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Samsung’s latest TV release sparks rumors of an unexpected partnership with LG Display.
Samsung is set to release a new 83-inch S90C OLED TV that has caught the attention of industry experts. Priced at $5,399.99 and carrying model number 83S90C, this TV appears to have a larger screen size than Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels. As a result, it is highly likely that Samsung has turned to its rival, LG Display, for the production of its first OLED TV.
In a video last month, Vincent Teoh from HDTVTest confidently stated that the 83-inch Samsung OLED TV will utilize a white OLED panel, also known as a WRGB OLED panel, from LG Display. This speculation aligns with recent reports that Samsung and LG had signed an agreement to supply millions of panels in 77-inch and 83-inch sizes.
Despite being competitors, this collaboration between Samsung and LG is not entirely surprising in the tech industry. Companies like Samsung and Apple have previously worked together, providing OLED displays for iPhones, despite their patent battles. If the rumors are true, Samsung’s S90C lineup will consist of two different OLED panel technologies: QD-OLED for smaller TVs and WOLED/WRGB OLED for the larger 83-inch TV.
Samsung adds an 83-inch set to its 'affordable' OLED TV lineup https://t.co/olroPS2STE pic.twitter.com/n6glkZvm16
— Engadget (@engadget) July 11, 2023
It is too early to determine whether this will result in significant differences in picture quality, as processing also plays a crucial role. However, Rtings’ comparison between Samsung and LG’s current top-of-the-line OLEDs suggests that WOLED panels may offer a slight overall brightness advantage, while QD-OLED panels benefit from brighter colors. Rtings’ ongoing TV burn-in test indicates that QD-OLEDs may be slightly more susceptible to burn-in in extreme cases with constant onscreen static elements, a finding that LG has been keen to highlight.
HDTVTest’s Teoh expects that once customers begin receiving their 83-inch Samsung OLED TVs later this month, it will be easy to verify the type of OLED panel technology being used. Methods such as zooming in on the sub-pixel array or shining a light at the turned-off TV can help determine whether the screen turns gray (indicating QD-OLED) or remains black (indicating WOLED/WRGB OLED).
The rumored partnership between Samsung and LG Display marks an interesting development in the TV market. The release of Samsung’s 83-inch OLED TV signals a departure from its usual display technology, potentially resulting in diverse picture quality experiences for consumers. As the TVs hit the market, users can confirm the use of LG Display’s panels and explore the visual capabilities of this new addition to Samsung’s lineup.
