Prices for the first generation of QD-OLEDs are already comparable to what LG offers, but these could further be reduced by introducing thinner panels with single glass substrate, at the same time improving yields and cutting production costs.
Samsung surprised everyone with the launch prices for the new QD-OLEDs. Initially believed to cost three times the price of LG’s W-OLED models based on South Korean currency conversion, world-wide price schemes turned out to be very similar to LG’s latest offer. The first tests revealed that QD-OLEDs are indeed brighter than the W-OLEDs from LG, but, despite superior color volume, this advantage comes with relatively inaccurate colors, so there is definitely room for improvement with the upcoming iterations. Besides correcting color-related issues and increasing production yields, one aspect that Samsung is looking to improve in next year’s models is panel thickness. This in turn could reduce production costs translating to even lower price points, as reported by South Korean publication TheElec.
The Q1 production figures for the QD-OLED displays were based on capacities of 30,000 glass sheets [2200x2500mm] per month. Estimated yield was 70%, which allowed the production of 880,000 TV units and 440,000 monitors. All first gen QD-OLED displays are based on panels with two glass substrates, but Samsung recently started to introduce thinner panels with single glass substrate that has a higher yield of 80%, which would allow the production of 1,080,000 TVs and 520,000 monitors per quarter.
In a recent interview with TheElec, Samsung revealed that one advantage of the thinner QD-OLED panels is the ability to use them in mobile devices with rollable displays. Furthermore, even though initial consumer reception for the QD-OLED technology seems positive, Samsung is not making this type of display a production priority as of yet. This is clearly reflected in the pricing schemes, where QD-OLEDs are more affordable than the Neo QLEDs with Mini LED tech or the Micro LED models. For now, the smartphone OLED displays are the first priority. Samsung is also planning to release a W-OLED lineup based on LG’s panels, but negotiations on this matter have not yet concluded.
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Bogdan Solca - Senior Tech Writer - 1881 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2017
I first stepped into the wondrous IT&C world when I was around seven years old. I was instantly fascinated by computerized graphics, whether they were from games or 3D applications like 3D Max. I'm also an avid reader of science fiction, an astrophysics aficionado, and a crypto geek. I started writing PC-related articles for Softpedia and a few blogs back in 2006. I joined the Notebookcheck team in the summer of 2017 and am currently a senior tech writer mostly covering processor, GPU, and laptop news.
Bogdan Solca, 2022-05-12 [Update: 2022-05-12]
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Samsung Display has just unveiled the world's first ever 77-inch QD-OLED panel TV, thus increasing your future QD-OLED TV screen size options by a substantial 12 inches.
Right now, your QD-OLED display choices are limited to 55- and a 65-inch versions of the TV, made by Samsung and Sony, although the 65-inch Samsung S95B is truly excellent, gaining a rare five-star review from this publication.
Samsung Display revealed the new 77-inch screen, the first ever expansion of its QD-OLED TV size options, at the International Meeting on Information Display [IMID 2022], which is an industry show in Busan, South Korea – although only a panel has been shown so far. No actual TV was shown at Samsung Electronics' event at the recent IFA 2022 tech show, so availability probably won't happen until 2023.
This QD-OLED is not to be confused with LG's largest OLED TV, a 97-inch stunner which did make an appearance at IFA – no, this is almost certainly part of the hoped-for expansion of Samsung's cheaper QD-OLED TVs resulting from the South Korean tech giant's investment in improving the efficiency and scale of making the next-gen QD-OLED panels.
QD-OLED mixes the Quantum Dot color technology that Samsung's QLEDs are famed for with the pixel-precise contrast of OLED, to give you the best of both – but it's expensive to make, currently. Hopefully, this new size is a sign than the boosts the tech needs to be able to start dropping its prices and being more flexible with screen sizes are in progress.
Analysis: cheaper QD-OLEDs in 2023 are highly likely, and it's very good news
In order to compete directly with the regular [and cheaper] OLED panels used in the best OLED TVs currently on the market, Samsung did need to work on shrinking its cost prices, and it seems to have delivered – most likely through reported improvements in the efficiency of making the screens [meaning much less wasted material to make each working panel].
More efficient production means cheaper production, and with QD-OLED TVs currently ranking right at the very top of 4K TV prices, a price drop is exactly what they needed to take them towards the mainstream, though it's TechRadar's understanding that QD-OLED panels are still much more expensive than regular OLED panels.
So far, 2022 has given us the first 55- and 65-inch QD-OLED TVs from Samsung and Sony, plus the inaugural 34-inch QD-OLED monitor from Dell.
Remember, QD-OLED panels are solely produced by Samsung Display, so with a 77-inch panel now a reality, expect QD-OLED TVs to grow in size in the near future.
Concrete details [official pricing, availability, resolution] are thin on the ground, but the panel most likely features 4K resolution and the same kind of 1,000-nit brightness in the real world that current QD-OLED screens hit.
The first 77-inch QD-OLED TV probably won't appear until 2023 [CES, January 2023, we're looking at you] but if you need something now, check out the best OLED deals live this month – and note that Samsung Display is also rumored to be working on a 49-inch QD-OLED panel, allegedly intended for monitors.
Becky is a senior staff writer at TechRadar [which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age] focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.