According to multiple sources within the component industry, Samsung Electronics is contemplating sourcing OLED panels for its upcoming A57 smartphone, slated for release next year, from two suppliers: Samsung Display and Chinese panel manufacturer CSOT (TCL Huaxing Optoelectronics). Historically, Samsung Display has been the sole provider of OLED panels for Samsung's A5 series smartphones. Should CSOT be selected this time around, it would represent the inaugural instance of Samsung's mid-to-high-end A series opening its core screen supply chain to a Chinese panel maker.

The A5 series boasts substantial shipment volumes. While Samsung Display is anticipated to maintain a larger portion of the A57 panel supply, its previously exclusive supply arrangement will no longer remain intact. Samsung's move to diversify its panel supply is driven by the dual objectives of product enhancement and cost management. The company intends to upgrade the panels of the A57 from rigid OLEDs to flexible OLEDs. Notably, CSOT has presented a more competitive quotation, which will facilitate Samsung in controlling costs and expanding the use of flexible OLEDs across mid-range models.