Samsung appears ready to fix the biggest complaint users have about its mid-range phones: the thick black borders around the screen. According to new reports, the upcoming Galaxy A57 will switch to a more advanced display technology that allows for a much modern look, and Samsung is turning to a Chinese rival to make it affordable.
Ditching the ‘Chin’ for a Modern Look
For the last few years, Samsung’s Galaxy A50 series has used what is known as “rigid” OLED panels. While these screens are colorful and bright, they are made with a glass base that requires a thicker bottom bezel, often called a “chin.”
For the Galaxy A57, Samsung is reportedly switching to “flexible” OLED panels. Despite the name, this doesn’t mean the phone will fold like a Galaxy Z Flip. Instead, the flexible plastic base allows the screen’s connectors to curve underneath the panel. This simple change allows the manufacturer to shave down the borders, giving the phone a symmetric, all-screen look similar to the expensive Galaxy S24.
Bringing in Cheaper Competition
The problem with flexible screens is that they cost more to make. To keep the Galaxy A57 price from skyrocketing, Samsung is making a rare business move.
The company is reportedly in talks to buy some of these screens from TCL CSOT, a Chinese display giant. Usually, Samsung buys screens almost exclusively from its own subsidiary, Samsung Display. However, TCL has offered to make the screens for a lower price.
By bringing in a second supplier, Samsung achieves two things: it gets cheaper parts from TCL, and it forces its own internal factory to lower its prices to match the competition.
Coming Sooner Than Expected
If you are waiting for this upgrade, you might not have to wait until spring. While Samsung usually updates this lineup in March or April, rumors suggest the Galaxy A57 could launch as early as February 2026.
Market Impact & Context
This is a necessary move for Samsung. Competitors like Redmi, Realme, and Motorola have been using flexible OLEDs in their mid-range phones for a while now, making the current Galaxy A55 look slightly outdated by comparison. By adopting this design and cutting costs through a new supplier, Samsung is trying to make sure its best-selling phone remains attractive against aggressive competition from China.
