- A
Replace the entire screen assembly (LCD + digitizer).
Why wrong: This is more expensive than necessary since the LCD is still functional.
- B
Replace only the LCD panel.
Why wrong: The LCD is intact and working; replacing it doesn't fix the cracked digitizer.
- C
Replace only the digitizer.
The digitizer is the damaged part; replacing it restores touch functionality at the lowest cost.
- D
Apply a glass screen protector and ignore the crack.
Why wrong: A screen protector doesn't repair the digitizer; touch may still be unreliable and the crack affects usability.
Question 794 of 1,020
Cracked Digitizer Replacement: Cost-Effective Repair
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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?
Quick Answer
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.”
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
Option C is correct because the digitizer (touch layer) is the only damaged component; the LCD is intact and the touch function still works. Replacing only the digitizer restores full functionality at the lowest cost, as it avoids the expense of replacing the undamaged LCD panel.
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
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a cracked digitizer always requires full screen assembly replacement, but the key is that if touch still works and the LCD is intact, a digitizer-only replacement is the cheapest functional repair.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In modern smartphones, the digitizer and LCD are often fused together with optical adhesive, making separate replacement difficult but possible with specialized tools like a heat plate and wire separator. The digitizer uses capacitive sensing technology to detect touch, and a crack can compromise its structural integrity even if touch still registers, potentially leading to complete failure over time. Real-world scenarios include devices where the digitizer is laminated to the LCD, requiring careful separation to avoid damaging the LCD during replacement.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
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. — Option C is correct because the digitizer (touch layer) is the only damaged component; the LCD is intact and the touch function still works. Replacing only the digitizer restores full functionality at the lowest cost, as it avoids the expense of replacing the undamaged LCD panel.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
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: Applying heat to the edges of the screen softens the adhesive that secures the display to the frame, which is a critical step before any prying action. On older smartphone models, the screen is typically bonded with a strong adhesive that can crack the glass further or damage the LCD if pried without softening. This step reduces the risk of breaking the digitizer or LCD during removal.
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 flex cable must be fully seated and locked into its connector on the tablet's mainboard to establish electrical continuity for touch signals. If the cable is loose or not properly inserted, the touch controller cannot communicate with the digitizer, resulting in a completely unresponsive touch input despite the LCD display functioning correctly.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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