2026 Outlook (1) Premium TV: OLED TV Cost Improvement and Mini-LED Expansion Strategy

In the 2025 TV market, the proliferation of large-size RGB Mini-LED products has significantly broadened technological options. Manufacturers, led by TCL and Hisense, have actively expanded their product lineup to 85- to 115-inch sizes, increasing affordability in the ultra-large market. In particular, leveraging the efficiency of large-area panel production using 10.5th-generation LCD production lines, they have introduced products at a variety of price points. This shift has diversified the competitive landscape in the ultra-large market, particularly those 80 inches and above.

According to a table analyzing the selling prices of OLED and RGB Mini-LED TVs by UBI Research, factors other than price still play a significant role in consumer selection in the 60- to 70-inch segment. While RGB Mini-LED TVs have become more accessible, with prices dropping to around $1,000, OLED TVs are also selling at similar price points, thanks to sales promotions and a mature supply chain, maintaining a balanced technological landscape. In particular, OLED’s unique picture quality characteristics, such as black expression, viewing angle, and response time, continue to be a key factor in the premium 65- to 77-inch market.

A key variable in the 2026 market outlook is structural improvements in OLED TV panel manufacturing costs. With the end of depreciation of LG Display’s Guangzhou 8.5th-generation OLED line in the second half of 2025, fixed costs will be reduced. Furthermore, process stabilization and material cost reductions are expected to streamline the overall cost structure. This will allow manufacturers to pursue a broader range of pricing strategies and is highly likely to strengthen OLED’s price competitiveness, particularly in the premium 65- to 77-inch market.

Meanwhile, the Mini-LED camp is expected to adopt various strategies to address this trend. Major manufacturers are seeking to maintain competitiveness through improvements in backlight structures, refinement of operating algorithms, and product portfolio restructuring. Based on production structures that leverage the 10.5th-generation LCD line, they are likely to expand their product line options in ultra-large and mid- to large-sized products. Analysts suggest that RGB Mini-LED TVs will continue to offer advantages in terms of production efficiency, particularly in the ultra-large market (80 inches and above). UBI Research Vice President Han Chang-wook predicted, “In 2026, the premium TV market will become more structured, with each technology’s strengths differing across segments, driven by a complex mix of consumer demands, pricing conditions, and manufacturers’ product strategies.” He continued, “OLED is expected to strengthen its competitiveness in key premium segments based on cost improvements, while Mini-LED will expand its response strategy based on production efficiency in ultra-large areas. This will strengthen the multi-layered market structure, where the two technologies each demonstrate competitiveness in different areas.”

Changwook Han, Executive Vice President/Analyst at UBI Research (cwhan@ubiresearch.com)

Quarterly Medium & Large OLED Display Market Tracker Sample

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