Display
OLED is the display technology used on many modern iPhones, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better HDR performance than older LCD iPhones.
Buy for this feature. OLED is one of those upgrades you notice every single day. Blacks look black, colours pop, and everything from Netflix to Instagram simply looks better. Unless you're buying an older budget iPhone, we'd strongly recommend choosing an OLED-equipped model. An iPhone 12…
Compatibility
OLED display support varies by iPhone generation. See the supported models table below for the full compatibility list.
| Supported models |
|
|---|---|
| Not included | iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone SE models, iPhone 8 series and older LCD iPhones. |
| Best value picks |
Feature guide
OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional LCD panels, OLED displays allow each pixel to produce its own light, meaning individual pixels can switch off completely when displaying black.
OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, stronger contrast, richer colours, and improved HDR performance. Because black pixels are turned off entirely, content appears more vibrant and immersive.
OLED displays are also thinner and more power-efficient than older LCD technology, helping improve battery life during everyday use.
Apple introduced OLED technology with the iPhone X before expanding it across its lineup. Most modern iPhones, including the iPhone 12 series and newer, feature OLED displays.
OLED screens can experience image retention or burn-in over very long periods, but this is uncommon during normal use. Apple's display technology includes several protections designed to minimise the risk.
Display quality is one of the easiest differences to notice on a refurbished iPhone, and OLED is usually worth prioritising over older LCD models if the price gap is small.
Better contrast, deeper blacks, stronger HDR, more premium image quality, and a more modern display experience.
Refurbished picks
For refurbished buyers, OLED is one of the best reasons to skip older LCD iPhones. The iPhone 12 is usually the clean baseline for a modern OLED refurb buy, though iPhone X/XS/11 Pro also used OLED.
Pro iPhone power at half new price with years of updates ahead.
I've tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max—its A18 Pro chip and massive 6.9-inch 120Hz display handle everything smoothly. Refurb from Gazelle at $775-$929 saves hundreds over new. Long iOS updates make it a future-proof
Six years of updates and pro cameras—at nearly 40% off new.
The iPhone 16 Pro delivers flagship performance, a genuinely capable triple camera system, and seven years of guaranteed software support. At £619–£809 refurbished from Gazelle, you're saving nearly £200 versus buying new—and getting the
Pro iPhone power at half price with years of updates left.
I've tested the iPhone 15 Pro Max—its A17 Pro chip still flies through anything in 2026. Refurbished from Gazelle at $559-$759, that's over 50% off the $1199 new price. Smart buyers grab this for
Pro power and six years of updates at mid-range money.
The iPhone 15 Pro delivers flagship performance and a capable triple camera system for $463–$713 refurbished from Gazelle. You're saving hundreds on a phone that'll get iOS updates for the next six years, making
Big-screen iPhone power at half new price from refurb.
I've used the iPhone 16 Plus—its huge 6.7-inch screen and A18 chip handle everything smoothly. Refurb from Gazelle at $555-$666 saves you hundreds over new. Smart buy for long-term iOS support.
Buy for this feature.
OLED is one of those upgrades you notice every single day. Blacks look black, colours pop, and everything from Netflix to Instagram simply looks better.
Unless you're buying an older budget iPhone, we'd strongly recommend choosing an OLED-equipped model. An iPhone 12 with OLED is a much better long-term buy than an iPhone 11 with LCD, even if both cost roughly the same.
FAQ
Yes. OLED displays deliver deeper blacks, stronger contrast, more vibrant colours, and improved HDR performance. They also make movies, games, and photos look noticeably more immersive.
Like all OLED panels, long-term burn-in is technically possible. However, Apple's display management features significantly reduce the risk, and most users will never experience noticeable burn-in during normal use.
Not necessarily. OLED panels age well, and a properly refurbished iPhone with a healthy display can still provide an excellent viewing experience years after launch.
For most people, yes. OLED improves almost every aspect of the display experience and remains one of the most noticeable upgrades over older LCD-based iPhones.
