Why the glass on the Redmi Note 7 needs to be replaced more often than it seems
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, launched in 2019, is still one of the most popular budget phones in the aftermarket, but it often has cracked or broken glass, and it’s no coincidence that the design of the model has two key features: first, 2.5D-Gorilla Glass 5, which is rounded, but it's still vulnerable to falling by a corner, and the second is the adhesive base of the screen, which loses elasticity over time, so that even a minor impact can cause cracks.
According to service centers, more than 60 percent of Redmi Note 7 calls are related to glass damage, not the matrix — that's good news, because glass replacement costs 2-3 times less than a full display module. But here's the catch: many users confuse glass with a touchscreen or a matrix, which causes them to overpay for unnecessary work. In this article, we will analyze how much it costs to replace glass with a Redmi Note 7 in 2026, what types of glasses are available, and where to repair it, whether in the service or on your own.
Types of glass for Redmi Note 7: original vs analogues
There are three types of glass for Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, and their cost can vary by 2-4 times.
- 🔹 The original glass (OEM) — It's made in the same factories as the Xiaomi components, it's perfectly fit, it keeps the touchscreen sensitive, it doesn't distort colors, it's a high price tag, it's a rarity in the free market.
- 🔸 Qualitative analogues (A)+) — glass from proven Chinese manufacturers (for example, Tianma or BOE). They're similar in characteristics to the original, but they can have micron differences in thickness, most commonly installed in services.
- 🔶 Budgetary analogues (A-/Copy) — They're cheap, brandless glass, often with color distortion and sensitivity, and they can crack when edited or when edited. 1–2 month.
It's important to understand that only glass (without touchscreen and matrix) can be replaced if the display module itself is not damaged. If you see slashes, broken pixels or broken areas of the touchscreen, you have to change the entire module, it will cost 5,000 to 8,000. ₽.
Cost of glass replacement in service centers (2026)
Glass replacement prices vary by region, type of glass and status of the service center, and the following is an up-to-date table of average prices for Russia (including work and material):
| Type of glass | Cost (₽) | Time of replacement | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | 3 500–5 000 | 1-2 hours | 6–12 months |
| Analogue A+ (Tianma/BOE) | 2 000–3 000 | 1 hour | 3–6 months |
| Budgetary analogue (Copy) | 800–1 500 | 30-40 minutes | 1 month or not |
| Self-replacement (material) | 500–1 200 | 2-3 hours | No. |
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, prices are 10-15% higher than the national average, and in small cities, on the contrary, lower, and it is worth considering that some services charge an additional fee for removing old glue (200-500). ₽) or leakproofness check after installation (300-400) ₽).
⚠️ If you are offered to replace glass for 600-700 ₽, It's probably a fake of poor quality, and these glass pieces often peel off after a week or crack when they fall.
Self-replacement of glass: is the game worth the candle?
Replacing the glass with a Redmi Note 7 with your own hands is technically possible, but the process requires carefulness and special tools.
Buy glass (original or analogue A)+)|Buy glue. B-7000 or LOCA|Prepare a hair dryer (to soften old glue)|Have plastic shoulder blades and suction cups|Be patient (the process will take 2-3 hours)-->
Main stages:
- Warm up the smartphone with a hair dryer (temperature 60-70 ° C) to soften the glue.
- Carefully tamper with a plastic blade, starting from the corner.
- Remove the residues of glue from the frame and matrix (you can use isopropyl alcohol).
- Apply new glue to the frame and install the glass, pressing it evenly.
- Secure the glass with tape and leave under the press for 1-2 hours.
The most common mistake when self-replacement is uneven gluing, which then creates bubbles or broken areas of the touchscreen, and there is a high risk of damage to the plumes of the display or matrix.
What happens if the glass is not properly applied?
Where to buy glass for replacement: proven sources
If you decide to replace the glass yourself or want to bring it to the service, here are the reliable places to buy:
- 🛒 AliExpress - a big choice but a long wait (2-4 weeks) Look for sellers rated 98%+ Average price: 500-1,200 ₽.
- 🏬 Local parts stores – for example, FixPriceService or Mobile-Defect>. Prices higher (1,500–2,500) ₽), But you can pick it up right away.
- 🌍 Overseas sites - eBay or Amazon (delivery 1-2 weeks) Suitable if you need the original.
When choosing, pay attention to:
- 📏 Glass thickness should be 0.55 mm (like the original).
- 🎨 Coverage – oleophobic (fingerprints should be easily erased).
- 🔍 The sensor holes must match the original.
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells “Redmi Note 7” glasses, which are actually designed for the Redmi Note 7 Pro. These models have different display sizes – check compatibility in the description!
Frequent problems after glass replacement and how to avoid them
Even if the replacement is successful, it can get in trouble after a while, and here are the most common ways to prevent it:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen responds poorly to touch | Poor-quality glue or glass | Re-glassing glass using LOCA-glue |
| Bubble can be seen under the glass. | Uneven adhesion | Heat up with a hair dryer and press it. |
| The screen has become dim. | Low-light-transmission glass | Replace with AR (anti-reflective) glass |
| The glass has broken off at the edges. | Poor cleaning of the frame from old glue | Remove the glass, clean the frame with alcohol and reglue |
If after the replacement, artifacts appeared on the screen (strips, flickering), it means that the matrix plume was damaged, in which case, diagnostics will be required in the service.
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Before changing the glass, make a backup of the data! In rare cases, when disassembling the smartphone, a reset can occur.
Comparison: replace the glass or buy a new smartphone?
Many Redmi Note 7 owners are wondering if it’s worth repairing a phone when its market value is only 6,000-9,000. ₽? Let's compare:
- 💰 Glass replacement 2,000–3,000 ₽) + battery (1000) ₽) = 3 000–4 000 ₽. The phone is as new as half the price of a new budget.
- 📱 Buying a new smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12) will cost 15,000-20,000 ₽, But you'll get a modern processor, better camera and support. 5G.
The choice depends on your priorities:
- ✅ Repair is beneficial if: the phone is satisfied with the performance, and you do not plan to upgrade in the next 1-2 years.
- ❌ Buying a new one is justified if: you need to 5G, More powerful processor or better camera.
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Replacing the glass with the Redmi Note 7 in 2026 remains economically viable, provided that other components (battery, camera, microphone) are in good working order.