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TCL CSOT Is Betting Big on Printed OLED With a Massive 8.6G Factory in the Works
Chinese display giant TCL CSOT is reportedly set to revolutionize the OLED display market with an ambitious plan to construct a massive 8.6-generation (8.6G) printed OLED production line in Guangzhou. This significant investment, estimated at approximately RMB 20 billion (around $2.75 billion USD), signals a major shift in the global display landscape and underscores TCL CSOT’s commitment to challenging established players like LG Display and Samsung Display.
According to a recent report from market intelligence firm UBI Research, TCL CSOT has finalized its investment plan and aims to begin installing production equipment by the end of 2026. The new facility, designated as the T8 site and located near its existing T9 OLED line in Guangzhou, will initially house one 8.6G line with a projected monthly capacity of 45,000 substrates. UBI Research anticipates that the T8 site will eventually accommodate two such lines, doubling its output.
This move is a strong endorsement of inkjet-printed RGB OLED technology, which TCL CSOT has long championed as a more cost-effective and potentially superior alternative to the current market leaders’ WOLED (White OLED) and QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) technologies. The company has been steadily progressing in this field, claiming a breakthrough in October 2024 and commencing small-scale production of printed OLED monitor panels later that year. Just recently, in May 2025, TCL CSOT unveiled a full lineup of printed OLED displays ranging from 6.5 to 65 inches and has since begun sending out panels to partner brands for testing.
The sheer scale of TCL CSOT’s planned investment is noteworthy. For comparison, Chinese rival BOE’s upcoming 8.6G OLED plant is expected to have a capacity of 33,000 substrates, while Samsung Display’s new A6 line will produce 15,000 substrates. This makes TCL CSOT’s proposed T8 plant one of the largest, if not the largest, single OLED manufacturing facilities globally. Furthermore, the adoption of inkjet printing technology is projected to reduce construction costs by an impressive 30% compared to traditional OLED fabrication methods.
The large 8.6G substrates (2290x2620mm) offer significant flexibility in panel production, allowing for efficient cutting into various sizes suitable for a wide array of devices, including large-screen TVs, monitors, IT devices, and even smaller form factors like smartphones. This versatility is crucial as the demand for high-quality OLED displays continues to expand across diverse product categories.
While inkjet OLED technology holds immense promise for lower production costs and potentially better color reproduction (due to its direct RGB emission), it still faces certain technological hurdles. Han Changwook, EVP of UBI Research, noted that challenges remain in areas such as brightness, lifespan, large-area uniformity, and yield rates. However, China’s strategic government support for this differentiated technology, alongside investments from other players like Visionox (with its ViP technology), indicates a concerted effort to overcome these challenges and secure technological leadership in the next generation of display manufacturing.
UBI Research expects TCL CSOT to make an official announcement regarding this ambitious project later this month, with groundbreaking ceremonies anticipated for October. This significant undertaking has the potential to reshape the global OLED market, bringing more competition and potentially accelerating the widespread adoption of advanced OLED displays.
In related updates, TCL has launched the NXTPAPER 11 Plus in the US, priced at $249 and featuring a paper-like display aimed at eye comfort. At the same time, TCL CSOT has confirmed an exclusive display supply deal with Xiaomi for the upcoming MIX Flip 2 smartphone and the YU7 electric vehicle, further solidifying its position in the flexible OLED panel segment.
(Via)
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TCL Launches CrystalClip Open-Ear Earbuds with Swarovski Special Edition
TCL has announced the CrystalClip, a new pair of open-ear, clip-on earbuds designed for comfort and functionality. The earbuds feature a lightweight, titanium-reinforced design that ensures durability while providing a secure and pressure-free fit. TCL is targeting users who need all-day comfort and situational awareness during activities like commuting, exercising, or traveling.
TCL CrystalClip Specifications
The CrystalClip uses 10.8mm dual-magnetic dynamic drivers to deliver clear, balanced sound. It supports 3D Spatial Audio and Bass Boost, which can be customized using the TCL HOME app. TCL has also included dual-mic ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) to ensure high-quality voice calls, even in busy surroundings.
TCL has equipped the earbuds with several smart features. Users can activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant through customizable touch gestures. The earbuds also support real-time translation, enabling users to listen to translated audio while traveling or attending international events. They allow seamless switching between two devices and use Google Fast Pair 3.1 for quick connections with compatible Android devices.
The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and extend to 36 hours with the charging case. A 15-minute charge adds 3 hours of listening time. TCL has also ensured the earbuds are IPX4-rated for sweat and splash resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
TCL has released a special Swarovski edition of the CrystalClip. This version features a detachable crystal accessory shaped like a rose. Users can attach the accessory to the earbuds or use it as a decorative piece on bags, hats, or clothing.
Pricing and Availability
The standard CrystalClip earbuds will launch in February 2026 for €79. The Swarovski edition will retail for €149 and will be available starting in Q2 2026. Both versions will be released in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
In related news, TCL overtook Samsung in global TV shipments during December 2025.
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TCL overtakes Samsung in global TV shipments for December 2025
TCL has officially dethroned Samsung as the top global TV shipper for December 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest data. This marks a major milestone for the Chinese electronics giant, whose shipments surged 10% year-over-year (YoY) last month, giving it a commanding 16% market share. Meanwhile, Samsung, the perennial leader, slipped to second place with a 13% share, despite an 8% YoY increase in shipments.
So, what’s behind TCL’s meteoric rise? Aggressive pricing strategies and a robust lineup of mid-range and high-end TVs, including the well-received QM8K and QM9K series, played a key role. The company also launched the budget-friendly T7 series, which was heavily discounted during the holiday season. Combined with strong performance in Asia-Pacific, China, and the Middle East, TCL’s late-year surge was enough to outpace Samsung, at least for December.
However, Samsung still holds the crown for Q4 2025 overall, shipping 2% more TVs than TCL during the period. While North and South America provided growth opportunities for Samsung, declines in Western Europe and the Middle East hurt its performance. On the flip side, Hisense, which took third place in December, saw its shipments plummet 23% YoY, highlighting significant struggles in China’s shrinking TV market.
Looking ahead, TCL’s ambitions could spell bigger trouble for Samsung. The company’s upcoming partnership with Sony’s BRAVIA brand, set to finalize in March 2026, positions TCL to make a serious play in the premium TV market, a territory that Samsung has historically dominated with its high-end OLED and 8K offerings. If TCL can successfully leverage Sony’s reputation in this space, the dynamic of the global TV market could shift dramatically.
For now, TCL’s December triumph might be temporary, but its growth trajectory is impossible to ignore. With a mix of strategic pricing, regional demand timing, and potential premium market expansion, Samsung’s top spot may no longer be as secure as it once was.
News
TCL Shocks Market by Taking Over Sony Bravia TVs
Sony Corporation has announced that it will spin off its home entertainment division and form a new joint venture with TCL Electronics. The partnership gives TCL a 51 percent majority stake, while Sony retains 49 percent. The new company will take control of global operations for Sony’s television and home audio business.
The companies confirmed the agreement through a signed memorandum of understanding. They plan to finalize binding terms by the end of March 2026. The joint venture is expected to begin operations in April 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
The new entity will handle the entire value chain, including product development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service. Products from the venture will continue to use the Sony and Bravia brand names.
Sony will contribute its picture processing technology, audio expertise, and brand value. TCL will provide its display manufacturing capabilities, global supply chain, and cost-efficient operations. TCL’s recent growth in display technology and global market share positions it to take advantage of Sony’s premium image and distribution network.
Sony CEO Kimio Maki said the partnership aims to create new customer value through combined expertise. TCL Chairperson Du Juan said the deal will allow TCL to scale further into high-end markets and optimize its operations.
Sony has been gradually moving away from consumer hardware in favor of content businesses like anime, film, music, and gaming. The company previously exited the PC and tablet markets and stopped producing Blu-ray players.
This move ends Sony’s independent control of its TV business, which began in the 1960s. The joint venture gives TCL an opportunity to strengthen its position in premium global markets while maintaining the Bravia brand’s legacy. Sony will retain visibility in the home entertainment segment without managing day-to-day hardware operations.
In related news, TCL has introduced the 5G Mobile WiFi P50 and the WiFi Router BE36 at CES 2026, while also unveiling the world’s first HDR10 AR glasses, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro.
(Source)