While CSOT won’t be the sole supplier of the flexible OLED panels for the Galaxy A57, this would mark the first time Samsung is set to source displays from a manufacturer other than its in-house Samsung Display.
However, Samsung Display is said to supply more units than CSOT. A flexible OLED panel would mean that the Galaxy A57 could offer slim and uniform side bezels. Notably, previous Galaxy A series phones had used rigid OLED panels.
The report also notes that CSOT will also supply flexible OLED screens to be used in the Galaxy S26 FE.
The Galaxy A57 is rumored to launch in February 2026 with an Exynos 1680 chipset. It is said to offer 45W fast charging support and a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX906 primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 5MP macro unit.
Why Samsung Is Outsourcing Galaxy A57’s Flexible OLED to CSOT: Cost, Capacity, and Competitive Strategy Explained
Samsung’s decision to outsource part of its display production to CSOT is largely driven by cost considerations. Flexible OLED panels are significantly more expensive than rigid OLEDs, especially when produced in-house by Samsung Display. By sourcing some panels from CSOT, Samsung can introduce premium display features in midrange phones like the Galaxy A57 without pushing prices higher.
Profit margins also play a major role. The Galaxy A series competes in a highly price-sensitive segment, where even small increases in component costs can impact sales. Outsourcing helps Samsung protect margins while still upgrading design elements such as slimmer bezels and more modern screen technology.
Another key factor is supply-chain diversification. Relying solely on Samsung Display creates risks during periods of high demand or unexpected production issues. Adding CSOT as a secondary supplier allows Samsung to stabilize output and ensure smoother large-scale production.
Capacity management is equally important. Samsung Display’s flexible OLED lines are heavily allocated to flagship devices, including the Galaxy S Ultra and Galaxy Z foldables. By outsourcing some midrange panels, Samsung can reserve its in-house capacity for higher-margin premium products.
CSOT’s rapid improvement in OLED technology has also made this move viable. The Chinese manufacturer has significantly closed the quality gap and already supplies flexible OLED panels to several major smartphone brands. This makes CSOT a reliable option for non-flagship Samsung devices.
Competitive pressure in the midrange market further explains the shift. Rival brands are offering slim-bezel, flexible-OLED smartphones at aggressive prices. To remain competitive, Samsung needs similar hardware advantages without inflating production costs.
Outsourcing also gives Samsung stronger negotiating leverage. Working with external suppliers introduces internal competition, which can help control component pricing and encourage efficiency across the supply chain.
Samsung may also be using models like the Galaxy A57 and future Fan Edition devices to test long-term sourcing strategies. These phones offer high volumes but lower risk compared to flagships, making them ideal platforms for evaluating external OLED suppliers.
Regional manufacturing needs are another consideration. The Galaxy A series is produced in massive quantities for emerging markets, and CSOT’s ability to scale production quickly can help Samsung meet regional demand more efficiently.
Overall, Samsung’s move to source displays from CSOT reflects a strategic balance between cost, supply stability, and competitiveness. It does not signal a retreat from Samsung Display, but rather a calculated effort to optimize production across different smartphone tiers.
Profit margins also play a major role. The Galaxy A series competes in a highly price-sensitive segment, where even small increases in component costs can impact sales. Outsourcing helps Samsung protect margins while still upgrading design elements such as slimmer bezels and more modern screen technology.
Another key factor is supply-chain diversification. Relying solely on Samsung Display creates risks during periods of high demand or unexpected production issues. Adding CSOT as a secondary supplier allows Samsung to stabilize output and ensure smoother large-scale production.
Capacity management is equally important. Samsung Display’s flexible OLED lines are heavily allocated to flagship devices, including the Galaxy S Ultra and Galaxy Z foldables. By outsourcing some midrange panels, Samsung can reserve its in-house capacity for higher-margin premium products.
CSOT’s rapid improvement in OLED technology has also made this move viable. The Chinese manufacturer has significantly closed the quality gap and already supplies flexible OLED panels to several major smartphone brands. This makes CSOT a reliable option for non-flagship Samsung devices.
Competitive pressure in the midrange market further explains the shift. Rival brands are offering slim-bezel, flexible-OLED smartphones at aggressive prices. To remain competitive, Samsung needs similar hardware advantages without inflating production costs.
Outsourcing also gives Samsung stronger negotiating leverage. Working with external suppliers introduces internal competition, which can help control component pricing and encourage efficiency across the supply chain.
Samsung may also be using models like the Galaxy A57 and future Fan Edition devices to test long-term sourcing strategies. These phones offer high volumes but lower risk compared to flagships, making them ideal platforms for evaluating external OLED suppliers.
Regional manufacturing needs are another consideration. The Galaxy A series is produced in massive quantities for emerging markets, and CSOT’s ability to scale production quickly can help Samsung meet regional demand more efficiently.
Overall, Samsung’s move to source displays from CSOT reflects a strategic balance between cost, supply stability, and competitiveness. It does not signal a retreat from Samsung Display, but rather a calculated effort to optimize production across different smartphone tiers.
