All 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that have been released since the introduction of the M-series chips feature the impressive Liquid Retina XDR displays. But what makes these screens so special and what options do you have if a defect occurs?
Near AMOLED Contrast Thanks to Mini-LED Technology
A key feature of the Liquid Retina XDR displays is their ability to achieve contrast ratios that approach those of AMOLED displays. This is achieved through the use of Mini-LEDs instead of conventional LEDs for backlighting.
What Are Mini-LEDs and Why "Liquid Retina XDR"?
Mini-LEDs are, as the name suggests, significantly smaller than conventional light-emitting diodes. This allows thousands of them to be placed in a dense matrix behind the actual liquid crystal display (LCD). These Mini-LEDs can be grouped into zones and individually dimmed, allowing more precise control of brightness and contrast across the entire screen.
This enables deeper blacks and brighter highlights to be displayed, resulting in an extreme dynamic range (XDR). The term "Liquid Retina" refers to the liquid crystal display used, which has such a high pixel density that individual pixels are no longer visible to the human eye from a normal viewing distance.
When the Screen Goes Black: Repair Options
A defect in the display panel or backlight often causes the screen to remain black. In such a case, there are various ways to repair the display, which differ in terms of cost, time required, and retention of features like True Tone.
🔧 Original Replacement via Apple (incl. True Tone)
The True Tone feature is hardware-bound to the serial number and verified by Apple.
Upon request, we order the serial number-specific original unit directly from Apple, which preserves the True Tone feature.
Advantages:
- True Tone feature is retained
Disadvantages:
- Manufacturer warranty of only 90 days
- Processing time: 3-4 weeks
- Higher costs
True Tone is often overrated. Free tools like f.lux offer much more control and flexibility in color temperature adjustment – individually adjustable, time-dependent, and cross-device.
⚡ Complete Display Unit Replacement (without True Tone)
If you're in a hurry, we recommend replacing the entire display unit ourselves. Although we also install an original Apple unit here, it is not serial number-bound, which is why the True Tone feature is no longer available after replacement.
Advantages:
- Fast processing time of approx. 1 business day
- Common units in stock
- One-year statutory warranty
- Original Apple quality
Disadvantages:
- True Tone feature not available
♻️ Installation of a Used Display Unit
Another option is to install a used, fully functional display unit. With this option, the True Tone feature is also no longer available after replacement.
Advantages:
- Most cost-effective option
- One-year statutory warranty
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages:
- True Tone feature not available
- Processing time of 4-5 business days (depending on availability)
- Signs of use possible
🔧 Panel Replacement While Keeping the Housing
The last option is pure panel replacement, where the original upper display housing is retained. This is the most cost-effective variant and also includes a one-year statutory warranty.
A possible disadvantage may be that the rubber frame around the display no longer looks quite as flawless as with a factory-assembled unit.
This option has two sub-variants:
- Faster variant without True Tone: Cheaper and faster
- With True Tone: Calibration data from the original display is transferred to the replacement panel - more time-consuming, but True Tone is retained
Professional Consultation for the Right Choice
If you're unsure which of these options is best for your situation, contact us by phone for personal consultation.
Our experts will help you find the optimal solution for your specific case - taking into account your priorities regarding cost, time requirements, and desired functionality.
📞 Phone: 040-228643240
📍 Workshop: Leverkusenstraße 3, 22761 Hamburg
⏰ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00
Additional MacBook Pro Services
In addition to display repair, we also offer other services for your MacBook Pro:
- Logic Board Repair - for system errors
- Battery Replacement - for declining runtime
- Water Damage Repair - for liquid damage
- Data Recovery - for data loss