Based on the feedback we receive, smartphones with displays AMOLED they are the most loved by users. Even if the cost at the end of the fair is higher than a LCD, the quality is noticeable. In summary the difference there is only one: whoever prefers deep blacks goes to choose the first while whoever wants colors more faithful to reality then it will aim for an LCD. Clearly, there are other differences as well, but we are not interested here. But let's see how the two types of screens are positioned on the market and if, as we expect, the first will cannibalize the second. To give us the data is the analysis agency TrendForce.
During 2021, still underway, there is no overtaking of AMOLED screens on LCDs: what will be the reasons in your opinion?
New data from the analytics company TrendForce suggest that the number of smartphones AMOLED on the market will reach the 39% this year thanks to its increasing use in the mid-range segment at competitive prices. The analysis shows that LCD models continue to be in demand in the market, but that their share over the years has been decreasing more and more compared to "competitors".
In 2019, the presence of LTPS LCD was 40%, AMOLED at 31% and a-Si LCD at 29%. The following year, AMOLED and a-Si LCD are increased by up to 33% respectively and 30% while LTPS LCD dropped to 37%. In 2021, LTPS LCD is expected to continue to decline to 33%, AMOLED will make a huge leap to 39% and a-Si LCD will return to 28%.
TrendForce noted that panel suppliers have carefully and thoughtfully evaluated their AMOLED panels since the second half of 2020 and consequently customer orders increased. He said that as time goes on, he expects these "gradually cannibalize the market share of LCD models in the mid-range and premium mid-range (mid-high range) segments, causing the technology to be adopted on devices at a lower price.
Forecast for the future
Unsurprisingly, the analysis expects the panels Flexible AMOLED which are now used on foldable phones will continue to be sorted for phones in the high-end and flagship segments. Finally it is pointed out that the numbers will start growing again, in general in terms of sales, only when people continue to get vaccinated and we reach a level of normality almost equal to the pre-COVID period. However this forecast is far too optimistic. We know that the crisis is not only due to the pandemic but also to one lack of microchips that we have been carrying for more than a year.
