Full size OLED display from Samsung

Samsung SDI has announced development of a next-generation flat panel display, which can be used as the internal screen of a dual-display cell phone for the first time in the world. The organic light-emitting device (OLED) has been manufactures specifically for the main display of handsets.

Samsung's new display shows 65,000 colors, however, is extended to the impressive 1.7 inches, big enough for the internal displays of dual-screen cell phones, without compromising the quality. While external displays don't require high resolution or long durability, internal screens need these features as handsets are getting very similar to handheld personal computers.

The new OLED crystal display (LCD) technology includes performance advantages such as durability and enhanced efficiency as well as lightweight. Compared to LCDs or other predecessors, OLEDs provide visual imagery, which is easier to read and have brighter colors, while consuming less power.

The new Samsung product is based on passive matrix (PM) OLED technology, previously considered inappropriate for internal displays. OLEDs have both PM and active matrix (AM) technology. PM is better for low-resolution static displays like the sub-screens of cell phones, while AM is believed to be the necessary function for main displays. Samsung is currently investing into the AM-type OLEDs, which have better performance, and plans to commercialize it next year.

The firm intends to launch handsets equipped with OLED main screens from June in cooperation with Samsung Electronics. Due to technical barriers until now handset manufacturers have adopted OLEDs to only small-sized external displays.