Samsung could use BOE’s OLED displays in Galaxy S21 and Galaxy A91

Samsung’s OLED panels have previously been considered to be the gold standard, so much so that brands like Xiaomi actually mentions Samsung by name when discussing their smartphones’ display. However Samsung is reportedly acknowledging the capabilities of its main Chinese competitor, BOE, and are considering to use the latter’s displays in their upcoming devices, including the flagship Samsung Galaxy S21 (Galaxy S30?).

This bit of news comes from market research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), which revealed that Samsung is currently in talks with BOE to adopt BOE’s OLED’s panels for the upcoming Galaxy A91 as well as the next Galaxy S flagship. BOE is currently the world’s third largest OLED panel supplier in the world, although it is still a far cry from Samsung’s current 80% market share.

That might change though as BOE is reportedly going to supply OLED panels for certain models of the iPhone 12 series as well, besides already enjoying its status as a supplier in HUAWEI’s supply chain. Samsung’s market share is expected to suffer slightly due to BOE stepping in to Apple’s supply chain, with a reduction to 69% slated to happen in Q4 2020.

Samsung may be shifting its focus from making common, flat OLED panels which probably aren’t as profitable as its cutting edge ultra-thin glass (UTG) display panels used in the Galaxy Flip. We expect more OEMs to want to offer competitive foldable smartphones, and that’s where Samsung will be able to score greater profit margins.

Of course, Samsung isn’t the only company making foldable OLED panels, but they are currently ahead of the curve with the “ultra-thin glass”. BOE and Visionox have flexible OLED panels too, with the latter’s featured in the Mi MIX Alpha, curving all the way around the device to envelope the front and back of the next-gen flagship.

Part of the reason why Samsung chose BOE might be that BOE has proven itself by making the non-green OLED panels in the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro, as well as various other breakthroughs in the industry. Also as BOE is a Chinese company, we can expect them to be able to offer rather competitive prices for Samsung’s consideration, allowing Samsung to enjoy better profitability on their already pricey smartphones.

Pokdepinion: Given that I have had no complaints for the OLED panels in HUAWEI’s flagships, I would say, why not? Also it’s always good to have competition.