Xiaomi Redmi 8A remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release. But the fragile screen is its weak point: falling from a height of human growth often ends in cracks, “spider web” or complete sensor failure. If you encounter this problem, the first question arises: how much does it cost to replace the screen and where to make it more profitable – in a service center, at a private master or on your own?
In this article, we will analyze the current prices for original and non-original displays for the Redmi 8A (model M1908C3IG), compare the cost of working in different services, talk about the pitfalls when choosing a master and give a checklist how to save without the risk of getting a “cat in a bag”.
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The first thing you'll encounter when you're looking for a replacement is choosing between the original screen (OEM) and the analog (copy), not just in price, but in quality, durability, even appearance. Let's look at what the market offers.
The original screen (made by Tianma or BOE) comes in Xiaomi's factory packaging, has the same coverage, brightness and color reproduction as the "native" display.
- 🔹 100% motherboard compatibility – no problem with sensor calibration or backlighting.
- 🔹 3 to 12 months warranty (depending on service).
- 🔹 The absence of a “rainbow effect” when tilting the screen (typical for cheap analogues).
Minus one — the price of the original module in 2026 starts from 4,500 rubles, and the work will cost 6 000-8 000 rubles. This is almost half the cost of the used Redmi 8A in the secondary market.
Similar screens are divided into three categories:
- Premium copies (for example, from Ofilm or Truly) - as close as possible to the original, but cheaper by 20-30%. Price: 2 800-3 500 rubles.
- The middle segment is screens with slight variations in color reproduction or brightness. Cost: 1,800-2,500 rubles.
- Budget analogues - often with "soap" coating, poor oleophobic and the risk of detachment of the sensor. Price: 1,200-1,800 rubles.
How much does it cost to replace the screen in service centers (price table 2026)
The cost of repair depends on the type of screen, region and status of the service. We have collected the current prices for Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions (indicated with the work):
| Screen type | Moscow | St. Petersburg | Regions (average price) | Duration of repairs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | 6 500–8 000 ₽ | 6 200–7 500 ₽ | 5 800–7 000 ₽ | 1-3 days |
| Premium copy | 4 000–5 000 ₽ | 3 800–4 800 ₽ | 3 500–4 500 ₽ | 1-2 days |
| Medium analogue | 2 500–3 500 ₽ | 2 300–3 200 ₽ | 2 000–3 000 ₽ | 1 day |
| Budgetary analogue | 1 800–2 500 ₽ | 1 700–2 300 ₽ | 1 500–2 000 ₽ | 1 day |
⚠️ Attention: In small cities, prices may be 10-15% lower, but the risk of running into a poor screen or unqualified master is higher.
If the smartphone is used as a spare or for basic tasks (calls, messengers), a premium copy will be the best choice.
- 📱 You plan to use your phone for another 2.+ year-end.
- 🎨 Accurate color reproduction is important (for example, for photo processing).
- 🔋 You’ve already faced the death of a cheap screen in six months.
Where to replace the screen: comparison of options
Beyond the price of the display itself, the final cost depends on where you go, and let's look at everything from official services to garage makers.
1. Official Xiaomi Service Centers
Pros:
- 🛡️ Work and parts warranty (usually 6-12 months).
- 🔧 Use original or certified analogues.
- 📋 Check with seal (useful for warranty disputes).
Cons:
- 💰 The highest prices (by 20-30% more expensive than private owners).
- ⏳ Longer term (sometimes up to 5 days).
- 📍 Not all cities have official centers.
2. Private service centres
These are small workshops that specialize in smartphone repair, and their main advantage is flexible prices and the ability to negotiate a discount for cash, with the average cost of working (excluding spare parts) of 800-1 500 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: Before you give your phone back, ask them to show you the screen before you install it. Private people often save on quality by installing cheap analogues under the guise of premium. Pay attention to the screen:
- 🔍 Oleophobic coating - on the original fingers slide easily, on cheap copies there are greasy traces.
- 🎨 Color Rendering – Compare it to another Redmi 8A (for example, in the communication room).
- 🔦 Backlight - on analogues, you often see "lights" on the edges.
3. Self-substitution
If you have experience disassembling equipment, you can save on work.The cost of the screen when buying on AliExpress or in Russian spare parts stores:
- 📦 Original module: 4,000–4,800 ₽.
- 📦 Premium copy: 2,500–3,200 ₽.
- 📦 Budget analogue: 1,200–1,800 ₽.
Replacement will require:
New screen module (with adhesive frame)
Plastic blades for disassembly
Screwdriver T3 and T5
dryer or heat tile
Screen suction cup
Tweezers and antistatic bracelet (optional)-->
⚠️ Warning: If you replace yourself, you lose your warranty (if you had one) and risk damaging plumes or the motherboard. 30% of the time, inexperienced users break the sensor or display when they first try to disassemble.
Why are the Redmi 8A screen prices so different?
The price range for the same screen can be as high as 2,000 to 3,000 rubles. What's the catch? Here are the key factors that affect the cost:
- Module manufacturer: Tianma and Ofilm screens (premium copies) are more expensive than unnamed Chinese factories, which often save on a backlight controller, causing the screen to dim after 3-6 months.
- Package: Cheap kits may lack adhesive frame, plume, or protective film, and you'll have to buy it separately.
- Service margin: Official centers charge 30-50% for the brand, private workshops - 10-20%, in the regions the markup is lower due to lower rents.
- Demand and seasonality: In the summer and before the New Year, prices rise by 10-15% due to an increase in the number of breakdowns (people often drop their phones on vacation or in ice).
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Before buying a screen on AliExpress, check the reviews with photos! Often sellers send modules without oleophobic coverage or with defective backlighting. Look for stores with a rating above 98% and orders over 100+.
What if there are problems after the screen is replaced?
Even in proven services, there are jambs, and here are the most common problems after replacing the screen with a Redmi 8A and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen flickers or spontaneously turns off | Poor plume contact or damaged backlight controller | Reconnect the plume or replace the screen under warranty |
| Sensor responds poorly to touch | Incorrect calibration or touchscreen defect | Reset settings (Settings → System → Resetting) or reflash your phone |
| Yellow spots on the edges of the screen | Cheap glue or overheating during installation | Re-glue the screen (independently or in the service) |
| Autobrightness is not working. | There is no light sensor (in cheap analogues) | Turn off autobrightness in settings or replace the screen with the original |
If the problem appears immediately after the repair, do not leave the service until you check the phone. The wizard is obliged to fix the defect under warranty. If the screen starts to glittle after a week or two, contact the check - you have the right to free repair.
What if the service refuses to fix the mess?
How to save money on screen replacement: 5 working ways
Replacing the screen is not the cheapest procedure, but there are ways to reduce costs without risking the phone.
- Many services agree to install a spare part purchased by the customer for a lower fee (500-800 rubles for work).
- Large networks (such as Communication Service or TechnoDoctor) regularly discount repairs. Subscribe to their newsletters.
- If you have a SberSpibo card or Yandex Plus bonuses, you can spend them on repairs in partner services.
- Some workshops charge 300-500 rubles just for an inspection. Look for those where the diagnosis is free for further repairs.
- If the phone is insured (for example, through Alpha Insurance or Tinkoff), repairs can be free.
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The biggest savings are prevention: use a quality protective glass (like Spigen Tempered Glass) and a cushion case, and statistics show that this reduces the risk of screen breaking by 60 percent.