14 DAY TRIAL // Google is already working on upcoming Pixel smartphones, set to be released later this year, and officials recently stated that the next Pixel phones will continue to stay in the premium range.
Google is reportedly planning to invest $880 million in LG Display in order to secure OLED screens for their next flagship smartphone. Reports from Korea say that if LG Display accepts the offer, Google could increase the investment depending on contract details, including supply conditions.
For the Pixel and Pixel XL, Google used AMOLED screens from Samsung, but it seems that the tech giant is looking to replace the supplier with its competitor, LG Display. Google’s decision could be related to the fact that Samsung recently signed a deal with Apple for producing 70 million bendable OLED displays for the next iPhone 8. Because of this, Google might be looking to avoid any delays in supply and thus decided that LG would be more suitable as the provider of OLED displays.
The next Pixel phones could have curved OLED displays
Another interesting piece of information is the fact that the OLED screens would be of flexible nature, which means that Google could be interested in equipping the next Pixel smartphones with curved displays. Dual curved screens are surely a safe bet in the smartphone industry; Samsung’s phones that featured such displays have been so popular that this year’s Galaxy S8 lineup doesn’t include a variant with a flat screen.
However, there’s no definitive proof that the next Pixel phones will come with curved OLED screens, LG Display is currently analyzing Google’s offer. If Google intends to release a curved Pixel smartphone, LG Display is the best option in terms of supplier. Samsung Display is busy working on panels for the iPhone 8, while Japan Display will be ready to provide flexible OLED screens starting 2018.
Regarding the next Pixel smartphones, Google is believed to be working on camera enhancements, as well as a budget model with lower performance for emerging markets.