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TCL’s LG Deal Leaves the Display Market Nearly All Chinese
The LCD TV panel industry has quietly but decisively shifted into Chinese hands. New data from RUNTO Technology reveals that TCL’s acquisition of LG Display’s Guangzhou LCD factory is more than just a business deal. It marks a turning point for the global display supply chain.
As of April 2025, only one major non-Chinese manufacturer remains in the large-size LCD TV panel business: Sharp’s SDP Gen 10.5 plant in Guangzhou, a Japanese outpost surrounded by an industry now dominated by China. Everywhere else, from fabrication to shipping, it’s Chinese panel makers setting the pace.
That shift is backed by numbers. Global shipments of large LCD TV panels fell to 18.7 million units in April, an 11.3 percent drop year-on-year and the lowest in over a year. But the distribution of those panels tells a clearer story. Chinese manufacturers, including those from mainland China and Taiwan, now account for more than 95 percent of global output.
Mainland China alone covered a commanding 71.1 percent of shipments last month, up significantly from last year. It is a surge not just in volume but in influence. TCL CSOT, BOE, CHOT, and HKC are now effectively steering the LCD panel market, from price setting to supply negotiations with global TV brands.
Even Taiwan’s legacy players are holding ground. Innolux and AUO combined to grab 24.5 percent of the market in April, signaling a resurgence that’s notable, though still dwarfed by mainland giants.
As for Sharp, it is now the lone foreign holdout, a relic of a time when Japan led the panel race. With a shrinking 4.4 percent market share, even that position looks increasingly fragile. If the current trend holds, the LCD panel business could soon be entirely operated by Chinese stakeholders, leaving little room for competition and even less for geopolitical neutrality in the global TV supply chain.
In related news, TCL has launched the Q6C Premium QD-Mini LED TV series in India, while the C7K QD-Mini LED TV is set to debut soon in the Philippines.
(Via)
News
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)