LG Display is now supplying OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels to Chinese electronics giant TCL, marking a significant collaboration as TCL ventures into the premium OLED monitor market. This partnership underscores the growing demand for high-quality displays in the gaming and professional sectors.
According to industry insights released on Monday, TCL’s new 32X3A monitor, their debut OLED monitor, features an LG Display panel. Shipments from the Korean display innovator reportedly began in January, solidifying LG Display’s position as a leader in OLED technology.
The 32-inch monitor boasts stunning 4K resolution and a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptional clarity and smooth visuals. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, the 32X3A offers vibrant and accurate colors. The monitor also features a dual-mode function enabling a 480Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution, powered by LG Display’s advanced OLED technology for unparalleled responsiveness.
The partnership is particularly noteworthy considering TCL’s own display manufacturing arm, TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT). Despite CSOT’s presence, TCL opted for LG Display’s OLED panels for its flagship gaming monitor, demonstrating the superior performance and quality associated with LG Display’s technology.
While Chinese manufacturers, including CSOT, have increased their OLED panel production in recent years, industry experts acknowledge that they still lag behind their Korean counterparts in technological advancements and production capacity. This gap in capabilities has led TCL to source OLED panels from LG Display for its premium gaming monitor.
TCL has historically relied on LCD panels from its in-house display division. However, market analysts suggest that TCL is strategically accelerating its adoption of OLED displays to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-end gaming monitors.
This strategic move further emphasizes the ongoing technological dominance of Korean display manufacturers in the OLED market.
“The key takeaway here is that China still recognizes Korea, and especially LG Display, as the top choice when it comes to cutting-edge OLED technology,” an industry source stated.
Currently, the OLED monitor segment is primarily led by Korean display giants Samsung Display and LG Display. Market research from Omdia indicates that Samsung Display held approximately 75% of the global OLED monitor panel market share last year, with LG Display capturing the remaining 25%.
Demand for OLED monitors is rapidly expanding within China. Data from International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals a significant surge in OLED monitor shipments in the country, from 30,000 units in 2023 to 570,000 units in 2024. Revenue also experienced a substantial increase, climbing from $29 million to $328 million during the same period, highlighting the growing appetite for premium displays in the Chinese market.
LG Display achieved profitability last year, reporting an operating profit of 517 billion won ($346 million), marking its first annual profit since 2021. The company intends to expand its OLED product portfolio this year, moving beyond premium models to introduce more affordable options and accelerate the wider adoption of OLED technology in various applications.
yeeun
