How Traditional OLED Manufacturing Works

Most OLED panels today are built using vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) through fine metal masks. It’s a meticulous process: organic emissive materials are vaporized in vacuum chambers and deposited layer by layer onto glass substrates. This method works well for small smartphone displays, but it wastes materials, relies on expensive and fragile masks, and becomes increasingly inefficient as screen size grows. It’s also labor-intensive, with constant maintenance and frequent equipment cleanings needed to keep yields high.

What Makes TCL’s Inkjet OLED Different

TCL’s approach bypasses all of that. Instead of vaporizing materials, inkjet printing turns them into liquid form — OLED “inks” — and precisely deposits them onto the panel substrate using printheads. There’s no need for masks, and there’s far less waste since materials are only deposited where needed. Each subpixel (red, green, and blue) is printed separately, allowing for a true RGB OLED layout, which improves text sharpness and color accuracy, especially important for monitors and laptops.

Unlike LG’s WOLED, which emits white light and uses color filters, or Samsung’s QD-OLED, which uses blue OLED with quantum dots to generate red and green, TCL’s printed RGB OLED emits colors directly from each subpixel. There are no filters, no QD layers, and no blue-heavy bias. The result is a cleaner image with higher light efficiency and less optical loss.

Production Progress and Commercial Plans

TCL began pilot production in 2024 with a 21.6-inch 4K OLED panel aimed at medical monitors, the same panel size previously produced by JOLED. This marked the first commercial inkjet OLED display to enter mass production. The panels are currently built at TCL’s Gen-5.5 line in Guangzhou, but the real leap will come from the new Gen-8.5/8.6 “T8” line, which is designed for TV-scale panels.

TCL has already demonstrated 65-inch printed OLED TVs and foldable concepts, and it expects to deliver the first inkjet OLED TVs in late 2025. The company is targeting 55, 65, and 75-inch TVs initially, with expansion plans for 42- and 98-inch panels. Peak brightness is expected to hit 2,000 nits, with Rec.2020 color coverage around 90 percent, comparable to the latest QD-OLED and MLA-enhanced WOLED models.

Environmental and Efficiency Advantages

The biggest upside of inkjet OLED isn’t just image quality. It’s the potential cost and environmental savings. TCL claims a 2× improvement in material efficiency, since there’s no mask wastage and fewer discarded panels due to defects. The process uses less energy, avoids costly vacuum systems, and allows faster production with fewer interruptions. These advantages could eventually bring OLED pricing closer to mainstream LCDs and make high-end panels more accessible.

Compared to LG’s and Samsung’s methods, TCL’s process also avoids the use of heavy filters or quantum dot layers, which reduces complexity and improves lifespan. While long-term durability is still being validated, TCL says its printed panels already show promising results in both efficiency and longevity.

What Comes Next

TCL isn’t just preparing to launch its own OLED TVs. It’s positioning itself as a next-gen OLED panel supplier. If its 27-inch printed OLED monitor panel enters mass production, PC brands like Asus, Dell, and Lenovo could soon have a third option beyond LG and Samsung for high-end OLED screens. The roadmap also includes tablet and smartphone panels, flexible displays, and rollable form factors, all printed, not evaporated.

Xiaomi is also reportedly testing TCL’s printed OLED panels for its upcoming flagship smartphones. If adopted, this would mark a major milestone for inkjet OLED in mobile devices and signal growing confidence from other top-tier brands. TCL CSOT, meanwhile, is doubling down with a massive 8.6G inkjet OLED production line in the works, a multi-billion yuan facility that would enable high-volume manufacturing of large-format printed panels.

It’s still early. TCL’s OLED TVs haven’t hit the market yet, and scaling the technology will take time. But if the company delivers on its roadmap, it won’t just enter the OLED market. It could reshape how OLED is made. And in an industry long dominated by two players, that kind of disruption is long overdue.

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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.

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For the MIX Flip 2, TCL CSOT is supplying both the inner and outer foldable displays. The panels feature TCL’s latest-generation M9 luminescent material and share matching specifications, including a 1.5K resolution, 460 PPI pixel density, peak brightness of 3200 nits, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The outer screen supports full-range DC dimming, while the inner screen uses 2160Hz PWM dimming combined with DC dimming. Both displays have received TÜV Rheinland triple eye protection certification.

In the automotive segment, TCL CSOT is supplying all the display components for the Xiaomi YU7. The in-car setup includes a 16.1-inch central control display developed with Desay SV, and three 11.98-inch curved horizon projection screens developed in partnership with Foryou Corporation. TCL CSOT is the sole supplier of these custom panels, which are designed to provide a panoramic in-car visual experience.

TCL CSOT is also providing displays alongside Tianma for the upcoming Redmi K80 Ultra smartphone. The phone’s display is built using the same M9 luminescent material as the MIX Flip 2 and supports a peak brightness of 3200 nits.

This partnership is not new. TCL CSOT previously supplied displays for the Xiaomi 15 series and says it will continue to deepen its collaboration with Xiaomi. The two companies are expected to focus on advancements in flexible displays, power efficiency, and high-resolution panels in future projects.

Looking ahead, both the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Redmi K90 Pro, expected to launch later in 2025, are rumored to feature TCL CSOT’s next-generation Real RGB OLED displays. These panels aim to deliver more accurate color reproduction and improved light efficiency by moving away from the traditional RGBW subpixel layout.

In related news, TCL has launched its SF560K Series QLED Fire TVs in the UK, featuring HDR10, Dolby Audio, and Freely integration. The company has also introduced a 57-inch 32:9 Dual 4K curved ultrawide monitor, aimed at gamers and multitaskers seeking immersive visuals and expanded productivity.

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For years, China’s AMOLED ambitions have centered on small-format displays, the kind used in smartphones and wearables. In recent years, Chinese panel makers, including TCL CSOT and BOE, have made measurable progress in laptop OLED displays. But the monitor and television space has remained largely untouched, with LG Display’s WRGB OLED and Samsung’s QD-OLED technologies setting the pace.

At SID 2025, TCL CSOT showcased a 27-inch 4K 120Hz printed OLED monitor prototype, signaling the company’s move beyond mobile and laptop panels. Printed OLED technology, often seen as a promising alternative to traditional evaporation-based methods, could lower production costs and improve yields. The catch? TCL CSOT’s first commercial OLED panel for monitors supports a 144Hz refresh rate, an awkward middle ground that has many brands hesitating.

144Hz isn’t slow by any means, but it’s not quite the industry sweet spot either. Gamers and creative professionals, the two major audiences for OLED monitors, typically look for 120Hz for cinematic workflows or 240Hz and beyond for high-end gaming. Falling between these targets, the 144Hz spec seems misaligned with real market demand. VideoHall reports that most brands see this as a transitional panel, not a viable commercial product.

Still, the testing phase alone is significant. If TCL CSOT can prove the reliability, color accuracy, and longevity of its OLED panels, it could unlock a major shift in global supply chains. For brands that have grown weary of sourcing OLED panels exclusively from Korea, a credible alternative would be game changing. But for now, that future remains on the horizon.

Until TCL CSOT refines its refresh rates, improves burn-in resistance, and optimizes yields, the OLED duopoly isn’t exactly in danger. But it’s watching carefully.

In related news, TCL continues to dominate China’s TV market, with its MOKA brand outpacing competitors. Meanwhile, the upcoming Redmi K80 Ultra is confirmed to feature OLED displays supplied by TCL CSOT and Tianma.

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According to the leak, the K80 Ultra will feature a flat 6.83-inch M9 OLED panel with a resolution of 2772×1280 and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports 800 nits of typical brightness, 1800 nits in high-brightness mode, and up to 3200 nits at peak. The display will be supplied by TCL CSOT and Tianma, continuing the dual-sourcing approach previously seen in the Redmi K70 Ultra. The touch layer is handled by FocalTech. While panel sourcing from multiple vendors often sparks concerns over display consistency, Xiaomi is expected to apply uniform calibration across units.

TCL CSOT’s presence in Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup is only growing. The Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro series, released earlier, relied heavily on TCL CSOT for their OLED panels. The collaboration appears to be expanding further this year. Both the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Redmi K90 Pro, expected to launch later in 2025, are rumored to feature TCL CSOT’s next-generation Real RGB OLED displays. These panels are designed to deliver more accurate color reproduction and higher light efficiency by moving away from traditional RGBW layouts.

The K80 Ultra will also bring high-end internals, including the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, D2 discrete GPU, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage. It will be powered by a 7410mAh battery with 100W fast charging and bypass charging support.

In terms of cameras, the device includes a 50MP Light Hunter 800 main sensor with OIS, paired with an 8MP OV08F ultra-wide, and a 20MP OV20B front camera. Other premium features include a metal mid-frame, Dragon Crystal glass, IP68/IP69 protection, dual stereo speakers, and X-axis linear motor. The phone also integrates Xiaomi’s Surge chip suite, T1, T1S, P3, and G1, for better power management.

The K80 Ultra will be available in four color variants: Spruce Green, Ice Blue, Moon Rock White, and Sandstone Gray. It weighs 219 grams and measures 8.18mm in thickness.

In related news, TCL has launched the NXTPAPER 14 tablet in the US, featuring a paper-like display and a 10,000mAh battery. Meanwhile, the TCL Z100 wireless speaker with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect has been announced in Europe.

(Source)

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The certified panel is an ultra-thin tablet display developed by TCL CSOT, weighing just 99 grams and measuring only 1.35mm thick. It is the first display to meet a newly defined global standard by SGS called “PT-25-000-203860,” which establishes a scientific benchmark for what it means to be quasi-natural in the world of light. Instead of chasing pixels or refresh rates, this is a different kind of arms race, one focused on the biology of the viewer.

TCL CSOT’s answer to screen-induced fatigue lies in its self-developed quasi-natural light spectrum tech. By optimizing the BLU (backlight unit) and fine-tuning the RGB color filters, the panel produces a full-spectrum light profile that mimics the spectral distribution of midday sunlight. That might sound like marketing fluff, but there is real science behind it. The display emits light that encourages the release of dopamine during the day, good for eye health and potentially a counter to myopia, and tones down melatonin suppression at night, making it easier to fall asleep after a Netflix binge.

This is where the Quasi-Natural Light Index (QNLI) comes in. The SGS benchmark measures how closely a display’s spectrum mirrors natural sunlight between 380 and 780nm, the visible light spectrum. TCL CSOT’s display hit a QNLI score of 56 percent, which comfortably beats the threshold for EX-level certification. That may not sound like a perfect match, but in a world where most screens are heavy on blue light and poor in spectral balance, it is a considerable leap forward.

The big surprise? TCL CSOT pulled this off without sacrificing brightness or color range. The panel still hits high luminance and wide color gamut standards, all while maintaining its svelte dimensions. That is largely thanks to advances in backlight film materials and packaging design.

In related news, TCL is set to supply its Real RGB OLED panels for the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Pro and Redmi K90 Pro smartphones. The company also plans to acquire an additional 21.53% stake in CSOT for $1.62 billion.

(Via)

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Unlike the widely used PenTile OLED arrangement, which uses fewer sub-pixels per pixel, the Real RGB layout assigns separate red, green, and blue sub-pixels to each pixel. This configuration improves sharpness and text clarity, potentially matching or exceeding the visual precision of LCD panels at similar resolutions while retaining OLED benefits such as deep blacks and high contrast.

The new panels are said to support a 2K resolution of 2048×1080. Assuming a 6.7-inch display size, this would translate to a pixel density of around 345 PPI. While the resolution appears lower than that of the Xiaomi 15 Pro, the use of a full RGB layout may result in a cleaner and more detailed image, particularly for text and UI elements.

TCL CSOT has also reportedly improved the luminous efficiency of the blue sub-pixel, which typically has the shortest lifespan in OLED displays. This enhancement could reduce the risk of burn-in and extend the overall life of the panel.

Credit: Majin Bu

The shift to smartphone displays marks a significant step in TCL’s inkjet OLED roadmap. The company previously focused on larger formats, such as 21.6-inch 4K panels for medical use. The move toward smartphones indicates a broader commercial push, with Xiaomi positioned as one of the first brands to adopt the technology.

If production stays on schedule, Real RGB OLED panels could appear in consumer smartphones before the end of the year.

In related developments, TCL is set to acquire an additional 21.53% stake in CSOT for $1.62 billion. Meanwhile, the company has launched the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G in the US, featuring an E-Ink-style display and built-in AI tools.

(Via 1,2)

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The acquisition, which has already cleared a major hurdle with approval from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, is structured as a hybrid of cash and equity. Under the deal, TCL will pay 7.2 billion yuan ($1.01 billion) in cash, while the remaining 4.36 billion yuan ($610 million) will be settled through a share issuance.

The shares are being issued to the Shenzhen Major Industrial Development Phase I Fund, the entity currently holding the 21.53% equity stake up for sale. Once completed, the deal will not only further cement TCL’s control but also realign shareholder influence within one of China’s most strategic display firms.

The transaction is still pending final clearance from the China Securities Regulatory Commission. But TCL’s track record suggests that’s just a formality. If anything, this is the continuation of a broader pattern, a slow and steady consolidation of display tech power under TCL’s umbrella.

China Star, originally a joint venture between TCL and the Shenzhen state-owned Century Science & Technology Group, has evolved from a state-backed partnership into a TCL-dominated asset through a calculated series of acquisitions and capital infusions. This latest move adds another chapter to TCL’s long-term vertical integration playbook.

It also follows hot on the heels of another massive deal. Back in September 2024, TCL shelled out 10.8 billion yuan ($1.51 billion) to acquire an 80% stake in LG Display’s Guangzhou LCD panel plant and take full ownership of its adjacent module factory. That marked a major pivot point in TCL’s display strategy, one that focused on regional consolidation and upstream control.

Now, with China Star almost fully under its wing, TCL is making clear its ambition: to become a top-to-bottom display powerhouse, from raw substrate to final module assembly. And it’s not doing it quietly. This is the second $10 billion ($1.4 billion)+ level transaction in less than a year. Few in the semiconductor display game are moving at this scale, and even fewer with this level of intent.

In related news, TCL has launched the 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G in the US, featuring an E-Ink-style display and built-in AI tools. Meanwhile, the company has also introduced the C7K QD-Mini LED TV in the Philippines, with prices starting at Php 55,499.

(Via)

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More than 3,000 teams participated in the tournament, following a format that included internet café qualifiers, regional playoffs, and a national final. Intel introduced a custom AI-powered tactical analysis system during the finals. The system generated real-time visual data such as heatmaps and skill usage breakdowns. It allowed teams to review performance and adjust strategies, regardless of their competitive background.

TCL CSOT deployed its HVA BLACK display technology for the tournament. The panels featured native contrast ratios up to 5000:1, high refresh rates, and fast response times. These specifications supported player visibility in dark in-game environments and reduced motion blur during fast-paced sequences.

Online platforms saw increased engagement around the IMC. Streaming sites hosted dedicated commentary sessions, while user-generated content from the matches circulated on social media. The game publisher implemented a tournament-specific version of Naraka: Bladepoint to balance gameplay for the event. Intel and other technical partners supported the broadcast infrastructure and competitive environment.

TCL CSOT has provided display panels for the IMC for two consecutive years. The company continues to supply high-performance screens for esports events across different levels of play. Its focus remains on panel technology that meets the visual and performance standards required in competitive gaming.

IMC Season Two is scheduled to launch later this year. Organizers plan to update competition rules and integrate additional technology. TCL CSOT will continue to support the event with its latest display hardware.

In related news, Xiaomi’s latest S TV series features TCL CSOT’s low-reflection Mini LED panels, while the upcoming Xiaomi 15S Pro will exclusively use TCL CSOT displays, further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies.

(Source)

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The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED is the brand’s first to use a low-reflection screen. TCL CSOT developed the panel using a multi-layer optical film structure that adjusts the thickness and refractive index of each layer. This design reduces surface reflectivity to just 1.8 percent, allowing the display to maintain deeper blacks and improved color fidelity even under direct lighting.

TCL CSOT’s HVA technology also improves light control and response speed, making it a strong fit for high-performance Mini LED backlighting. The TV delivers up to 1700 nits of peak brightness, which helps preserve detail in bright scenes without overexposure. It also supports a 288Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother playback during high-speed sports broadcasts or competitive gaming sessions.

Xiaomi has equipped the TV with a full suite of smart features, but the display remains the focal point. The combination of low reflectivity, high brightness, and fast refresh rate positions the TV S Mini LED as a flagship option for users seeking both visual quality and performance.

TCL CSOT has become an increasingly important supplier in Xiaomi’s ecosystem. Beyond the TV segment, Xiaomi has also selected TCL CSOT as the exclusive panel partner for its new 15S Pro smartphone. The device uses a 6.73-inch 2K quad-curved OLED screen built with TCL CSOT’s C9 material and dual-microcavity design, capable of reaching 3200 nits peak brightness. This growing partnership reflects Xiaomi’s shift toward deeper integration with domestic display technology providers.

In related news, TCL’s True Energy Saving SE air conditioner has surpassed 400,000 units sold with zero user complaints, while the 65-inch S5 Class 4K LED Smart TV is now available on Amazon at a limited-time 16% discount, bringing the price down to $379.

(Via)

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