Samsung may be preparing to significantly adjust its display supply strategy. According to recent industry reports, the South Korean technology giant is considering sourcing OLED and LCD display panels from China’s BOE (Beijing Orient Electronics) for use across its Galaxy smartphones and smart TV lineup.

If finalised, this move would signal a notable thaw in relations between Samsung and BOE after a prolonged period of tension caused by patent disputes and legal challenges.

Renewed Talks Signal Improving Samsung–BOE Relations

As reported by South Korean publication DealSite, BOE Chairman Chen Yanshun recently held discussions with senior Samsung executives, including TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung’s DX Division and MX Business. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that these talks explored potential cooperation on both:

Small-sized OLED panels for Samsung Galaxy smartphones

Large LCD panels for Samsung’s smart TV portfolio

The meetings reportedly took place last week, marking a significant step toward rebuilding a partnership that had cooled considerably over the past year.

A Relationship Strained by Patent Disputes

Samsung and BOE are no strangers to collaboration. In the past, BOE supplied OLED panels for Samsung’s lower-end Galaxy smartphones. However, that partnership reportedly came to an end last year after relations deteriorated due to a patent dispute involving Samsung Display and BOE.

Following the fallout, Samsung Electronics is believed to have sourced limited OLED supplies from Tianma, another Chinese display manufacturer, to support its entry-level smartphone production.

BOE Aims to Re-Enter Samsung’s Supply Chain

The latest discussions suggest BOE is actively seeking to re-establish itself as a key display supplier to Samsung, potentially expanding beyond budget devices. According to the report:

BOE is interested in supplying panels for higher-end Galaxy smartphones, not just entry-level models

There is no confirmation yet that Samsung has agreed to source displays for premium devices

BOE already supplies OLED panels to several major smartphone brands, including Oppo, Huawei, and Vivo, and is also believed to be a limited supplier for select iPhone models. This experience could strengthen its case as a viable supplier for Samsung’s broader product range.

TV LCD Panel Supply Also Under Discussion

In addition to smartphones, BOE is reportedly seeking to expand its role in Samsung’s smart TV display supply chain. Previously, BOE supplied approximately 10 million LCD TV panels per year to Samsung. However, following the patent dispute, that figure reportedly fell sharply to around 1 million units annually.

The renewed talks include requests from BOE to increase TV LCD panel volumes, potentially restoring BOE as a major contributor to Samsung’s television business.

Cost Pressures and Global Component Shortages

The timing of these negotiations is particularly notable. Industry observers point to the ongoing global RAM shortage, which is driving up component costs and forcing manufacturers to either absorb higher expenses or raise product prices.

By diversifying its display suppliers, Samsung could:

Reduce dependency on a limited set of panel manufacturers

Negotiate more competitive pricing

Offset rising costs in other components such as memory

However, it remains unclear whether savings from display procurement alone would be sufficient to fully counter increasing memory prices.

Strategic Implications for Samsung

If Samsung proceeds with BOE as a broader supplier, the move could have several implications:

Greater supply chain flexibility across smartphones and TVs

Potential cost optimisation amid volatile component markets

A pragmatic shift toward balancing performance, cost, and scale

At the same time, Samsung Display remains a global leader in OLED technology, particularly for premium smartphones. Any decision to source from BOE would likely be carefully segmented by product tier and region.

Conclusion

Samsung’s reported talks with BOE suggest a practical reassessment of supplier relationships in response to market pressures rather than a fundamental change in long-term strategy. Rebuilding ties with BOE could help Samsung manage costs, secure supply, and maintain competitiveness across smartphones and smart TVs.

Whether this renewed partnership materialises into large-scale contracts—especially for higher-end Galaxy devices—remains to be seen. Still, the discussions highlight how even industry leaders like Samsung must continuously adapt their supply chains amid legal challenges, component shortages, and global pricing pressures.

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