MicroLED still has a long way to go before it can compete with LCD and OLED TVs. Samsung's new 89- to 114-inch models will launch later in 2022 starting at $80,000, according to Korean media.

Smaller but still expensive
At CES 2022, Samsung announced microLED for a fifth time. First unveiled as the 'The Wall' at CES 2018, microLED TVs appear to be only marginally closer to the consumer market than they were in 2018.

In 2022, Samsung will launch smaller microLED TVs in 89- and 101-inch sizes with 4K resolution. A 114-inch model will be added to the line-up at a later date.

- "Samsung has set the price of 89-inch model at US$80,000 and the 114-inch model at US$100,000, sources said. The pricing for the 101-inch model is yet to be finalized," Korean newspaper The Elec reported.

As for the 114-inch model this represents a reduction in price of approximately 35% compared to last year's 110-inch model that sold for $155,000.


 Samsung's new microLED TVs at CES 2022. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

At CES 2022, LG also announced that it first microLED TV (136-inch 4K) will ship later this year but the company has not said how much it will cost.

Samsung is planning to start production of its new microLED TVs in May. The company has reportedly put plans for smaller 70-80-inch microLED TVs on ice.

Samsung Electronics will switch from printed circuit boards to LTPS transistors for all three microLED sizes in order to offer 4K resolution even at smaller screen sizes (smaller pixel pitch, see photo). These will be supplied by AUO and Samsung Display, according to the report, meaning that Samsung Display now also has an interest, albeit small, in microLED in addition to QD-OLED.

At CES 2022, Samsung told FlatpanelsHD that for microLED manufacturing it can now transfer multiple chips at once resulting in at least 1500x faster transfer speeds.

Analyst firm Omdia expects microLED TVs to reach mass-market territory by 2026 due to "steep declines in manufacturing costs".


 Advancements in microLED production. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

 Advancements in microLED production. Photo: FlatpanelsHD

- Source: The Elec, FlatpanelsHD photos