Tag: OLED

  • TCL CSOT to Build Massive OLED Factory with Inkjet Printing Tech

    TCL CSOT to Build Massive OLED Factory with Inkjet Printing Tech

    Key Takeaways

    1. TCL CSOT plans to build an 8.6-generation OLED production plant in Guangzhou, starting construction in October 2025, with operations expected by 2027.

    2. The initial production line will handle 45,000 glass substrates monthly, with a potential second line increasing capacity to 90,000 substrates.

    3. TCL CSOT’s output would significantly exceed competitors like Samsung and LG, positioning the T8 facility as one of the largest OLED plants globally.

    4. The company utilizes inkjet printing technology, which reduces material waste and production costs by about 30%, differentiating it from competitors’ methods.

    5. Despite recent advancements, TCL CSOT faces technical challenges in improving panel brightness, lifespan, and production yields, as it aims to compete with established South Korean manufacturers.

    TCL CSOT is said to be gearing up to construct a huge 8.6-generation OLED production plant in Guangzhou, China.

    A recent report from UBI Research indicates that the construction of the “T8” facility is slated to kick off in October 2025, with plans to install equipment by the end of 2026. If everything goes as planned, the factory could be fully operational by 2027.

    Plans in Place

    Although TCL CSOT hasn’t officially confirmed the details, UBI Research claims the company has cemented its plans and is ready to proceed. The plant will start with one 8.6G production line that has the capacity to handle 45,000 glass substrates each month.

    When a second line is introduced, the production could potentially increase to 90,000 substrates per month. These sizable sheets, measuring approximately 2.29 by 2.62 meters, are suitable for cutting into displays for televisions, monitors, tablets, and smartphones.

    Competitive Edge

    This output level would place TCL CSOT well ahead of its rivals. Samsung’s forthcoming QD-OLED A6 line is expected to peak at 15,000 substrates monthly, while LG Display’s new Paju line is predicted to reach between 7,500 and 15,000.

    Moreover, BOE, a competitor in China, has also revealed intentions to launch an OLED line with a capacity of 33,000 substrates each month. The goal for TCL CSOT would position the T8 facility among the largest OLED manufacturing plants globally.

    Innovative Techniques

    What distinguishes TCL’s method is its adoption of inkjet printing, differing from LG and Samsung’s fine-mask evaporation technique. This method accurately applies red, green, and blue OLED materials onto the substrate, minimizing material waste and cutting production costs by about 30 percent.

    UBI Research estimates that the T8 facility will require approximately RMB 20 billion, which translates to around USD 2.75 billion—a relatively modest investment considering its anticipated output.

    TCL CSOT has been working on inkjet-printed OLED technology for several years, having laid out its goals back in 2020, with aspirations to begin mass production by 2024. Although this timeline hasn’t been fully met, TCL did commence limited production last year.

    Future Outlook

    In 2024, the company delivered 21.6-inch 4K OLED panels produced using its Gen 5.5 line and began distributing monitor panels by November. By May 2025, TCL had presented a complete lineup of inkjet-printed OLED prototypes, including screens for smartphones, laptops, and TVs.

    UBI anticipates that an official announcement might be forthcoming, possibly within this month. Nevertheless, the report warns that TCL CSOT still encounters technical challenges. These obstacles include enhancing panel brightness and lifespan, achieving better large-area uniformity, and improving production yields.

    The inkjet printing technique remains perceived as less developed and dependable compared to the more traditional methods utilized by Korean display manufacturers.

    Nonetheless, TCL’s approach is part of a larger effort by Chinese firms to contest South Korea’s supremacy in OLED display technology. Companies like BOE and Visionox are also making significant investments in alternative manufacturing processes.

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  • ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    ROG Xbox Ally Handheld: No OLED Screen, Focus on VRR

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display, despite some gamers wanting an OLED option.
    2. Asus faced development challenges with OLED screens due to high power consumption and production costs, prioritizing battery life for Windows-based handhelds.
    3. Whitson Gordon emphasizes the importance of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for handheld gaming to prevent screen tearing and improve visuals.
    4. The decision to use an IPS screen over an OLED was influenced by pricing concerns, as adding OLED and VRR would increase costs beyond many buyers’ willingness to pay.
    5. The polished Xbox UI on the ROG Ally may be available on other Windows handhelds in the future, with alternatives like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 potentially featuring an OLED display.

    Many rumors about a new Xbox handheld turned out to be true when Microsoft revealed the device during its latest showcase. However, some gamers were still wishing for an OLED screen option, even if it meant paying a higher price. Instead, both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X come with a 7-inch 1080p IPS display. Whitson Gordon, a Senior Manager of Content Marketing at Asus, discussed this topic on a YouTube podcast. He thinks that VRR is more vital for a handheld gaming PC compared to having an OLED screen.

    Development Challenges

    Asus experimented with prototypes that had an OLED screen while creating the Xbox handheld versions of the ROG Ally. Unfortunately, these devices consumed too much power and would have been pricier to produce. Since battery life is often a concern for Windows-based handhelds, Asus aimed to avoid making this issue worse. The company understands that the price will be a consideration for many buyers, as it will likely serve as a secondary gaming option for them. Gamers are still on the lookout for confirmed pricing details on the new ROG Xbox Ally models.

    Importance of VRR

    Whitson is a big supporter of VRR, which he insists should be available on every modern gaming console. Variable Refresh Rate ensures that the refresh rate of the display matches the frame rate of the game. If not, fast-paced action can lead to screen tearing, causing the visuals to seem choppy. An OLED display with VRR would have raised the price of the Xbox handheld beyond what many buyers would be willing to pay.

    While not all gamers are happy about the choice of an IPS screen, it’s important to recognize that OLED technology offers much deeper blacks and better viewing angles. Nevertheless, the polished Xbox UI on the upcoming ROG Ally may also appear on other Windows handheld gaming PCs in the future. By then, consumers will have more alternatives, like the Lenovo Legion Go 2, which could come equipped with an 8.8-inch OLED display.

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  • World’s First Pixel-Based Sound-Emitting OLED Display Created

    World’s First Pixel-Based Sound-Emitting OLED Display Created

    Key Takeaways

    1. POSTECH researchers developed the first “pixel-based local sound” OLED panel, allowing each pixel to act as a speaker.
    2. Ultra-thin piezoelectric exciters are used to create localized sound without crosstalk, resolving common audio interference issues.
    3. Acoustic optimization techniques, including specially tuned frame structures, improve sound quality and reduce distortion.
    4. The innovation maintains a slim design while delivering accurate spatial audio, suitable for tablets, laptops, and car dashboards.
    5. There is currently no information on the availability or pricing of this technology for consumer products.

    Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have introduced the first “pixel-based local sound” OLED panel, which incorporates audio playback directly on the display surface. A 13-inch prototype—similar in size to tablet and laptop displays—shows how every pixel can function as an individual speaker, forming a multichannel array without needing external drivers.

    Innovative Sound Management

    Led by Professor Su Seok Choi along with Ph.D. student Inpyo Hong, the team has installed ultra-thin piezoelectric exciters underneath the OLED layers. These exciters transform electrical signals into localized vibrations, enabling distinct sounds to come from specific areas of the screen while maintaining a slim profile. Since each emitter is separate, sound from one section does not interfere with nearby areas, resolving the crosstalk issue commonly seen in many display-speaker designs.

    Acoustic Optimization Techniques

    To manage these vibrations, the researchers incorporated frame structures that are finely tuned for shape, size, and material impedance. These frames help to contain acoustic energy in specific zones, enhance the frequency response, and reduce total harmonic distortion across a wider range. Long-term evaluations demonstrated consistent sound-pressure levels even with variations in input voltage and listening distance, indicating that the design is ready for commercial production.

    Potential for Market Integration

    Differing from past display-speaker hybrids, the POSTECH innovation preserves the slim design that is highly valued in OLED products while delivering accurate spatial audio. The successful demonstration of the 13-inch prototype points to an easy integration into current manufacturing processes for tablets, laptops, and car dashboards.

    Currently, the team has not provided any information regarding timelines or pricing. It remains unclear when, or if, this pixel-level sound technology will become available in everyday gadgets.

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    World's First Pixel-Based Sound-Emitting OLED Display Created

     

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  • New Switch 2 Leak: 120Hz LCD, HDR, VRR – Gamers Doubt It

    New Switch 2 Leak: 120Hz LCD, HDR, VRR – Gamers Doubt It

    Key Takeaways

    1. Early rumors suggested the Switch 2 would have an LCD screen, disappointing some gamers; however, recent leaks indicate it may support a 120Hz display with VRR and HDR compatibility.
    2. The leak originates from a Famiboards user, SecretBoy, who previously made accurate predictions about the console’s GPU capabilities, adding credibility to the new information.
    3. SecretBoy speculates that a high-refresh-rate OLED display could push the Switch 2’s price beyond the expected $400 mark.
    4. Despite potential limitations of an LCD screen, the Switch 2 could still compete with leading handheld PCs like the Steam Deck due to its specifications.
    5. If accurate, the Switch 2’s 120Hz display could enhance gameplay for demanding AAA titles by allowing smoother performance even at lower frame rates.

    Early rumors about the Switch 2 indicated that it would feature an LCD screen instead of the OLED display found in the upgraded current-gen system. This news left some gamers feeling let down, thinking Nintendo was skimping on quality once again. However, a recent leak about the Switch 2 hints that its display will actually support 120hz gameplay. Additionally, it appears to have VRR and HDR compatibility, which would enhance the smoothness and vibrancy of the visuals.

    Source of the Leak

    The latest information about the Switch 2 comes from a Famiboards forum user known as SecretBoy. This individual gained some recognition back in January when they made accurate predictions about the console’s GPU capabilities. Reports that followed indicated the Switch 2 might deliver 3.1 TFLOPS when docked and 1.72 TFLOPS in handheld mode. The close alignment of these figures with SecretBoy’s earlier claims lends some credibility to this source.

    Increased Confidence in Specs

    Previously, SecretBoy mentioned that the new console would feature a high-refresh-rate LCD screen. Now, they seem more certain about the specs for the Switch 2. SecretBoy also speculates that a 120Hz OLED display with VRR and HDR would likely push the console’s cost beyond the anticipated $400 price tag.

    According to Nintendo’s extensive patent applications, many of the theories surrounding the console are starting to appear accurate. Still, the idea of a 120Hz display is more difficult for some gamers to accept than other features, such as a larger display or magnetic joy-cons. Even without the deep blacks typical of OLEDs, the Switch 2’s screen could stand up against leading handheld PCs like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally. That said, Nintendo’s recent consoles haven’t exactly been at the forefront regarding supported resolutions or refresh rates.

    Potential for AAA Titles

    If SecretBoy’s leak about the Switch 2 is accurate, the system could cater better to demanding AAA games. In situations where 60fps isn’t feasible, the 120Hz display would facilitate smoother 40fps gameplay without screen tearing.

    While gamers shouldn’t anticipate a full confirmation of all the Switch 2 specs during the upcoming April Nintendo Direct, analysts should be able to clarify any questions about the console’s display once they gain access to it.

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    New Switch 2 Leak: 120Hz LCD, HDR, VRR – Gamers Doubt It
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  • Samsung Launches New OLED Display with 5000 Nits Brightness

    Samsung Launches New OLED Display with 5000 Nits Brightness

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s new OLED screen achieves a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, significantly enhancing display quality for mobile devices.
    2. The On-Cell Film (OCF) technology removes the polarizer, allowing for brighter displays with improved energy efficiency, using 63% of the power of older panels.
    3. The OCF II OLED panel can reach 3,000 nits for typical activities like movie watching, outperforming the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    4. The absence of a polarizer makes the OLED panels 20% thinner, facilitating their use in various devices, including smartphones and rollable laptops.
    5. This innovation is expected to increase competition in the display market, prompting further advancements from other manufacturers.

    Samsung has revealed an innovative new OLED screen that can achieve an impressive peak brightness of 5,000 nits. This advancement could change the way displays are viewed on mobile devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops. The company is presenting this state-of-the-art panel at the MWC 2025 expo held in Barcelona, Spain.

    Major advancements in brightness and energy use

    The new OLED technology features a technology known as On-Cell Film (OCF), an invention by Samsung that does away with the polarizer. Polarizers have traditionally been used to block out outside light but can cut OLED brightness by as much as 50%. By eliminating this component, Samsung has created a display that is not only brighter but also uses energy more efficiently.

    The OCF II OLED panel is capable of hitting that 5,000 nits of peak brightness in a 10% window (which is 10% of the screen area), a remarkable improvement compared to competitors who often measure brightness in much smaller window sizes (1% or 5%) to achieve similar brightness figures.

    For typical activities like watching movies, the panel can hit up to 3,000 nits, which is still quite impressive, even surpassing what the Galaxy S25 Ultra can do under similar conditions.

    Enhancing efficiency and longevity

    However, brightness is not the only concern. In fact, enhancing power efficiency is actually more crucial than merely boosting peak brightness, especially since many of the devices equipped with these displays rely on battery power. Samsung claims that these brightness levels are reached with 1.5 times better efficiency than older panels, allowing the same brightness to be sustained with only 63% of the power usage. This leads to longer battery life, less heat production, and a longer lifespan for the display.

    Thinner design and wider use

    With the removal of the polarizer, Samsung can also make its OLED panels 20% thinner compared to traditional designs. This technology was first seen in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and is now being adapted for bar-shaped smartphones and even rollable laptops.

    While it may appear to be just another step forward in brightness and efficiency, it goes beyond that. Samsung is not the only major player in the display market. Chinese manufacturers like BOE have made significant strides in brightness and efficiency in recent years. This new development from Samsung Display is anticipated to raise competition levels and encourage rivals to innovate more, ultimately benefiting consumers.

    Joohyung Lee, the Head of Mobile Display Business at Samsung Display, mentioned that the company is committed to retaining its leadership in the display sector through constant innovation.

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    Samsung Launches New OLED Display with 5000 Nits Brightness
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  • Chinese Smartphone OEM Set to Launch MiniLED Revolution in 2025

    Chinese Smartphone OEM Set to Launch MiniLED Revolution in 2025

    Apple has claimed that the 2021 (or M1) model of the iPad Pro 12.9 is their finest tablet yet for enjoying or working with high dynamic range (HDR) content, thanks to the introduction of a Liquid Retina XDR display. We observed that this innovative screen is very bright and offers accurate colors, although it does have a tendency to be affected by PWM.

    Superior Contrast with miniLED

    MiniLED technology is known for providing excellent contrast, which comes from the high concentration of its tiny light-emitting diodes. This is especially true when used in larger screen devices. However, the application of these advantages has not yet been minimized enough for use in smartphones, though this may be changing soon.

    Exciting Developments in Smartphone Production

    A company in the smartphone sector is reportedly preparing to begin a trial run of miniLED production for smartphones, which is expected to kick off after the current New Year’s festivities in China. This information comes from Fixed Focus Digital, a Weibo leaks account that often focuses on smartphone manufacturers like Huawei and Honor.

    Transition to OLED Technology

    Interestingly, the iPad Pro has transitioned to OLED technology, while miniLED is still a key player in TVs, such as the 55-inch LG QNED80 model available on Amazon.

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  • Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model

    Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model

    According to a report from Omdia Research dated February 2024, the MacBook Air was originally set to get an OLED panel upgrade in 2027, following the MacBook Pro’s upgrade by a year. However, recent information from The Elec’s sources indicates that these plans have been delayed: the OLED version of the MacBook Air is now expected to launch in 2029.

    Reasons for the Delay

    The main reason for this shift is the slow sales of the iPad Pro featuring the OLED display. Apple projected to sell 10 million units, but in reality, only 6 million units were sold last year. This shortfall is likely attributed to the high cost of the tandem OLED panel, which led to a higher retail price. To fill the gap until the MacBook Air’s release, Apple is said to be planning an upgrade to a more advanced LCD in 2027. The new model is expected to feature an oxide LTPS panel, replacing the current MacBook Air’s a-Si TFT.

    Expected Improvements

    While these panels may be more costly, they usually offer benefits like better response times, improved color accuracy, and reduced power usage. In our thorough assessment, the current MacBook Air provides a commendable 98.4% coverage of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and a contrast ratio of 1250:1. However, its response time of 34.5 ms is only average. Even when the MacBook Air is anticipated to have an OLED panel in 2029, analysts predict that Apple will likely go with a traditional 60 Hz panel without a tandem design to keep costs down.

    Overall, it seems like the path ahead for the MacBook Air will involve some changes, but not the upgrades that were initially hoped for.

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  • OLED iPad Mini and iPad Air Release Schedule Insights from Analysts

    OLED iPad Mini and iPad Air Release Schedule Insights from Analysts

    People who love OLED screens are definitely not uncommon. In fact, once someone gets used to the perks of OLED technology, it becomes quite a challenge to go back to anything else. Until now, Apple has kept this high-end feature exclusive to its top-tier iPhones and the iPad Pro. Yet, a recent leak suggests that the iPad mini and iPad Air might also be getting the OLED upgrade.

    Upcoming Changes

    But don’t get too excited just yet! This enhancement probably won’t arrive until 2026 for the iPad mini, with the iPad Air lagging behind by another year. This info comes from a leaked document from Omdia, a respected research company. The details in Omdia’s report, which also includes the timeline for OLED in MacBooks, generally match what we’ve previously covered. The iPad mini is likely to have about an 8.4-inch screen, while the iPad Air is set to feature 11- and 13-inch displays. Noted analyst Ross Young has also supported these rumors, saying his thoughts align with these findings.

    Understanding OLED Technology

    For those who might need a quick overview of OLEDs, here it is: OLED screens can control the brightness of individual pixels, which allows for an amazing contrast ratio that’s almost limitless. The black levels are superior compared to any other common display technology, providing an excellent HDR experience. Additionally, OLEDs have very quick response times, making them fantastic for HDR gaming.

    Potential Downsides

    However, it’s not all perfect, as there are some downsides to consider, the most well-known being the risk of permanent burn-in on the screen. Also, OLEDs often struggle with brightness levels, although Apple’s advanced OLED technology helps to overcome this issue. For now, if you’re looking for an iPad with an OLED display, your only option remains the impressive M4 iPad Pro, which is priced at $899 on Amazon as of this writing.

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  • Apple’s Future MacBook Pros May Feature OLED Screens Again

    Apple’s Future MacBook Pros May Feature OLED Screens Again

    Apple’s move to upgrade its MacBook Pro lineup to OLED has been a topic of speculation among many analysts for quite some time. A latest report from TrendForce suggests that Apple is pushing its suppliers to increase investments in larger OLED panels suitable for laptops. As mentioned in earlier reports, the transition to OLED is anticipated to happen by 2026 at the earliest.

    Benefits of OLED Displays

    There’s no denying that OLED screens come with numerous advantages compared to traditional LED displays. With their per-pixel dimming feature, OLED panels deliver outstanding black levels, resulting in almost infinite contrast ratios and a fantastic HDR experience. Additionally, they offer rapid response times, which is especially appealing for gaming enthusiasts.

    Drawbacks of OLED Technology

    Nonetheless, there are some downsides to OLED technology. The ongoing risk of burn-in could be a worry for professionals who often deal with static images on their screens for long durations. Moreover, OLEDs generally have lower brightness levels compared to the current Mini LED panels that Apple uses. However, it seems that the company’s innovative tandem OLED technology might adequately address this issue.

    TrendForce’s report indicates that Apple is indeed serious about integrating OLED technology into its products.

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  • Steam Deck Now Available in Australia for Gaming Enthusiasts

    Steam Deck Now Available in Australia for Gaming Enthusiasts

    Gamers in Australia have some exciting news: Valve will start selling the console in their region on November 19. As of now, it seems that pre-orders are not yet available, but this should change soon. The shipping for the consoles will commence at 10 AM AEDT on November 19.

    Variants and Pricing

    Valve is offering both the LCD and OLED versions of the Steam Deck. The LCD variant comes with 256 GB of storage and is priced at A$649 (US$428). If you’re looking for more storage, the 512 GB Steam Deck OLED will cost A$899 (US$593), while the 1 TB model will be available for A$1,049 (US$691).

    Discontinuation of LCD Variant

    As previously mentioned, Valve has basically stopped producing the Steam Deck LCD variant, so it will eventually run out of stock. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the OLED version has several quality-of-life improvements that makes it a better choice. These enhancements include a bigger battery, Wi-Fi 6E support, and a smaller 6 nm SoC.

    The Future of Handheld Gaming

    Moreover, a new Steam Deck isn’t expected to release in the near future. However, the handheld gaming market has become more diverse with big names like Asus, MSI, Acer, and Lenovo getting involved. There are also many options from Chinese companies such as Ayaneo, AYN, OneXPlayer, and Aokzoe to consider.

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