At CES 2024, Samsung Electronics unveiled a range of OLED TVs spanning 42 to 83 inches. We now have confirmation that it is the result of a 5-year deal with LG Display.
Samsung tested the waters last year by launching TVs with WOLED panels from LG Display in a few regions. In 2024, Samsung will be putting LG Display's WOLED panels in more TVs worldwide, including its first 42- and 48-inch OLED TVs.
The expansion of the lineup is a result of a 5-year agreement between the two companies, according to multiple sources.
- "Multiple sources in Asia last week reported that Samsung Visual Display (VD, the company’s TV business) has agreed to a long-term supply agreement with LG Display for the supply of LCD and OLED display panels. Our sources have confirmed that the agreement is happening; the deal expands an existing relationship between the two Korean giants as both face fierce competition from Chinese players," wrote market research firm DSCC.
Under the terms of the agreement, LG Display will reportedly supply Samsung Electronics with 700-800,000 OLED panels in 2024, with a total of 5 million panels expected over the 5 years.
Standard WOLED, not MLA
Samsung will be mixing WOLED and QD-OLED panels in its 2024 range, without clearly specifying which sizes are WOLED and QD-OLED, respectively.
However, Samsung will continue to position QD-OLED as its flagship technology. S95D will use QD-OLED exclusively.
- "Our sources suggest that most of the volume supplied will be standard white OLED panels, and not the most advanced products with LGD’s highest technology, MLA 2.0," wrote DSCC.
Samsung's new 42" and 48" S90D with LG Display WOLED panels. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
Win-win-win?
The deal will enable Samsung to offer an expanded range of OLED TVs worldwide. Meanwhile, LG Display will gain more business for its underutilized OLED factories, according to DSCC.
LG's more advanced 10.5G factory for "super-sized" OLED TV panels remains on hold due to the slump.
From a consumer standpoint, the multi-year deal is likely to lead to price reductions on OLED TVs as Samsung brings OLED to its 8-series, while LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics will engage in price competition to attract customers.
The deal also covers LCD panels, reportedly 5-6 million in 2024 alone. In other words, expect to see a lot of low-contrast IPS LCD panels in Samsung's TVs this year and beyond.
Samsung 2024 OLED TVs – specifications
FlatpanelsHD
