Samsung releases orders for 5.8-inch smartphone panels to CPT, Giantplus

Samsung Electronics will launch a 5.8-inch mid-range smartphone and has placed orders for panels with a few Taiwan-based makers, mainly Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) and Giantplus Technology, to supply one million panels in total a month, with shipments to begin in May or June, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers. Both CPT and Giantplus refused to comment on a single customer or on orders.

Industry sources stated that although the Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos, a WCDMA/GSM dual-mode handset, only adopts dual-core processors and average display standards (5-inch with resolution of 800 by 480), sales have been rising. Panel shipments for the product are likely to reach two million in May, said the sources.

The sources added that Samsung issues mid-range handset panel orders to Taiwan-based firms so its in-house production can focus on AMOLED panels.

The large-size handset market is booming. In addition to Samsung, China-based Huawei recently introduced 6-inch handset products. Japan-based Sharp and Panasonic also plan to follow suit by introducing 6-inch models.

China-based Truly Optoelectronics pointed out that large-size handsets are a growing market. Truly will begin volume production of 5.7-6.0 inch products in second half 2013 and 6.5-inch products in 2014.

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