Samsung Electronics may be planning to add one of its display division Samsung Display’s competitors to its supply chain for high-end Galaxy smartphone models. The mobile division is reportedly discussing a possible collaboration with the Chinese BOE on high-end displays, including foldable panels.
While BOE has previously supplied Samsung Electronics with hard screens for mid-range phones and Galaxy smartwatches, it has yet to join the Korean tech giant’s high-end supply chain. That may change, considering Samsung is trying to diversify its list of display partners, according to the news that IT Home cites Korean media.
The report continues to speculate that BOE may supply foldable panels not only for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, but also for next year’s Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 models. That seems a bit of a wish considering Samsung has yet to test its ability to meet BOE’s deadlines and meet quality standards for foldable panels.
What could this mean for Samsung Display?
For now, Samsung Electronics and BOE have not reached any agreement on the Korean tech giant’s high-end display needs. As for foldable displays, Samsung Electronics has so far only purchased foldable panels from Samsung Display. The company’s addition of BOE to its supply chain could mean it’s having trouble with display production.
At the same time, Samsung Display is signing up with more partners each year and is rumored to help Google launch its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. So Samsung Display may have reached production capacity for foldable panels and the mobile division may be trying to diversify its supply chain to allow the display arm to fulfill its contracts with other companies.
On the Apple side, however, Samsung Display and BOE seem to be fighting for market share, and recent reports suggest BOE is slowly eating away at Samsung’s market share for Apple displays. Some even say that BOE may receive its first orders for LTPO iPhone panels next year. So Samsung seems to be losing share against BOE on the Apple front.
On the other hand, Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 in the 3rd quarter of this year. Looking forward to these models. Let’s see if the screens will be supplied from Samsung Display or BOE…
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