Samsung is reportedly in talks to resume display panel sourcing from BOE, with plans to use BOE-made OLED screens for upcoming Galaxy smartphones and large LCD panels for its Smart TVs. The renewed cooperation follows a legal settlement and may help Samsung reduce component costs amid rising price pressures.
What the Report Says
According to recent reports, BOE may supply small-size OLED display panels for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy phone models, while also providing large LCD panels for Samsung Smart TVs. The decision would mark a shift for Samsung, which had previously removed BOE from its official supplier list following patent and royalty disputes.
Sources claim that Samsung executives — including its mobile and TV division heads — recently met with BOE’s leadership to discuss potential panel orders. The aim would reportedly be to secure up to tens of millions of panels for both smartphones and televisions.
Background: Why Samsung and BOE Drifted Apart
BOE once supplied both OLED and LCD panels to Samsung for use in phones and TVs. However, after disputes over patent infringement and royalty payments — particularly related to OLED technology — Samsung excluded BOE from its supplier roster in 2023. As a result, Samsung turned to other suppliers for displays, including its own internal panel manufacturing arm and other external firms.
The separation was significant, given that BOE had accounted for a portion of Samsung’s TV panel supply, and was also used in some of Samsung’s budget and mid-range phones.
What’s Changing — Renewed Discussions and Settlement
The latest developments suggest a thaw in relations. According to industry trackers, Samsung Display and BOE have recently settled their OLED patent disputes. With legal barriers removed, the possibility of BOE returning as a panel supplier for Samsung appears on the table again.
Under the proposed new agreement, BOE would supply OLED panels for certain Galaxy smartphones (possibly including upcoming Galaxy S-series models), while continuing to provide large-format LCDs for Samsung TV models — a shift that could help Samsung reduce manufacturing costs and improve supply flexibility.
What This Could Mean for Consumers and the Industry
- Potential cost savings for Samsung: By diversifying display suppliers, particularly using BOE’s competitive pricing, Samsung may offset overall component cost increases — which could help keep device prices stable.
- More efficient supply chain: Resuming collaboration with BOE could provide Samsung with additional display manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on a single supplier, which in turn may prevent supply bottlenecks.
- Uncertainty remains on display quality: BOE’s OLED panel quality has faced scrutiny in the past, especially following legal disputes over OLED technology with Samsung Display. Consumers may keep an eye on whether panels supplied by BOE match Samsung’s usual high standards.
- Sign of changing industry dynamics: The shift could signal a broader trend in the smartphone and TV market where manufacturers diversify supply chains and optimize costs.
What We Don’t Know Yet
- Samsung has not officially confirmed that BOE panels will be used in upcoming Galaxy phones or Smart TVs.
- It is unclear which models — if any — will receive BOE panels and whether the panels will be used globally or regionally.
- The timing of deliveries or rollout remains uncertain. No public timeline has been shared.
FAQs
Will BOE panels affect display quality of future Galaxy phones?
Quality impact is unclear for now. While BOE has shown improvements, past patent disputes and quality concerns may make users cautious. Final assessment will depend on performance of panels in real-world devices.
Why did Samsung remove BOE from its supply chain earlier?
Samsung removed BOE as a supplier following disputes over OLED-related patents and royalty payments. The split affected both smartphone and TV panel sourcing.
Does this mean Samsung will stop using its own display division?
Not necessarily. Even if BOE becomes a supplier again, Samsung Display may continue producing panels — especially for flagship devices. Using BOE might help Samsung manage costs and supply volume, but Samsung could still maintain in-house displays for higher-end models.