Samsung, known for using its own display driver ICs (DDIs) in high-end Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series phones, is considering a shift for its upcoming Galaxy S27 series due to increased component costs, particularly memory chips. The Mobile eXperience division may opt for third-party DDIs in the base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ models, while continuing to use System LSI DDIs for the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra. Potential suppliers include South Korean firms Anapass, DB Global Chip, Wonik D2I, and Taiwanese company Novatek. This decision comes as memory chip prices have surged, driven by high demand for DRAM, HBM, and NAND flash chips amid the AI boom, impacting smartphone manufacturers’ profit margins. Samsung is yet to finalize its choice and will assess the quality and performance of DDIs from both its System LSI division and third-party suppliers.

