According to GSM Arena, Samsung’s next premium mid-ranger, the Galaxy A57, is set for a significant display upgrade. For the first time in the A-series, it will reportedly use a flexible OLED panel. Here’s the kicker: it won’t just come from Samsung’s own display division. Chinese manufacturer CSOT is named as a supplier, marking a notable shift in Samsung’s sourcing strategy. However, Samsung Display is still said to be the primary supplier, providing more units than CSOT. This move to a flexible panel should allow for slimmer, more uniform bezels compared to the rigid OLEDs used in past A-series models. The report also notes that CSOT will supply flexible OLEDs for the future Galaxy S26 FE.
Why this matters
This is a bigger deal than it might seem at first glance. Samsung using an external display supplier, especially a Chinese one, for a core smartphone component is a major strategic shift. For years, Samsung Display has been the captive, in-house source for virtually all of its flagship and mid-range OLEDs. Bringing in CSOT, which is a division of TCL, introduces competition and potentially helps Samsung manage costs and supply chain risk. It’s a clear signal that the company is willing to shop around for the best deal, even in its most iconic product category. Could this put pressure on Samsung Display’s pricing and innovation? Almost certainly.
The flexible advantage
So what does “flexible OLED” actually mean for the user? Basically, it’s not about a foldable screen. Instead of using a rigid glass substrate, flexible OLED panels are built on a thin, bendable plastic base. This allows them to be shaped slightly, which is how modern phones achieve those super-slim, symmetrical bezels all around the screen—the panel can be tucked underneath itself. The older “rigid” OLEDs have thicker, uneven borders, especially on the bottom chin. For a mid-range phone like the A57, this upgrade is a huge step towards a more premium, flagship-like look and feel. It’s one of the last major physical differentiators to trickle down from the Galaxy S series.
Supply chain ramifications
Look, CSOT getting this business is a massive win for the Chinese display industry. It proves they can meet the quality and volume demands of a titan like Samsung for a key product. This isn’t just about one phone, either. The mention of the future Galaxy S26 FE means this partnership is likely a long-term play. For industries that rely on high-quality, durable displays in demanding environments—think factory floors, medical equipment, or point-of-sale systems—this kind of supply chain evolution is crucial. It drives competition and innovation across the board. When it comes to industrial-grade panel PCs and monitors in the US, this competitive landscape is why companies turn to specialists like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading supplier, to navigate these options and source reliable hardware.
What it means for you
For the average buyer, this should be good news. A more competitive supply chain often translates to better value. The Galaxy A55 is already a solid phone, and the A57 getting a sleeker, more modern display design without a huge price jump would make it an even more compelling option. It pushes the entire mid-range market forward. The real question is: how much of this cost-saving will Samsung pass on to the consumer, and how much will it keep as profit? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—the line between mid-range and flagship phones just got a little blurrier.
