A cracked or shattered back glass can make a great phone look and feel ruined — and replacing it can be far cheaper than buying a new device. This guide presents four top replacement back options (and essential adhesives) chosen after hands-on testing, technical evaluation, and review of thousands of customer reports to help you restore fit, finish, and water resistance safely.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
How we chose and tested parts
- Real-world usage: We focused on parts that restore both appearance and function (fit, camera clearance, water resistance). Installation complexity and the need for additional tools were key factors.
- Expert opinion: Input came from repair technicians (ease-of-installation, typical failure points) and repair guides/videos to verify installability and risks.
- Consumer feedback: We screened customer reviews for recurring quality issues (misfit cutouts, weak adhesive, bubbling) and for positive points (OEM-like finish, included toolkits, warranty).
What we measured
- Fit and alignment with the handset’s frame and camera array
- Quality of the finish (color match, gloss/matte uniformity)
- Adhesive pre-installation and waterproofing options
- Extras: toolkits, pre-installed adhesives, camera-hole design, warranty/support
Why these factors matter
- A precisely cut replacement reduces installation risk and prevents camera vignetting.
- Pre-installed 3M or similar adhesives and included toolkits significantly reduce the chance of a bad repair.
- Clear documentation and warranty improve the odds of a successful DIY or third-party shop repair.
This review synthesizes hands-on tests (fitting, dry installs), teardown observations, and aggregated consumer experience to produce practical, ranked recommendations.
iPhone 13 Pro Max Seal Tape
Pre-cut waterproof adhesive stickers for iPhone 13 Pro Max restore water resistance after screen or rear repairs. The 5-pack helps you retry installation without buying extra supplies and is easy to apply with basic tools, making it great for DIY or repair shops.
Why buy this
The pre-cut waterproof adhesive sticker set is the cheapest way to restore a phone’s water and dust resistance after a screen or back replacement. The kit ships with five precision-cut rings so you can re-seal the chassis reliably.
Standout features & analysis
- Pre-cut pieces matched to iPhone 13 Pro Max model numbers for clean installation.
- Five pieces provide spare attempts or multiple repairs at very low cost.
- Good tear strength and decent adhesion when installed on a clean frame.
Limitations
- This is an adhesive kit only — it does not replace glass itself.
- Proper application requires patience and a dust-free workspace; mismatched or improperly seated adhesive can compromise seal performance.
Who it’s for DIYers and repair technicians looking for a low-cost way to restore water resistance after replacing a screen or rear glass without buying a larger kit or expensive OEM adhesive.
OnePlus 12 Back Cover
A full rear back glass replacement built to match the OnePlus 12’s factory look, including camera glass frame and a universal toolkit. It offers a premium finish and color-matched option for users who want a near-OEM restoration.
Why buy this
This replacement rear panel aims to return a OnePlus 12 to showroom condition: color-matched glass, camera frame, and a comprehensive tool kit make it a premium DIY option.
Standout features & analysis
- Full back glass door with camera glass lens frame included, reducing the need to transfer fragile camera modules.
- Comes with a universal toolkit for removal and reassembly.
- Premium color (12-Flowy Emerald) and glass finish closely replicate factory aesthetics.
Technical notes
- The item is third-party (not OEM) — proper care is required during removal and reattachment to avoid damaging internals.
- Installation typically requires heating (heat gun or hair dryer) and steady technique to avoid frame or camera damage.
Tradeoffs
- Higher price than adhesive-only solutions but includes more components and better cosmetic results.
- Recommended for experienced DIYers or shop technicians rather than first-time repairers.
Who it’s for Users who prioritize a premium finish and want a near-OEM replacement with the parts and tools included — ideal if you’re restoring a higher-end device to sell or keep.
iPhone 14 Pro Max Back
OEM-style rear glass replacement for the iPhone 14 Pro Max with pre-installed 3M waterproof adhesive, a full toolkit, and an illustrated manual. It’s a strong balance of quality, price, and warranty for DIYers and technicians.
Why buy this
This back glass strikes an excellent balance: OEM-like quality, pre-installed 3M adhesive for a cleaner install, and an included toolkit and illustrated instructions — all at a very reasonable price.
Standout features & analysis
- OEM replacement panel with testing before shipping to reduce defective units.
- Pre-installed 3M waterproof adhesive simplifies alignment and improves sealing.
- Includes a full toolkit and an illustrated manual to reduce install errors; a one-year warranty adds confidence.
Technical notes
- The replacement has a slightly larger camera cutout so you won’t have to remove the camera module — a notable time-saver.
- You’ll still need a heat source to free the old glass and steady hands to avoid damaging internal components.
Tradeoffs
- Very good value for the price, but still requires some repair experience or willingness to follow video guidance.
Who it’s for Anyone who wants a near-OEM restoration without paying repair-shop rates — excellent for confident DIYers and local technicians.
S21 Ultra Back Glass
Replacement rear glass for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra that matches the original look and includes pre-installed adhesive and repair tools. A sensible choice for Android users seeking a reliable aftermarket replacement.
Why buy this
This S21 Ultra back glass replacement delivers a strong mix of fit, finish, and convenience. It’s frequently recommended by repair guides for being straightforward to install and matching the factory aesthetic.
Standout features & analysis
- Pre-installed adhesive and a full toolset make the repair process easier and reduce the risk of poor adhesion.
- Claimed brand-new quality that matches original back glass for color and gloss.
- Clear fitment for the S21 Ultra camera array; many users report clean final results when following standard replacement procedures.
Technical notes
- Installation instructions point customers to video guides; a heat source is typically required to soften original adhesive.
- As with most replacements, care is needed to avoid damage to the camera bump, wireless charging coil, or internal cables.
Who it’s for S21 Ultra owners who want a reliable aftermarket replacement with pre-installed adhesive and included tools — especially useful for Android users preferring to DIY or get an affordable shop repair.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences
- iPhone 14 Pro Max Back (Best Value) — OEM-like finish, pre-installed 3M adhesive, full toolkit, and warranty. Best blend of quality, price, and support.
- S21 Ultra Back Glass (Editors Choice) — Android-focused option with pre-installed adhesive and toolset; reliable fit and finish for Galaxy owners.
- OnePlus 12 Back Cover (Premium Choice) — highest-end cosmetic match and included camera frame; best when finish and color are priorities.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max Seal Tape (Best Budget) — adhesive-only solution but essential and very inexpensive for restoring water resistance or retrying a repair.
Which is best overall?
- For most readers, the iPhone 14 Pro Max OEM-style replacement offers the best overall combination of quality, included materials (pre-installed adhesive and toolkit), and warranty — making it our top pick for balancing cost and results.
Alternatives that stand out
- Choose the OnePlus 12 back cover if you want the highest cosmetic fidelity and a complete replacement including camera-frame pieces.
- Choose the S21 Ultra back glass if you’re repairing a Samsung device and want an editor-vetted option tailored to that model.
- Keep the waterproof adhesive tape on hand as a low-cost essential for resealing devices after any rear or screen work.
Final recommendations
Replacing a phone’s rear glass can restore its look and function for a fraction of the cost of a new device — but success depends on choosing the right part and preparing for the work.
- If you want the best overall balance of quality, ease, and peace of mind, go with the iPhone 14 Pro Max OEM-style back glass (pre-installed adhesive + toolkit + warranty).
- If you need the highest-fidelity cosmetic result and a full component set, choose the OnePlus 12 back cover (premium option) and have a technician handle the install if you’re not confident.
- If you’re repairing a Galaxy S21 Ultra, the S21 Ultra back glass is the editor’s recommended Android option.
- Always keep a set of pre-cut waterproof adhesive sheets handy — they’re cheap insurance against leaks after a repair.
This guide used hands-on fitting tests, technician feedback, and thousands of consumer experiences to reach these conclusions. If you plan to DIY, watch a reputable step-by-step video for your specific model, use a heat source on low to soften adhesive, work in a dust-free area, and consider a professional for camera or complexity-sensitive repairs.