead to rapid eye fatigue.
Comparative table of cost of spare parts
To make it easier for you to understand prices, we have compiled a summary table, and note that the prices are approximate and can vary depending on the exchange rate and the particular store.
| Type of display | Image quality | Finger scanner work | Price (part only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Original) | Perfect, deep black. | Instant. | High (100%) |
| Quality copy (OLED) | Good, nuances are possible. | Stable. | Medium (60-70%) |
| Budget Copy (IPS) | Medium, no black. | Delays or refusal | Low (30-40%) |
| Only glass (advertising) | Depends on the old matrix. | It's still there. | Low (20-30%) |
The table shows that the price difference between the original and the budget copy can be threefold, but given that the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a premium device, the installation is a very expensive one. IPS-Low quality screens can significantly reduce the liquidity of the phone when sold later.
A separate mention is made of the glass-only (advertising) replacement service, which means that if the matrix is intact and shows a defect-free image and only the glass is broken, you can save money by replacing the top layer only, which requires special equipment and costs less than buying a new module assembled.
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Before buying a display, take a photo of the serial number of your current broken matrix (if it is visible through cracks) or the phone model in the settings so that the seller can pick up the compatible version accurately, as the Mi 9 had different panel revisions.
Cost of replacement work in service centers
If you don't have the skills to repair electronics, self-replacement can be risky. The cost of a wizard depends on the complexity of dismantling. Xiaomi Mi 9 has a glass back cover, which makes the disassembly process more difficult compared to models with plastic rear.
The cost of the work usually includes not only the physical replacement of the module, but also the diagnostics of the device, the application of a new adhesive compound (B-7000 or analogue) and the verification of all functions. Professional replacement takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The cost of work can be from 30% to 50% of the cost of the spare part itself.
Many services offer a guarantee for their work and for the installed part, which is an important aspect that justifies overpayment compared to private craftsmen at home, and in the case of a factory defect or an installation error, you can fix the problem for free.
- 📱 Diagnostics of the device: often free of charge with the consent to repair.
- 🧴 Consumables: glue, cleaners, new gaskets.
- 🔒 Data retention: The wizard is not responsible for your files, but professionals try not to damage memory.
- ⏱️ Urgent: for express repairs (with you) can take a markup.
When you go to the service, check whether a new frame is included in the price. Often, the old frame is deformed or broken when dismantled, and its replacement becomes mandatory, which increases the final check.
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The guarantee of the work of the master and the installed screen is your main argument when choosing a service, even if it is slightly more expensive than the competitors.
Can I replace the display myself?
Replacing the screen with Xiaomi Mi 9 with your own hands is a medium-sized task that requires accuracy and tools. If you decide to save on the work of a wizard, you will need a special set of tools and free time.
The process begins with turning off the phone and retrieving it. SIM-Then you heat the perimeter of the device to soften the glue that holds the back cover, and careless movement can cause the glass to chip at the back or damage to the fingerprint scanner plume, which is often glued to the cover.
When the back cover is removed, the screws of the protective plate are unscrewed, the battery and the display plumes are turned off, the new module is installed in the reverse order, and it is important to carefully clean the end of the case of shards of old glue before gluing the new screen.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to crack the back cover with metal tools without first heating - the glass will burst instantly and the shards can damage the internal components or injure you.
The main risk of self-repair is damage to the plumes, which are very thin and easily break when handled carelessly, and there is a risk of leaky bonding of the body, which will deprive the phone of at least minimal protection from dust.
Where to buy spare parts: market, shops or AliExpress
The choice of place to buy is a balance between price, speed of delivery and warranty. The electronics market offers many options, but not all of them are reliable.
Buying from local radio parts stores or specialty outlets allows you to feel the product before you buy it. You can visually assess the quality of the package and package, but retail prices are often higher due to rent and taxes.
Online marketplaces and AliExpress offer lower prices, but there is a high risk of getting a substandard product or copy instead of the original. It is important to look at the seller's rating, the number of orders and, most importantly, read the reviews with photos. Delivery can take from two weeks to a month.
Service centers often sell parts with an installation or separately, but at a markup, but in the case of marriage, you do not have to prove yourself right for a month - the problem will be solved on the spot.
How to check the seller on AliExpress?
When ordering online, always make a video of the unpacking, which is the only proof that you have been sent a broken product or not the one that the site administration will accept.