For nearly two decades, Samsung's flagship Galaxy phones have relied on displays made by Samsung Display itself. That streak could come to an end with the Galaxy S27. As the ongoing RAM crisis continues to cripple the smartphone industry, Samsung is reportedly exploring the use of BOE-made AMOLED panels for the standard Galaxy S27. A new report suggests that the company is now moving closer to finalising that very decision.
Samsung Might Seal Galaxy S27's Display Fate by End of June 2026
As per a new ET News report, Samsung Mobile division president, TM Roh, is reportedly planning to visit the BOE factory in China by the end of June 2026. The visit is reportedly intended to strike a deal between the South Korean brand and the Chinese display manufacturer for the supply of display panels for Samsung's upcoming TVs and smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S27.
This falls in line with previous Galaxy S27 display downgrade reports, which claimed that Samsung is planning to transition from in-house sAMOLED 2X panels to BOE-made displays for the standard Galaxy S27 model. This decision is not expected to impact the Galaxy S27+ and the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Moreover, another report claimed that BOE could save Samsung millions by offering AMOLED panels for the standard Galaxy S27 at a $5 lower per-unit price than what Samsung Display spends every year. At scale, this is a savings of millions of dollars at a time when RAM prices are surging and becoming the most expensive component in the Bill of Materials (BoM).
Hence, TM Roh's visit to China only seems to solidify the fact that after 16 years, for the first time ever, a flagship Galaxy phone will miss out on a Samsung-made display. Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A57 already uses OLED panels from China's TCL-owned CSOT. Even the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE will use TCL displays, as per reports.
The main reason why this is concerning is that switching to BOE will effectively downgrade the viewing experience on the Galaxy S27. The reason being Samsung uses a high-quality emitting material, which not only maintains colour accuracy but also offers sharper image reproduction and higher brightness.
With BOE, it is not the same. It uses a lower-emitting display material, which is considerably dimmer and less colour accurate. Given that reports hint M13 display material on top of a BOE AMOLED screen, the possibility of the Galaxy S27 being either on par with or lower than the Galaxy S26 is considerably high.
That said, we will only know for sure once TM Roh's visit to China concludes. Since the Galaxy S27 lineup is not expected before February 2027, we still have considerable time left for concrete details to emerge. So, stay tuned.
