Samsung Planning To Launch More OLED TVs Instead Of Micro-LED: Begins Sourcing Panels From LG

Samsung is undoubtedly a market leader in the premium TV market. However, it appears the South Korean tech giant is reverting to older but reliable technology for its upcoming smart TV lineup.

Samsung and LG have reportedly struck a deal to source the latter's already-matured, well-established, and proven, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels. Samsung is expected to rely more on these OLED panels instead of micro-LED display panels for its televisions.

Samsung Wants OLED, Avoids QLED To Let Micro-LED Display Panels Mature?

Samsung is a leading player in the television market. In fact, it is one of the top premium TV manufacturers. However, the South Korean Tech giant does not make OLED TVs.

Samsung stopped manufacturing OLED TVs way back in 2015. The company invested heavily in QLED panels, which are marginally superior to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels but are similar in price and quality.

Samsung has been rapidly developing Micro-LED technology. Micro-LED is noticeably superior to OLED. Samsung has been promoting its ultra-premium TVs with Micro-LED panels.

However, Micro-LED panels are currently prohibitively expensive. Moreover, they are viable (and hence available) in large dimensions. In other words, it currently makes business sense to make only large-screen TVs with Micro-LED panels.

Given the high cost, market penetration and mainstream adoption of Micro-LED display panels will take some time. Hence, Samsung appears to be reconsidering the OLED technology.

LG To Deliver OLED Panels To Samsung Until 2026

LG is a leading manufacturer of OLED panels. In fact, about 50 percent of the OLED TV market is held by LG, while Sony has a 26 percent share. Incidentally, Sony itself sources its panels from LG.

According to the terms of the agreement, LG will deliver 2 million 77-inch and 83-inch high-end OLED panels to Samsung in 2024, 3 million in 2025, and 5 million in 2026. Needless to say, this is a large quantity.

Samsung is clearly trying to enter the mainstream midrange smart TV market, which several Chinese companies now dominate. Even the budget LCD segment is saturated by cheap panels from Chinese manufacturers.

With Samsung reentering the OLED TV market, consumers can expect intense competition, better quality, and more offers on smart TVs starting next year. It will be interesting to see how brands such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme, and others react.