How to Read a Phone Parts Specification Sheet: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Every parts listing comes with a specification sheet. Knowing how to read them separates technicians who order consistently good parts from those who get burned by misleading numbers.

LCD and OLED Assemblies

Resolution is reliable and verifiable. Brightness (nits) is frequently inflated in aftermarket listings — a spec sheet claiming 600 nits for an aftermarket iPhone 13 OLED panel should be treated sceptically. Real-world testing usually reveals 450–550 nits from most mid-tier aftermarket OLEDs, versus 800 nits typical on OEM. Colour gamut claims like “100% sRGB” or “P3 colour space” are almost never independently verified on aftermarket panels.

Batteries

Capacity (mAh) is the number most often misrepresented. Aftermarket batteries frequently list inflated mAh figures for models where Apple’s OEM battery is the accurate benchmark. Real discharge cycle testing consistently shows lower actual capacity from most mid-market aftermarket cells. Wh (watt-hours) is a more reliable combined capacity figure — look for listings that include this alongside mAh.

Cycle life claims are manufacturer targets, not tested results for the specific batch you’re receiving.

Camera Modules

Megapixels are meaningful only when comparing modules of the same sensor size. The sensor model number (e.g. Sony IMX766) is more informative than the megapixel count. Aperture (f/1.8, f/2.0) on aftermarket listings describes the lens design and should match the OEM specification exactly for a genuinely compatible module.