In the development process of curved screen mobile phones, Samsung has shown rapid improvement in its screen technology integration capabilities. , , .
The road to integration of curved screens
Early curved-screen mobile phones like the Note 4 Edge had their main screen and side screen separated in terms of hardware, and were controlled by two independent driver chips. This kind of design is more similar to a kind of functional splicing, and there is room for optimization in overall interaction and power consumption management.
When it developed to the S6 Edge, Samsung achieved a technological breakthrough. The front and back hyperboloid screens were driven by a single chip. This not only reduced power consumption, but also turned the multi-sided screen into a seamless whole, laying a solid hardware foundation for subsequent interactive innovations.
The evolution and challenges of OLED
During the Samsung S2 period, although the graininess of the screen was alleviated to a certain extent by switching to RGB arrangement, the color was greenish, and the problem of impure black display was still very significant. This situation reflects the immaturity of early OLED technology in terms of color control and pure black display.
In subsequent models, these problems were gradually solved. Samsung continued to invest in research and development, and finally achieved an eye-catching 2K level resolution on the S6 series. This resolution was mounted on a small 5.1-inch screen, demonstrating its strength in OLED high pixel density packaging.
The pinnacle and limitations of LCD screens
Apple has been using IPS LCD screens for a long time and relying on its strong supply chain management capabilities has led to a general improvement in the quality of LCD screens in the entire industry. Already, from high-end models to mid-range models, the difference in the actual look and feel of LCD screens is shrinking.
Furthermore, LCD technology has its own limitations. It relies on the operating principle of backlighting, which makes it impossible to achieve a truly pure black state, and the contrast ratio is inherently deficient. These physical limitations make LCD screens gradually lose their potential in the technology competition.
Apple’s screen selection logic
Apple has strict requirements for display technology and has strong influence. It once chose IPS screens, which led to the upgrade of the entire industry chain, but this was more based on market judgments made when OLED technology was not yet fully mature at the time.
Apple’s interest in OLED is clear and clear. The Apple Watch screen is a strong proof of this. What it needs is a top-level OLED screen that fully meets standard requirements in terms of brightness, the length of time the product can be used normally and continues to wear out and age, and the degree to which true colors can be accurately restored. It can also stably achieve large-scale supply. This is closely related to the core experience of its products.
OLED industry competition landscape
Currently, in the field of small-size high-end OLED, Samsung Display has a very significant leading advantage, and its Super AMOLED technology has gone through multiple generations of iterations. This leadership is not only reflected in resolution, but also in comprehensive experience such as color, power consumption and bending characteristics.
There is also a giant LG LCD monitor. Although it is trying its best to catch up, there is still a gap in the overall quality of its OLED screens used in mobile phones. Healthy competition will be helpful for technological advancement, but it will still take some time to create a second supplier that can meet Apple's requirements and serve as a substitute.
The future direction of screen technology
If Apple switches to OLED, it will be the last straw that causes small-size LCD screens to be overwhelmed. It has a huge procurement volume and the appeal of the brand, which will accelerate the concentration of resources in the global industry chain towards OLED.
Relying on Apple's R&D capabilities, it can more quickly explore the potential capabilities of OLED, solve problems such as power consumption and screen burn-in, and promote application innovation. This will effectively open the era of comprehensive application of OLED in mobile devices and reshape users' visual experience.
In your opinion, when Samsung already has a significant first-mover advantage, if Apple adopts OLED screens, what unique optimizations can it rely on to redefine the experience standards of high-end screens? Welcome to share your views in the comment area. If you think the analysis is reasonable, please like it to support it.
