Practical guide
Original vs compatible laptop parts
Most independent repairs in India use compatible parts, and for many jobs that is a sensible choice. The problem is not compatible parts; it is not being told which you are getting. Here is what differs, part by part.
Quick answer
Ask two questions of any workshop: which grade is going in, and what warranty comes with it. Original-grade parts match the factory specification and cost more. Good compatible parts are close and cost less. Very cheap unbranded parts are the ones to refuse, especially batteries and chargers. We name the grade on every quote.
The three grades
- Original (OEM): the maker's part, in the maker's box or as a service part. Exact match, highest price, not always available for older models.
- Refurbished original: a genuine part recovered and tested. Good value when properly tested; ask what "tested" means.
- Compatible (aftermarket): built to fit and function. Quality varies widely by maker, which is why the shop's choice of supplier matters more than the label.
Part by part
- Screens: panels come from a handful of manufacturers regardless of laptop brand. A compatible panel of the same specification is often the same maker. Watch the specification (resolution, IPS vs TN, refresh rate) rather than the branding. Screen replacement.
- Batteries: the one place to be careful. Cell quality and the protection circuit decide safety and life. A reputable compatible pack is fine; an unbranded bargain is not. Battery replacement.
- Keyboards: compatible keyboards are usually fine; check the layout and the backlight variant match. Keyboard replacement.
- Chargers: match the voltage, wattage and connector exactly. An underpowered charger strains the charging circuit.
- SSDs and RAM: brand parts with their own multi-year warranty; here you buy the brand, not a "compatible" version. Upgrades.
- Hinges and covers: usually compatible, and often the only option for older models.
How to make sure you know what you got
- Ask for the grade and the warranty in writing on the quote.
- Ask to see the old part after the repair. We show it to you.
- Ask what happens if the part fails inside the warranty period.
- Keep the invoice: it is what a warranty claim rests on.
Questions people ask
Before you decide
What kind of parts do you use for repairs?
Both original-grade and good-quality compatible parts, and we tell you which for your job, with the price difference, before you decide. We do not fit unbranded batteries or chargers.
Is a compatible screen as good as the original?
Of the same specification, usually very close. A lower specification (HD instead of Full HD, TN instead of IPS) is a real downgrade, and that is the trap to avoid.
Do you sell parts on their own?
Yes, common spares are stocked at the workshop. Ask on WhatsApp for the part your model takes.
Not sure which one you have?
Describe it in a sentence or send a photo. We tell you what it is before you spend anything.
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Next step
Bring the laptop, or send a photo. We tell you what it needs.
Free diagnosis at the Whitefield workshop, or free pickup nearby.