Samsung Galaxy A57 May Feature Cheaper Flexible OLED Panels from TCL CSOT

Samsung is gearing up for the launch of its upcoming Galaxy A57 smartphone, and fresh leaks are pointing to a major change in how the device is being built—especially in terms of the display.

For the first time in the Galaxy A5x series, Samsung is reportedly considering outsourcing flexible OLED panels from Chinese display maker TCL CSOT. If this pans out, it could mark a significant shift in how the tech giant balances design and cost in its mid-range lineup.

Display

Historically, the Galaxy A-series—especially models like the A52, A53, and A54—have used rigid OLED panels. These screens are cheaper but come with design limitations, like thicker bezels and reduced flexibility in form factor. But with the Galaxy A57, Samsung might be changing things up.

According to a report from SammyGuru, the Galaxy A57 will use flexible OLED panels, allowing for slimmer bezels and a sleeker design. Unlike rigid OLEDs, flexible screens use a plastic substrate instead of glass, giving phone makers more design freedom and contributing to lighter, thinner phones.

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Supplier

Here’s where it gets interesting. Flexible OLED panels are typically more expensive to manufacture—so why is Samsung choosing them for a mid-range phone? The answer seems to lie in the supplier switch.

Samsung is reportedly in talks with TCL CSOT, a Chinese display manufacturer, to supply flexible OLED panels at a lower cost than Samsung Display, the brand’s in-house display division. In fact, CSOT is said to have offered pricing for these panels that undercuts even what Samsung Display charges for its rigid OLED screens.

This move could help Samsung deliver a better design experience on the Galaxy A57 without inflating the price too much. It’s worth noting that Samsung Display will still likely produce a larger volume of the panels, but CSOT’s involvement may drive prices down through increased competition.

Strategy

Samsung’s approach here is a mix of cost control and product differentiation. Mid-range smartphones are all about finding the right balance between specs and affordability. By using CSOT’s panels, Samsung may be trying to deliver a flagship-like feel on a budget—thinner bezels, a more premium look, and possibly even better display flexibility.

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But that doesn’t mean Samsung Display is out of the picture. The company has reportedly been asked to match CSOT’s pricing to remain a viable supplier for the A-series. This internal competition could ultimately help Samsung cut costs across the board.

Timeline

The Galaxy A57 isn’t just about display changes—it’s also expected to arrive earlier than usual. Previous A-series models have launched in March or April, but leaks suggest that Samsung may unveil the A57 5G in February 2026, alongside the Galaxy A37 5G.

The Galaxy A57 was recently spotted in the IMEI database and on Samsung’s test server, with model number SM-A576B/DS, further fueling speculation that the launch is just around the corner.

Context

This isn’t the first time Samsung has explored multi-supplier strategies. As the smartphone market becomes more competitive, companies are constantly looking for ways to reduce component costs while improving performance. Adding CSOT as a second display supplier could be a smart way to shake up the supply chain and keep prices competitive.

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For CSOT, this would be a major milestone. It would be the first time they supply OLED screens for Samsung’s Galaxy A-series. If successful, the deal could pave the way for deeper collaboration on other devices in the future.

Samsung’s display strategy for the Galaxy A57 seems to hit the sweet spot: a premium look, tighter bezels, and cost-effective sourcing. With a February 2026 launch window likely, it won’t be long before we see if all these leaks translate into reality. Until then, it’s safe to say that Samsung is trying to give its mid-range phones a flagship-like edge—without the flagship price tag.

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