Samsung Reportedly Exploring The Use Chinese Materials For OLED Technology As Rising Cost Of 2nm Chipsets May Force A Budget Makeover; Galaxy S26 Series Could Be A Recipient
A possibility where Samsung might be forced to form a partnership with various Chinese companies to employ certain materials used in OLED panels. For years, the Korean giant has only sourced from local, American, and Japanese suppliers, ignoring Chinese vendors, as the company could easily avoid an unnecessary cost increase in the past. Sadly, those days might be a thing of the past, because a rumor claims that the rising cost of 2nm wafers that will be utilized for the Exynos 2600 could be far too expensive for Samsung to maintain its current course. However, a huge risk exists where a partnership with the Chinese opens up the possibility of sharing multiple technologies.
A major hurdle to introducing a partnership with Chinese companies is that Samsung will have to open up certain intellectual technologies, leaving it vulnerable to theft
The prototype version of the Exynos 2600 recently underwent mass production on the 2nm GAA process, with Samsung’s concerned divisions aiming to bump up those yields to 50 percent, and gradually increase that number. Ideally, the Korean titan’s foundry should reach a 70 percent yield to entertain potential customers, but on the off chance that it cannot reach that development stage, each 2nm GAA wafer will be costly for Samsung. Assuming the Exynos 2600 can find its way to the Galaxy S26 series, the lower the yields, the more expensive it will be for Samsung to produce each flagship unit.
This is where the involvement of Chinese firms comes into play, with the Korea Industry Post reporting that Samsung could partner with these manufacturers to obtain an edge in lowering component costs. In this manner, if this technology is applied to the Galaxy S26 lineup, these models could also feature a specifications improvement, which is an area Samsung has been criticized on multiple occasions, while Chinese competitors continue to make the most of the firm’s missed opportunities.
A major pitfall can also accompany Samsung’s most considerable advantage of leveraging overseas materials for OLED technology. For those who do not know, forming a partnership means the Korean behemoth has to open up several intellectual properties for its potential partners, leaving it vulnerable to theft or replication. Given that Samsung makes the best displays for phones and tablets on the market, China-based companies could leverage this crucial information and obtain an advantage.
Apple, which also relies on Samsung’s displays on a multitude of products, could also benefit from a cost reduction, but it remains to be seen if it allows such a partnership, at least for its devices. At the time of writing, nothing is set in stone, so remember to treat these details with a pinch of salt, and we will return with more updates.
News Source: Korea Industry Post
