The answer is to replace only the digitizer. This is the correct choice because the digitizer is the touch-sensitive glass layer on top of the LCD, and since the display still responds to touch and the LCD is intact, you are performing a cracked digitizer replacement rather than replacing the entire screen assembly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of mobile device component layers and cost-effective repair strategies—a common trap is assuming any crack requires a full assembly swap, but the exam emphasizes that a cracked digitizer replacement saves money when the LCD is unharmed. Remember the memory tip: “Glass is touch, LCD is picture—if the picture’s fine, just fix the glass.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A customer brings in a smartphone with a cracked glass digitizer that still responds to touch, but the LCD underneath is intact. They want the cheapest repair that restores full functionality. Which component should you replace?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Replace only the digitizer.
This question tests knowledge of mobile device component layers and repair options. The digitizer is the touch-sensitive layer; if it's cracked but the LCD is fine, replacing just the digitizer is the most cost-effective solution. Replacing the entire screen assembly would be more expensive and unnecessary.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Replace the entire screen assembly (LCD + digitizer).
Why it's wrong here
This is more expensive than necessary since the LCD is still functional.
✗
Replace only the LCD panel.
Why it's wrong here
The LCD is intact and working; replacing it doesn't fix the cracked digitizer.
✓
Replace only the digitizer.
Why this is correct
The digitizer is the damaged part; replacing it restores touch functionality at the lowest cost.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Apply a glass screen protector and ignore the crack.
Why it's wrong here
A screen protector doesn't repair the digitizer; touch may still be unreliable and the crack affects usability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace only the digitizer. — This question tests knowledge of mobile device component layers and repair options. The digitizer is the touch-sensitive layer; if it's cracked but the LCD is fine, replacing just the digitizer is the most cost-effective solution. Replacing the entire screen assembly would be more expensive and unnecessary.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user brings in a smartphone with a cracked screen that is still responsive to touch. The device is an older model, and the user wants the screen replaced rather than buying a new phone. After powering off the device and removing the SIM and SD cards, what is the next step in the screen replacement process?
easy
A.Use a spudger to pry the screen off starting from the bottom.
✓ B.Apply heat to the edges of the screen to soften the adhesive.
C.Remove the battery using a plastic pry tool.
D.Insert a guitar pick under the screen to separate it from the frame.
Why B: The correct first step after powering off and removing removable components is to carefully heat the edges of the screen to soften the adhesive that holds it in place. This prevents cracking the glass further or damaging the frame. Attempting to pry the screen off cold can cause additional damage.
Variation 2. A technician is repairing a tablet that has a cracked digitizer. The LCD panel is intact and displays correctly. After replacing the digitizer, the touch input is unresponsive. What is the most likely oversight?
hard
A.The digitizer is not compatible with the tablet model.
✓ B.The digitizer flex cable is not fully seated in the connector.
C.The LCD panel was damaged during the repair.
D.The tablet's touch controller needs to be calibrated.
Why B: The digitizer connects via a separate flex cable that must be properly seated. If the LCD works but touch does not, the digitizer cable is likely not fully inserted or the connector is damaged. This is a common error during digitizer-only replacements.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.