The printed OLED breakthrough is part of a broader shift toward sustainable manufacturing. TCL CSOT’s t12 G5.5 production line saves up to 400 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually by minimizing vacuum processing. Construction is already underway for the t8 G8.6 line, the world’s first mass-production facility dedicated to printed OLED, with plans to support displays for monitors, tablets, and laptops.

TCL showcased several additional OLED innovations, including a 2.56-inch Real RGB OLED panel with 1,512 PPI for XR devices and a 13.2-inch tablet OLED with partitioned frequency control that lets different screen zones run at independent refresh rates.

The company also displayed a 6.9-inch OLED panel with natural-light certification and a 6.73-inch folding OLED with ultra-narrow bezels and a 95.96 percent screen-to-body ratio. In notebooks, TCL introduced a 16-inch inkjet-printed OLED gaming panel with 2.5K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and adaptive sync for better energy efficiency.

On the Micro LED front, TCL CSOT revealed a 0.28-inch full-color silicon-based Micro LED panel with 1280×720 resolution and an industry-leading 5131 PPI. The ultra-compact display is geared toward AR and lightweight XR devices, combining high contrast, vivid colors, and low power consumption.

For large-format displays, TCL debuted a 163-inch MLED panel with a contrast ratio of 37,500:1, pixel-level hybrid PWM+PAM driving, and 24-bit color depth. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate and uses ultra-low-reflection materials for clearer visuals. TCL also introduced a 57-inch 8K MLED gaming panel with a 1,000Hz refresh rate, powered by the industry’s fastest 6G2P point-to-point driver IC and its proprietary CSPI 5.1 transmission protocol.

TCL CSOT also unveiled the world’s first tri-fold 28-inch portable OLED display. This foldable panel compresses into a compact 16-inch form factor and expands to 28 inches with a seamless folding mechanism and integrated stand, targeting mobile productivity and immersive entertainment.

These announcements reflect TCL CSOT’s strategy to lead across all major display categories while integrating AI-driven technologies and sustainable manufacturing to reshape the future of visual hardware.

In related news, TCL topped Double 11 TV sales and strengthened its premium push with SQD Mini LED technology. TCL also unveiled its T7 QLED TVs with 4K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and Google TV, starting at $599.99.

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According to TCL Technology Senior Vice President and CSOT CEO Zhao Jun, the T8 project positions Chinese display manufacturers to lead the high-generation AMOLED segment. The project aims to move the industry beyond traditional LCD and evaporation-based OLED manufacturing by adopting printed OLED technology on a larger scale. This advancement allows for higher material utilization and lower production costs.

TCL CSOT plans to process approximately 22,500 glass substrates per month. The line will use 2290 × 2620 mm G8.6 glass, which is better suited for producing larger panels. Initial applications will focus on mid-to-high-end monitors, tablets, and laptops. TCL CSOT also plans to expand printed OLED applications to other premium display categories once production stabilizes.

The T8 factory will incorporate automation, industrial robotics, AI large model algorithms, and new energy applications. TCL CSOT expects these technologies to improve operational efficiency and support the development of a next-generation display manufacturing ecosystem.

Cao Weiran, Director of TCL CSOT’s Printed OLED Center, said the company gained valuable experience from the T12 pilot line in Wuhan. That G5.5 line achieved mass production and product delivery in November 2024. Lessons learned from the T12 line will help accelerate the deployment and optimization of the T8 project.

TCL CSOT has already secured cooperation from multiple global suppliers of materials and equipment. These partnerships will support the full build-out of a printed OLED industrial chain that includes upstream materials, panel production, and downstream device integration.

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Lu emphasized that the rear screen is not only for visual appeal but will also serve functional purposes. Xiaomi plans to release monthly updates to enhance the rear display experience, with the first set of features arriving by the end of October. The company is actively working on new use cases and has invited feedback from users through Lu’s recent post on Weibo.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max both use displays supplied exclusively by TCL CSOT. The 17 Pro includes a 6.3-inch front screen, while the 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch panel. The rear display also matches flagship standards, using TCL’s M10 luminescent material and supporting peak brightness of up to 3500 nits. Xiaomi has equipped the series with Dragon Crystal Glass for added durability.

TCL CSOT remains a key display partner for Xiaomi’s flagship lineup. With the company supplying both the main and rear displays on the 17 series, it is likely that TCL will continue its role with the Xiaomi 18 Pro. As Xiaomi pushes forward with dual-screen functionality, TCL’s display technology will play a central role in enabling new features and maintaining high visual performance.

Xiaomi aims to turn the rear display into more than a secondary screen. The upcoming updates could mark the beginning of a broader shift toward dual-display interaction across its premium smartphone line.

In related news, TCL has completed the full acquisition of LG Display’s China operations. Meanwhile, China’s TV market continues to decline, with Q3 shipments down 10.4% and deeper cuts expected in Q4.

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The Xiaomi 17 Pro features a 6.3-inch 1.5K flat OLED panel, while the 17 Pro Max comes with a larger 6.9-inch 2K-class screen. Both displays use TCL CSOT’s advanced M10 luminous system. The rear display on both models also comes exclusively from TCL CSOT and supports high refresh rates and precise touch interaction. This secondary screen offers a range of features, including clock widgets, AI portraits, virtual pets, wallpapers, selfie viewfinder, reminders, and Mi Home printing support.

TCL CSOT highlighted the use of Real RGB OLED technology in the 17 Pro Max. The display uses independent subpixel alignment, which eliminates the shared pixel structure found in traditional OLED panels. This configuration allows each RGB subpixel to emit light independently, improving sharpness and reducing power consumption by 26 percent compared to conventional 2K OLEDs.

In addition to the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max, TCL CSOT is also supplying displays for the standard Xiaomi 17, the Xiaomi S Pro series, and the Xiaomi Pad 8. The Pad 8 uses a 3.2K LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and features soft light technology for eye comfort.

TCL CSOT and Xiaomi have maintained a long-term partnership since 2017. The two companies established a joint display innovation lab in 2021 and expanded it in July 2025. The latest collaboration reflects TCL CSOT’s growing role in high-end smartphone and tablet display manufacturing.

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The move follows positive feedback from brand partners that have been co-developing printed OLED products with TCL. Unlike traditional evaporation OLEDs, printed OLED technology is designed to lower production costs and improve scalability, which makes it attractive for mainstream devices beyond premium TVs. TCL’s decision to aggressively expand this line signals confidence that the market is ready for broader adoption.

The company is not abandoning LCD either. TCL said long-term demand for large-size LCD panels remains stable and profitable. Its Guangzhou factory, acquired from LG Display and internally labeled as t11, will continue its existing product roadmap while also preparing new designs aimed at strengthening competitiveness.

Beyond OLED and LCD, TCL is also investing in the next frontier: Micro LED. In its semi-annual report published at the end of August, the company confirmed that it had completed construction of its first Micro LED production line in Suzhou during the first half of 2025. TCL refers to the technology as MLED and is planning further investment in scaling production, developing materials, and building a stronger supply chain for future Micro LED products.

TCL’s aggressive capacity expansion reflects a broader industry shift. While Samsung and LG have dominated premium display manufacturing for years, Chinese companies like TCL and BOE are rapidly closing the gap with competitive technology and aggressive pricing.

TCL is also investing $2.75B to build an 8.6G printed OLED plant in Guangzhou, targeting 45K substrates monthly by 2026. The T8 site could expand to two lines, making it one of the world’s largest OLED facilities, rivaling Samsung and BOE.

The timing couldn’t be better. Laptop and monitor manufacturers are desperately seeking OLED alternatives to reduce dependence on Korean suppliers, and TCL’s printed OLED process could offer a cost-effective solution. If the quality holds up and yields improve, TCL might just have found its ticket to the big leagues of display manufacturing.

In related news, we recently covered what TCL Chinese Cinema is and why it has been widely searched.

(Via)

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TCL CSOT has achieved a pixel density of over 350 pixels per inch (PPI) on its inkjet OLED panels. The company uses an RGB sub-pixel arrangement with equally sized sub-pixels, which eliminates the size imbalance typically seen in FMM OLEDs, especially with the larger blue pixels. Zhou stated that the blue OLED device’s LT95@100nits lifespan will reach 400 hours by 2026, a tenfold improvement over 2020 figures.

The company claims its inkjet OLED panels have an aperture ratio three times higher than conventional fine metal mask (FMM) OLED displays. This improvement is expected to enhance brightness efficiency and extend the overall durability of the panels.

TCL CSOT currently operates a Gen 5.5 inkjet OLED line at its T5 facility in Wuhan. It manufactured 21.6-inch medical OLED panels using this process in late 2024. The new Gen-8 line will support larger substrates, which are better suited for televisions and monitors.

During the forum, Zhou also highlighted potential applications for the technology. TCL CSOT has developed a 6.5-inch smartphone panel with 325PPI, a 14-inch 2.8K laptop display with 243PPI, a 27-inch 4K monitor with 163PPI, and a 65-inch 8K TV panel with 136PPI. The company displayed several of these prototypes at SID 2025.

The Gen-8 investment marks a strategic step for TCL CSOT as it aims to compete with South Korean display makers in the high-end OLED market.

In related news, Cerence has filed an IP complaint against Sony and TCL over the use of its voice technology in smart TVs. Meanwhile, Samsung has launched four new Odyssey gaming monitors that feature display panels developed by TCL CSOT.

(Source)

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TCL CSOT showcased three new display technologies tailored for different gaming genres: HVA Fast, HVA Black, and HFS Shoot. HVA Fast supports a 1ms response time and offers curved panels in sizes ranging from 34 to 57 inches with a 1000R curvature. HVA Black features a 5000:1 native contrast ratio and supports refresh rates up to 500Hz, offering high clarity and dynamic visuals. HFS Shoot targets FPS players with support for high resolution, high refresh rates, and autostereoscopic 3D switching without glasses.

Samsung’s new lineup includes the 27-inch UHD 165Hz Odyssey G90XF, the 40-inch WUHD 180Hz Odyssey G75F, the 37-inch UHD 165Hz Odyssey G75F, and the 27-inch UHD 180Hz Odyssey G70F Dual-Mode Gaming Monitor.

The Odyssey G90XF is Samsung’s first gaming monitor to feature glasses-free 3D. It uses light-field display (LFD) technology combined with an eye-tracking camera to produce real-time 3D visuals without any viewing angle restrictions. The display supports AI-powered 2D-to-3D video conversion and features 4K resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, spatial audio, and environmental lighting effects. Samsung launched the G90XF in May at a price of 14,999 yuan ($2,080).

The 40-inch G75F supports a resolution of 5120×2160, a 180Hz refresh rate, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio with support for 1.07 billion colors. The 37-inch G75F and 27-inch G70F monitors both support 3840×2160 resolution, high refresh rates, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smoother gameplay across supported titles.

These monitors aim to meet the evolving demands of esports gamers, with TCL CSOT playing a central role in the display technology behind them.

In related news, we recently explored Who Owns TCL?—a deep dive into the brand’s ownership structure, key subsidiaries, and global expansion strategy.

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Public, But With Roots in the State

TCL Technology Group Corporation, the backbone of the TCL brand, is publicly traded on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker 000100. But it didn’t start out that way. Founded in 1981 as a state-owned enterprise, TCL has since morphed into a hybrid of public and partially state-backed ownership, with no single majority stakeholder in control.

Founder Li Dongsheng, who remains chairman and has held the CEO role at various times, owns around 3.3% of TCL Technology. Government-linked investment entities such as Huizhou SASAC and Wuhan Optics Valley each hold 2 to 3%, while the majority, over 87%, is publicly held by retail and institutional investors. This mix means TCL operates like a market-driven firm with state influence, a structure that’s common among China’s largest industrial players.

Restructuring the House: The Rise of TCL Holdings

In 2019, TCL underwent a corporate split to sharpen its focus. It spun off its consumer electronics and appliances division into a new entity, TCL Industries Holdings (also known as TCL Holdings), which now oversees TCL Electronics, the TV and smart device arm. Meanwhile, TCL Technology retained control of high-tech ventures like display panel production (via CSOT) and solar energy (via TCL Zhonghuan).

Despite the split, TCL Technology and TCL Industries are closely intertwined. For example, TCL Electronics continues sourcing panels from CSOT, ensuring tight vertical integration in its TV business.

Subsidiaries, Subsidiaries Everywhere

TCL’s structure is a web of subsidiaries that span consumer electronics, component manufacturing, and even renewable energy.

TCL Electronics Holdings (HKEX: 1070) is the most visible face of the brand, making smart TVs, soundbars, and smartphones. It’s also the engine behind TCL’s climb to the number two global spot in TV shipments. TCL Communication, once known for BlackBerry and Alcatel phones, has been folded into this unit.

China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) sits at the heart of TCL’s display ambitions. It builds LCD, Mini-LED, and OLED panels, not just for TCL TVs but also for other brands. It’s a wholly owned part of TCL Technology and a key reason the company can compete with global giants on price.

TCL Smart Home (formerly Homa) covers air conditioners, fridges, and washing machines. It’s already among the world’s top four AC brands and the leading refrigerator exporter in China. And it’s backed by smart integrations and large-scale factories in China.

TCL Zhonghuan, acquired in 2020, pushes TCL into solar energy. It produces monocrystalline silicon wafers for solar panels and is quickly becoming central to TCL’s push into renewables and semiconductors.

Other subsidiaries include Tonly Electronics (audio, IoT devices), TCL Environmental Technology (e-waste and recycling), and TCL Financial Services, which collectively round out the group’s diverse portfolio.

Global Strategy: Localized, Scaled, and Brand-Driven

TCL’s expansion outside China has been fast and aggressive. It now operates in over 160 countries and has regional headquarters across six global business zones. The company has set up 20 manufacturing bases, including plants in Mexico, Vietnam, and Poland, to dodge tariffs, shorten supply chains, and serve local markets efficiently.

TCL also invests heavily in global R&D, with over 40 research centers worldwide focusing on AI, display tech, and smart home systems. In North America, TCL’s partnership with Roku turned it into one of the best-selling TV brands in the U.S. In Europe and India, it’s pushing smart appliances and affordable smartphones. And globally, TCL is promoting its own smart TV OS, Lingkong UI, to reduce reliance on Google and Roku.

The brand strategy? Mass-market affordability wrapped in next-gen features. Whether it’s budget-friendly Mini-LED TVs or the paper-like NXTPAPER phone displays, TCL’s message is clear: tech doesn’t have to be expensive.

Bottom Line

TCL’s ownership is split between founder Li Dongsheng, state-backed funds, and a wide public float. But in practical terms, the brand is steered by a mix of private ambition and state alignment. Through subsidiaries like CSOT, TCL Electronics, and TCL Zhonghuan, the company balances consumer-facing innovation with serious upstream tech investment.

It’s not a traditional tech giant like Samsung or LG, but it’s gaining ground fast. And if TCL continues executing its global strategy, it may not be long before this hybrid-owned Chinese conglomerate becomes a household name far beyond the TV aisle.

In related news, TCL CSOT sets its sights on dominating the esports display market, stepping beyond its role as a panel supplier. Also, we recently explored TCL NXTPAPER technology and how it compares to AMOLED and IPS in terms of eye comfort.

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TCL CSOT hosted a formal opening ceremony at its booth, with key attendees such as TCL CSOT CEO Zhao Jun, Samsung Electronics China executive Lee Wei, and senior representatives from Lenovo, TPV, LG, Intel, and JD.com. Executives from TCL CSOT also participated in outlining the company’s roadmap for esports display innovation.

Zhao Jun confirmed in an interview that TCL CSOT led global shipments and market share in esports monitor panels from 2022 to 2024. One out of every three esports monitors worldwide currently uses a TCL CSOT panel. He said the company plans to maintain this lead by expanding into new display sizes and categories across phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, and TVs.

The company’s APEX brand will continue to drive display innovation, focusing on four pillars: visual performance, eye comfort, sustainability, and future-ready form factors. TCL CSOT is investing in both LCD (HVA, HFS) and OLED (FMM, IJP) technologies to improve contrast, reduce blue light, and introduce flexible and 3D-capable displays.

Director of MNT Product Development Li Shanyong introduced three new display technologies for esports monitors. The HVA Fast series features 1ms response times and ultra-wide curved screens up to 57 inches. HVA Black targets cinematic performance with native 5000:1 contrast and high refresh rates up to 500Hz. HFS Shoot supports high-resolution, high-refresh performance with dual-mode refresh and glasses-free 3D using cylindrical lens tech.

TCL CSOT also previewed its printed OLED panel, which targets low blue light (≤20%) and features dynamic compensation to prevent burn-in without requiring user input.

Samsung unveiled four new Odyssey gaming monitors that use TCL CSOT panels. The lineup includes the 27-inch UHD 165Hz G90XF with glasses-free 3D, the 40-inch WUHD 180Hz G75F, the 37-inch UHD 165Hz G75F, and the 27-inch UHD 180Hz G70F with dual refresh modes.

Zhao Jun stated that TCL CSOT plans to grow globally by setting up localized manufacturing and client labs for various product categories. He added that the company will continue investing in esports IP and technology to deliver a complete portfolio of gaming displays for all use cases.

In related news, we recently broke down how TCL NXTPAPER compares to AMOLED and IPS in terms of eye comfort, and also explored TCL’s inkjet-printed OLED technology.

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AI features have already reached deep into the Chinese consumer tech market. AI TVs now account for over 70% of shipments, offering features such as picture enhancement, voice control, and content suggestions. AI laptops make up 50% of available models, and AI tablets account for 76%. Wearables like smartwatches and AI bands have reached over 85% penetration, while AI smart glasses now represent 65% of all smart eyewear sales. AI smart locks and surveillance cameras have both passed the 25% mark.

Analysts expect the AI hardware boom to shift display panel demand toward the high-end segment. Most AI-enabled devices initially launch in premium categories before features expand to lower-tier models. This trend supports higher-margin panel shipments and strengthens the position of suppliers like TCL Technology and BOE, who already lead in advanced display manufacturing.

TCL is also applying AI to improve display production. In June, TCL CSOT launched X-Intelligence 3.0, a vertical AI model focused on reasoning for the display industry. This model supports domain-specific decision-making and can offer solutions that go beyond traditional engineering approaches. TCL uses it to optimize manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.

As AI continues to shape the next generation of consumer electronics, TCL’s investment in both display technology and AI-driven manufacturing gives it a clear advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

In related news, TCL shipments dropped 23% in Q2 2025 amid rising demand for Indian-made smartphones in the US, while Samsung and Sony have just stepped into the RGB-Mini LED race—but they’re already playing catch-up.

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