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Samsung is preparing a major change to its TV lineup. According to the South Korean outlet ETNews, production of quantum-dot LCD TVs is expected to fall this year from around 10 million to just 2 to 3 million units. That would be a reduction of up to 80%. However, this is not an official announcement that QLED is ending.
QLED production is set to slow sharply
According to industry sources, Samsung has significantly cut production of LCD TVs using a quantum-dot layer for 2026. Last year about 10 million such sets were produced, while this year's plan calls for only 2 to 3 million units. One interesting question is the fate of the Neo QLED series. It's a more advanced variant of Samsung's LCD TVs, using Mini LED backlighting and quantum dots. Reports say production of those sets will also be reduced, roughly by half compared with current levels. Leaks say production of Neo QLED could even be completely discontinued in 2028.
This does not mean giving up on quantum dots
There is one very important thing to note. Reports about scaling back QLED production do not mean the end of quantum-dot technology in Samsung's TVs. QLED is primarily a term used for LCD TVs that include a quantum-dot layer. It's not a separate display type like OLED. Samsung still uses quantum dots in QD-OLED panels. This technology remains one of the development paths for premium TVs. Any potential phase-out of QLEDs would therefore mainly concern conventional LCD TVs.
Is Samsung changing direction?
One of the reasons cited is the growing competition from Chinese manufacturers. Companies from China offer QLED TVs at more attractive prices, which makes it harder for a brand like Samsung to maintain its position in that segment. Samsung is therefore shifting the emphasis in its product lineup. In the mid-range segment, it emphasizes Mini LED TVs, while at the high end the company continues to develop OLED and a solution based on RGB LED backlighting.
Sources: ETNews, FlatpanelsHD
