JAKARTA - Samsung, which usually faithfully uses OLED panels from its own Samsung Display division, is rumored to be opening the tap to other suppliers for the Galaxy A57. According to a report from the Korean media, The Elec, the rigid OLED panel for the Galaxy A57 will be supplied jointly by Samsung Display and CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology), a company owned by TCL from China.
This decision is interesting because Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A series has always used a rigid OLED panel - not the more modern flexible OLED. As a result, the bottom bezel design (chin) on the Galaxy A57 is likely to be thicker than the side and top bezels, due to space limitations for the ribbon connector and display control unit.
The same report mentions that this rigid OLED panel may also be used on the Galaxy S26 FE which is scheduled to be released around mid-2026. This shows that Samsung is still not ready to switch to flexible OLED for the mid-range and Fan Edition segments in the near future.
Why is it still Rigid OLED?
Currently, many Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are using flexible OLED even in phones priced under IDR 4 million. This technology allows for thinner and uniform bezels on all sides.
Meanwhile, Samsung, despite having the best technology, still sticks with rigid OLED in mid-range models that are much more expensive - for example, the Galaxy S25 FE which still has a thick chin.
Samsung's mobile division is said to have voiced dissatisfaction over this gap and encouraged Samsung Display to lower the price of flexible OLED to be on par with rigid.
If successful, future models such as the Galaxy A58 or Galaxy S27 FE (around 2027) could switch to a screen with slimmer bezels.
The Reason Behind CSOT's Choice
The use of CSOT seems to be driven more by cost factors. With global component prices continuing to rise, Samsung is forced to be more flexible in the supply chain - even willing to "defect" from the habit of only using internal panels. CSOT itself is actively expanding OLED production, including a new factory with inkjet printing technology.
For consumers, this means the Galaxy A57 will still offer good Samsung display quality, but the design may not be as modern as its Chinese competitors. We'll wait for official confirmation when the Galaxy A57 is launched, possibly around March-April 2026.
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