What They Say
The Elec in Korea reports that Samsung Display is developing foldable OLED panels for new in-folding smartphones from Oppo, Xiaomi and Google. The report said that the Oppo is a 7.7″ clamshell type that folds from top to bottom. It is expected to have a 1.5″-2″ panel on the outside.
Xiaomi is also said to be switching to in-folding after showing a 7.92″ out-folding device last year. The new device will have an 8.03″ main display, with a 6.38″ external display. CSOT is also likely to be a supplier.
Google is reported to have requested Samsung Display develop a foldable OLED panel around 7.6″ in size.
Market research firm Omdia expects foldable OLED sales to reach US$2.1 billion this year, a 203% increase from 2020, but most of the sales are coming from Samsung Display.
What We Think
While Samsung Electronics might well want some measure of exclusivity, Samsung Display is bound to want to widen its customer base to, eventually, develop some level of negotiation position with its sister company. (BR)
Oppo is said to be looking at top folding designs like the Motorola Razr
