Samsung develops improved EL-QD display panels for phones and laptops

Samsung Display, the display manufacturing division of Samsung Electronics, is showcasing several new and improved display technologies at the ongoing Society for Information Display (SID) 2026 expo. One of those technologies includes its latest Electroluminescent Quantum Dot (EL-QD) panels for smartphones and other mobile devices.

Samsung’s new EL-QD displays are brighter

Samsung Display’s new EL-QD panels come in 6.5-inch and 18-inch sizes. The 6.5-inch version is designed for smartphones, while the 18-inch version could be used in laptops and large tablets.

The 6.5-inch panel can reach up to 400 nits of peak brightness, while the 18-inch version can reach up to 500 nits. Compared to last year’s models, these represent brightness improvements of 33 percent and 25 percent, respectively, compared to last year's versions.

Samsung Display's 2026 version of 18-inch EL-QD display panel showcased at SID 2026 – Source: Samsung Display

In EL-QD panels, light is emitted directly from the quantum dots when electric current is applied to them. This eliminates the need for a separate backlight. In that sense, EL-QD panels function similarly to OLED displays, and are self-emissive displays. The offer high color accuracy and improved power efficiency compared to LCD panels. Similar to OLED panels, they offer extremely wide viewing angles and perfect blacks.

Samsung Display says it improved the stability and light emission efficiency of its new EL-QD panels through surface treatment techniques that enhance the quantum dot structure and optimize spacing between particles. The research behind this technology has been selected as an SID Distinguished Paper.

A company official said, “Improving emission efficiency not only enhances brightness but also reduces power consumption. EL-QD is expected to contribute to lowering display power usage and improving battery efficiency in future AI-based high-computing environments.”

Why are EL-QD displays better than OLED displays?

Unlike OLED panels, EL-QD display panels utilize inorganic materials eliminating the risk of permanent pixel burn-in. However, in their current form, they aren't as bright as OLED panels. In the future, though, they could replace OLED panels in phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, and even infotainment systems in cars.