- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
60%
Plausible
The base model of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S27 series was previously rumored to feature OLED panels from BOE as the Korean giant was looking to diversify its supply chain in the hopes of keeping its margins healthy and costs low. While it would seem unheard of for this alliance to happen for Samsung’s premium smartphones, the DRAM shortage can force companies to make all sorts of decisions, and according to one tipster, the company is already evaluating the Chinese manufacturers’ OLEDs, which can be procured at lower prices.
BOE could supply Galaxy S27 OLEDs at $5 less than Samsung’s own display manufacturing arm, allowing the Chinese firm safe passage into the supply chain
As Chinese display suppliers suffer from a production slump in Q1 2026 due to rising RAM prices, BOE will look to maintain profitability by offering Samsung OLED units for the Galaxy S27 at a lower price. Notable tipster Ice Universe claims that, at $5 less than Samsung can obtain panels from its own display manufacturing arm, the partnership may already be in place, as the Korean technology behemoth has sent an RFI (Request for Information) to BOE for evaluation. If the OLED quality is adequate, Samsung will likely proceed.
The $5 difference may not appear like a ton of savings, but when you factor in that Samsung reportedly asked suppliers to raise the base Galaxy S26 production to an estimated 1.3 million units for April 2026 alone, that’s $6.5 million in savings if BOE’s displays are used. If Samsung maintains this production output for six additional months, that’s an extra $39 million that the company pocketed just by switching suppliers. At the scale Samsung operates at, simply switching to a different manufacturer can yield cost reductions in the millions.
Also, it’s not like BOE is a new player in the display industry, since the manufacturer has extensive experience as Apple’s supply chain partner. With the iPhone maker as your customer, you tend to maintain strict quality standards for parts in mass production, or risk losing out on orders worth millions. Samsung is also no pushover when it comes to quality components, and it will likely work with BOE to ensure the latter maintains a certain standard level when mass production starts.
If BOE can impress Samsung with its first run of Galaxy S27 OLED shipments, it’s highly possible that it extends the manufacturer’s responsibilities to provide displays for higher-tier models, but that will be a discussion for another time. As always, we recommend readers treat this rumor with a pinch of salt, and we’ll return with more updates.
News Source: Ice Universe
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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