The rapid rise and popularity of AI technology has had many companies racing to jump on the wagon. Yet for Samsung, AI is not new. We have been building intelligent connectivity into our devices for over a decade, as part of our continuous efforts to deliver deep and meaningful benefits to users through our technology and innovation. Having unveiled our “AI for All” vision at CES 2025 earlier this year, Samsung is on a mission to empower users through AI at every touchpoint.

We recently sat down with CU Kim, President and CEO of Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO), at Samsung Electronics, to discuss Samsung’s distinctive approach to AI in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic regions. What emerges is a picture of innovation grounded in a deep understanding and vision of AI’s role in creating impactful, personal everyday experiences.

Q: How would you describe Samsung’s approach to AI in SEAO?

A: We’re focused on democratising AI so that it delivers genuine value to consumers across different price points, regardless of their level of technical literacy. Today, 77% of SEAO users of Galaxy AI-powered devices are using our variety of Galaxy AI features, which are available not just on our latest flagship models, but also on previous flagship models, FE and Tab Series^[1]. Users of our affordable A Series range^[2] can also enjoy AI features such as Circle to Search with Google^[3] and Best Face^[4] which selects and combines the best expressions for up to five people from a motion photo for a perfect shot.

What sets our approach apart is how we’re integrating AI to solve real challenges that consumers face. Take communication, for instance. Our translation features, which break down language barriers, is a useful tool to navigate our region’s incredible linguistic diversity. Our on-device Galaxy AI features can also operate independently without requiring constant cloud connectivity – providing a reliable experience for SEAO users regardless of varying network infrastructure across the region.

Looking beyond mobile, we are extending this intelligence to our entire ecosystem of devices and appliances. Home AI learns from your habits and routines to develop a hyper-personalised smart home experience for you. This is underpinned by SmartThings, our smart home platform that connects and creates truly intelligent homes so you can have full control over your living space.

Q: How do you see AI transforming the landscape across SEAO?

A: With AI technology, consumers today have higher expectations of their day-to-day experiences whether in terms of efficiency, seamlessness and ease of use. For example, internal data shows that AI capabilities, such as the AI ProVisual Engine and Enhanced Search capabilities, are the most sought-after AI features on our Galaxy S25 Series among both Samsung and non-Samsung users. Even in households, consumers are looking out for smart features and functions when considering TV purchases^[5], such as our latest line-up of OLED and Neo QLED TVs, which deliver a personalised and advanced viewing experience through its AI features.

In our region, we are deeply passionate about creating new possibilities for the next generation that is embracing AI with remarkable enthusiasm, optimism, and even a touch of resilience. In fact, based on a recent survey we conducted^[6], a staggering 9 out of 10 youths in Southeast Asia are already incorporating AI tools and services into their daily lives, whether for learning, creative tasks, staying informed, or more altruistic purposes like driving positive change in their communities. And while 65% of youths believe that AI will create new job opportunities, they are likewise cognisant that some jobs will inevitably disappear – further taking concrete steps to learn more about AI and develop AI-related skills.

Q: For businesses and organizsations, how will AI shape Samsung’s growth strategy in SEAO?

A: The opportunities for businesses and organisations to tap into and benefit from AI in our region are tremendous. With SEAO’s rapidly developing digital infrastructure, businesses here are uniquely positioned to leapfrog legacy systems and implement AI-driven solutions from the ground up.

We want to bring our best AI-powered digital solutions to business partners. Through initiatives like SmartThings Pro, we are enabling businesses to create intelligent environments that enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. This B2B platform is set to transform new categories and industries – for example, providing personalised and sustainable hospitality experiences to hotel guests; or enabling the remote management of displays and devices across multiple buildings in commercial facilities, from shopping malls to educational institutions.

That said, a key element of our B2B strategy is not just our technology, it’s our openness to foster close partnerships to create customised AI solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes. In Indonesia, we recently launched the Samsung Digital Lighthouse School programme together with two schools, Al Muslim Bekasi and Salman Al Farisi Bandung, to enhance the learning experiences of over 2,500 students through the Galaxy Tab S and A Series.

Q: What excites you the most about upcoming innovations and what’s next for Samsung?

A: I’m particularly excited to see how our innovations empower communities to elevate passions. Gaming enthusiasts for example, will love the transformed mobile gaming experience on the Galaxy S25 Series, with console-quality visuals enabled by features like ProScaler^[7] and advanced Ray Tracing, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy^[8] processor.

Gaming is very important to us at Samsung, and we have partnered with Moonton Games to bring the first-ever MLBB Campus Series tournament to student gamers in SEA. This is part of Samsung’s Galaxy Gaming Academy efforts to champion the next generation of esports players.

When it comes to everyday living, we have moved beyond simple device control to creating intelligent environments that anticipate needs. Samsung Health and SmartThings can optimise sleep environments by automatically adjusting temperature and humidity based on users’ sleep patterns and the environmental conditions they live in.

By maintaining our focus on accessibility, personalisation and security, we’re working to ensure that AI becomes a trusted companion that empowers instead of complicating daily life. Our recently launched innovations like the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, and 2025 Bespoke AI home appliances with SmartThings, for example, will continue to embody this commitment. The future of AI is not about replacing human capability but enhancing them. At Samsung, we are privileged to be building that future together with the communities across SEAO in time to come.

^[1]_{Availability and features may vary by market and/or model.}

^[2]_{Availability and features may vary by market and/or model.}

^[3]_{Circle to Search is a trademark of Google LLC. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off.}

^[4]_{Best Face is only available for photos taken with Motion Photo turned on. The feature does not generate new facial expressions but selects from frames within the Motion Photo video clip.}

^[5]_{Based on the Samsung SEAO 2024 TV Awareness Study.} 

^[6]_{The Samsung 2024 Youth Survey on AI was conducted with 884 respondents across five markets, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, from August to October 2024. Respondents were recruited via snowball sampling and results shown are based on weighted data for equal representation from each market.}

^[7] _{ProScaler feature is supported on Galaxy S25+ and Ultra models. Image quality can be enhanced up to QHD+, depending on the screen resolution setting of the device.}

^[8] _{Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.}

— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

Quantum dots have been at the forefront of display innovation over the past decade, delivering some of the most accurate colour reproduction among existing materials. In 2015, Samsung Electronics paved the way for the commercialisation of quantum dots with the launch of SUHD TVs — a breakthrough that moved beyond the use of cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal traditionally utilised in quantum dot synthesis, by introducing the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

The academic world took notice. The successful commercialisation of cadmium-free quantum dot TVs not only set a new direction for research and development but also played a pivotal role in the awarding of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

Following Part 1, Samsung Newsroom uncovers how Samsung has contributed to academia through groundbreaking advances in material innovation.

▲ (From left) Taeghwan Hyeon, Doh Chang Lee and Sanghyun Sohn

Why Cadmium Was the Starting Point for Quantum Dot Research

“I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercialising a no-cadmium quantum dot display product.”

 — Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

Quantum dots began attracting scientific interest in the 1980s when Aleksey Yekimov, former Chief Scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc., and Louis E. Brus, a professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University, each published their researches on the quantum confinement effect and the size-dependent optical properties of quantum dots.

Momentum accelerated in 1993 when Moungi Bawendi, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developed a reliable method for synthesising quantum dots. In 2001, Taeghwan Hyeon, a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU), invented the “heat-up process” — a technique for producing uniform nanoparticles without the need for size-selective separation. In 2004, Hyeon published a scalable production method in the academic journal Nature Materials — a discovery widely regarded as a potential game changer in the industry.

▲Taeghwan Hyeon

However, these efforts did not immediately lead to commercialisation. At the time, quantum dots relied heavily on cadmium(Cd) as a core material — a substance known to be harmful to humans and designated as a restricted material under the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

“Currently, the only materials capable of reliably producing quantum dots are cadmium selenide (CdSe) and indium phosphide (InP),” explained Hyeon. “cadmium selenide, the conventional quantum dot material, is a compound of group II and group VI elements, while indium phosphide is formed from group III and group V elements. Synthesising quantum dots from group II and VI elements is relatively straightforward, but combining group III and V elements is chemically much more complex.”

▲ A comparison of cadmium-based quantum dots with ionic bonds and indium-based quantum dots with covalent bonds

Cadmium, an element with two valence electrons, forms strong ionic bonds^[1] with elements like selenium (Se), sulfur (S) and tellurium (Te) — each of which has six valence electrons. These combinations result in stable semiconductors, known as II–VI semiconductors, materials that have long been favored in research for their ability to produce high-quality nanocrystals even at relatively low temperatures. As a result, the use of cadmium in quantum dot synthesis was considered an academic standard for many years.

In contrast, indium (In) — an alternative to cadmium with three valence electrons — forms covalent bonds^[2] with elements such as phosphorus (P), which has five valence electrons. Covalent bonds are generally less stable than ionic bonds and have a directional nature, increasing the likelihood of defects during nanocrystal synthesis. These characteristics have made indium a challenging material to work with in both research and mass production.

“It is difficult to achieve high crystallinity in quantum dots made from indium phosphide,” Lee noted. “A complex and demanding synthesis process is required to meet the quality standards necessary for commercialisation.”

No Compromise – From Breakthrough to Mass Production

“There is simply no room for compromise when it comes to consumer safety.”

— Sanghyun Son, Samsung Electronics

Samsung, however, took a different approach.

“We had been researching and developing quantum dot technology since 2001,” said Sanghyun Sohn, Head of Advanced Display Lab, Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “But early on, we determined that cadmium — which is harmful to the human body — was not suitable for commercialisation. While regulations in some countries technically allow up to 100 parts per million (ppm) of cadmium in electronic products, Samsung adopted a zero-cadmium policy from the start. No cadmium, no compromise — that was our strategy. There is simply no room for compromise when it comes to consumer safety”

▲ Sanghyun Sohn

Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material. To ensure both durability and image quality, Samsung introduced a triple-layer protective coating technology that shields indium phosphide nanoparticles from external factors such as oxygen and light. The following year, Samsung launched the world’s first commercial SUHD TV with no-cadmium quantum dots — a paradigm shift in the display industry and the culmination of research efforts that began in the early 2000s.

“Indium phosphide-based quantum dots are inherently unstable and more difficult to synthesise compared to their cadmium-based counterparts, initially achieving only about 80% of the performance of cadmium-based quantum dots,” said Sohn. “However, through an intensive development process at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), we successfully raised performance to 100% and ensured reliability for more than 10 years.”

▲The three components of quantum dots

Quantum dots found in Samsung QLEDs are composed of three key components — a core, where light is emitted; a shell, which protects the core and stabilises its structure; and a ligand, a polymer coating that enhances oxidation stability outside the shell. The essence of quantum dot technology lies in the seamless integration of these three elements, an advanced industrial process that spans from material acquisition and synthesis to mass production and the filing of numerous patents.

“None of the three components — core, shell or ligand can be overlooked,” added Lee. “Samsung’s technology for indium phosphide synthesis is outstanding.”

“Developing a technology in the lab is a challenge in itself, but commercialisation requires an entirely different level of effort to ensure product stability and consistent colour quality,” said Hyeon. “I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercialising a no-cadmium quantum dot display product.”

Setting the Quantum Dot Standard

“Research trends in the academic community shifted noticeably before and after the release of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

The optical properties of quantum dots are being applied to a wide range of fields, including solar cells, medicine and quantum computing. However, the quantum dot display remains the most actively researched and widely commercialised application to date — with Samsung emerging as a pioneer.

Building on years of foundational research and the introduction of its SUHD TVs, Samsung launched its QLED TVs in 2017 and set a new standard for premium displays. In 2022, the company pushed innovation further with the debut of QD-OLED TVs — the world’s first display to combine quantum dots with an OLED structure.

▲ A comparison of LCD, QLED and QD-OLED structures

QD-OLED is a next-generation display technology that integrates quantum dots into the self-emissive structure of OLED. This approach enables faster response times, deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios. Samsung’s QD-OLED was awarded Display of the Year in 2023 by the Society for Information Display (SID), the world’s largest organisation dedicated to display technologies.

“Samsung has not only led the market with its indium phosphide-based quantum dot TVs but also remains the only company to have successfully integrated and commercialised quantum dots in OLEDs,” said Sohn. “By leveraging our leadership in quantum dot technology, we will continue to lead the future of display innovation.”

▲ Doh Chang Lee

“Research trends in the academic community shifted noticeably before and after the release of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs,” said Doh Chang Lee, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). “Since its launch, discussions have increasingly focused on practical applications rather than the materials themselves, reflecting the potential for real-world implementation through display technologies.”

“There have been many attempts to apply quantum dots in various fields including photocatalysis,” he added. “But these efforts remain in the early stages compared to their use in displays.”

Hyeon also noted that the successful commercialisation of Samsung’s quantum dot TVs helped pave the way for Bawendi, Brus and Yekimov to receive the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

“One of the most important criteria for the Nobel Prize is the extent to which a technology has contributed to humanity through commercialisation,” he said. “Samsung’s QLED represents one of the most significant achievements in nanotechnology. Without its commercialisation, it would have been difficult for quantum dots to earn Nobel recognition.”

Samsung’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Displays

Since the launch of its QLED TVs, Samsung has accelerated the growth of quantum dot technology in both industry and academia. When asked about the future of quantum dot displays, the experts shared their insights on what lies ahead.

“As a next-generation technology, we are currently exploring self-emissive quantum dots,” said Sohn. “Until now, quantum dots have relied on external light source to express red and green. Going forward, we aim to develop quantum dots that emit light independently through electroluminescence — producing all three primary colours by injecting electrical energy. We are also working on the development of blue quantum dots.”

“As electroluminescent materials make it possible to reduce the size of device components, we’ll be able to achieve the high resolution, efficiency and brightness required for virtual and augmented reality applications,” said Lee, predicting a major transformation in the future of displays.

“A good display is one the viewer doesn’t even recognise as a display,” said Sohn. “The ultimate goal is to deliver an experience that feels indistinguishable from reality. As a leader in quantum dot display innovation, we will proudly continue to move forward.”

With its continued leadership and bold technological vision, Samsung is shaping the future of displays and rewriting what’s possible with quantum dots.

^[1] An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating ions that are held together by electrical attraction.

^[2] A covalent bond is a chemical bond in which two atoms share electrons.

In 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. The Nobel Committee recognised the groundbreaking achievements of scientists in the field — noting that quantum dots have already made significant contributions to the display and medical industries, with broader applications expected in electronics, quantum communications and solar cells.

Quantum dots — ultra-fine semiconductor particles — emit different colors of light depending on their size, producing exceptionally pure and vivid hues. Samsung Electronics, the world’s leading TV manufacturer, has embraced this cutting-edge material to enhance display performance.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Taeghwan Hyeon, distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Seoul National University (SNU); Doh Chang Lee, professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); and Sanghyun Sohn, Head of Advanced Display Lab, Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics, to explore how quantum dots are ushering in a new era of display technology.

Understanding the Band Gap

“To understand quantum dots, one must first grasp the concept of the band gap.”

— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

The movement of electrons causes electricity. Typically, the outermost electrons — known as valence electrons — are involved in this movement. The energy range where these electrons exist is called the valence band, while a higher, unoccupied energy range that can accept electrons is called the conduction band.

An electron can absorb energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band. When  the excited electron releases that energy, it falls back into the valence band. The energy difference between these two bands — the amount of energy an electron must gain or lose to move between them — is known as the band gap.

▲ A comparison of energy band structures in insulators, semiconductors and conductors

Insulators like rubber and glass have large band gaps, preventing electrons from moving freely between bands. In contrast, conductors like copper and silver have overlapping valence and conduction bands — allowing electrons to move freely for high electrical conductivity.

Semiconductors have a band gap that falls between those of insulators and conductors — limiting conductivity under normal conditions but allowing electrical conduction or light emission when electrons are stimulated by heat, light or electricity.

“To understand quantum dots, one must first grasp the concept of the band gap,” said Hyeon, emphasising that a material’s energy band structure is crucial in determining its electrical properties.

Quantum Dots – The Smaller the Particle, the Larger the Band Gap

“As quantum dot particles become smaller, the wavelength of emitted light shifts from red to blue.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor crystals with unique electrical and optical properties. Measured in nanometers (nm) — or one-billionth of a meter — these particles are just a few thousandths the thickness of a human hair. When a semiconductor is reduced to the nanometer scale, its properties change significantly compared to its bulk state.

In bulk states, particles are sufficiently large so the electrons in the semiconductor material can move freely without being constrained by their own wavelength. This allows energy levels — the states that particles occupy when absorbing or releasing energy — to form a continuous spectrum, like a long slide with a gentle slope. In quantum dots, electron movement is restricted because the particle size is smaller than the electron’s wavelength.

▲ Size determines the band gap in quantum dots

Imagine scooping water(energy) from a large pot(bulk state) with a ladle(bandwidth corresponding to an electron’s wavelength). Using the ladle, one can adjust the amount of water in the pot freely from full to empty – this is the equivalent of continuous energy levels. However, when the pot shrinks to the size of a teacup — like a quantum dot — the ladle no longer fits. At that point, the cup can only be either full or empty. This illustrates the concept of quantised energy levels.

“When semiconductor particles are reduced to the nanometer scale, their energy levels become quantised — they can only exist in discontinuous steps,” said Hyeon. “This effect is called ‘quantum confinement.’ And at this scale, the band gap can be controlled by adjusting particle size.”

The number of molecules within the particle decreases as the size of the quantum dot decreases, resulting in weaker interactions of molecular orbitals. This strengthens the quantum confinement effect and increases the band gap.^[1] Because the band gap corresponds to the energy released through relaxation of an electron from the conduction band to the valence band, the color of the emitted light changes accordingly.

“As particles become smaller, the wavelength of emitted light shifts from red to blue,” said Lee. “In other words, the size of the quantum dot nanocrystal determines its color.”

Engineering Behind Quantum Dot Films

“Quantum dot film is at the core of QLED TVs — a testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”

— Doh Chang Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Quantum dots have attracted attention across a variety of fields, including solar cells, photocatalysis, medicine and quantum computing. However, the display industry was the first to successfully commercialise the technology.

“One of the reasons Samsung focused on quantum dots is the exceptionally narrow peaks of their emission spectrum,” said Sohn. “Their narrow bandwidth and strong fluorescence make them ideal for accurately reproducing a wide spectrum of colors.”

▲ Quantum dots create ultra-pure red, green and blue (RGB) colors by controlling light at the nanoscale, producing narrow bandwidth and strong fluorescence.

To leverage quantum dots effectively in display technology, materials and structures must maintain high performance over time, under harsh conditions. Samsung QLED achieves this through the use of a quantum dot film.

“Accurate color reproduction in a display depends on how well the film utilises the optical properties of quantum dots,” said Lee. “A quantum dot film must meet several key requirements for commercial use, such as efficient light conversion and translucence.”

▲ Sanghyun Sohn

The quantum dot film used in Samsung QLED displays is produced by adding a quantum dot solution to a polymer base heated to a very high-temperature, spreading it into a thin layer and then curing it. While this may sound simple, the actual manufacturing process is highly complex.

“It’s like trying to evenly mix cinnamon powder into sticky honey without making lumps — not an easy task,” said Sohn. “To evenly disperse quantum dots throughout the film, several factors such as materials, design and processing conditions must be carefully considered.”

Despite these challenges, Samsung pushed the boundaries of the technology. To ensure long-term durability in its displays, the company developed proprietary polymer materials specifically optimised for quantum dots.

“We’ve built extensive expertise in quantum dot technology by developing barrier films that block moisture and polymer materials capable of evenly dispersing quantum dots,” he added. “Through this, we not only achieved mass production but also reduced costs.”

Thanks to this advanced process, Samsung’s quantum dot film delivers precise color expression and outstanding luminous efficiency — all backed by industry-leading durability.

“Brightness is typically measured in nits, with one nit equivalent to the brightness of a single candle,” explained Sohn. “While conventional LEDs offer around 500 nits, our quantum dot displays can reach 2,000 nits or more — the equivalent of 2,000 candles — achieving a new level of image quality.”

▲ RGB gamut comparisons between visible light spectrum, sRGB and DCI-P3 in a CIE 1931 color space

*CIE 1930: A widely used color system announced in 1931 by the Commission internationale de l’éclairage

*sRGB(standard RGB): A color space created cooperatively by Microsoft and HP in 1996 for monitors and printers

*DCI-P3(Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3): A color space widely used for digital HDR content, defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives for digital projectors

By leveraging quantum dots, Samsung has significantly enhanced both brightness and color expression — delivering a visual experience unlike anything seen before. In fact, Samsung QLED TVs achieve a color reproduction rate exceeding 90% of the DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3) color space, the benchmark for color accuracy in digital cinema.

“Even if you have made quantum dots, you need to ensure long-term stability for them to be useful,” said Lee. “Samsung’s industry-leading indium phosphide(InP)-based quantum dot synthesis and film production technologies are testament to Samsung’s deep technical expertise.”

Real QLED TVs Use Quantum Dots to Create Color

“The legitimacy of a quantum dot TV lies in whether or not it leverages the quantum confinement effect.”

— Taeghwan Hyeon, Seoul National University

As interest in quantum dots grows across the industry, a variety of products have entered the market. Nonetheless, not all quantum dot-labeled TVs are equal — quantum dots must sufficiently contribute to actual image quality.

▲ Taeghwan Hyeon

“The legitimacy of a quantum dot TV lies in whether or not it leverages the quantum confinement effect,” said Hyeon. “The first, fundamental requirement is to use quantum dots to create color.”

“To be considered a true quantum dot TV, quantum dots must serve as either the core light-converting or primary light-emitting material,” said Lee. “For light-converting quantum dots, the display must contain an adequate amount of quantum dots to absorb and convert blue light emitted by the backlight unit.”

▲ Doh Chang Lee

“Quantum dot film must contain a sufficient amount of quantum dots to perform effectively,” repeated Sohn, emphasising the importance of quantum dot content. “Samsung QLED uses more than 3,000 parts per million (ppm) of quantum dot materials. 100% of the red and green colors are made through quantum dots.”

Samsung began developing quantum dot technology in 2001 and, in 2015, introduced the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot TV — the SUHD TV. In 2017, the company launched its premium QLED lineup, further solidifying its leadership in the quantum dot display industry.

In the second part of this interview series, Samsung Newsroom takes a closer look at how Samsung not only commercialised quantum dot display technology but also developed a cadmium-free quantum dot material — an innovation recognised by Nobel Prize-winning researchers in chemistry.

^[1] When a semiconductor material is in its bulk state, the band gap remains fixed at a value characteristic of the material and does not depend on particle size.

Quantum dots have attracted attention as next-generation material for a wide range of applications including displays, medical devices and solar cells. In 2014, Samsung Electronics developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material and successfully commercialized quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs. Since 2017, the company has continued to build on its legacy of quantum dot mastery through QLED — its own quantum dot TV series. Samsung Newsroom explored how quantum dots are taking Samsung displays to the next level.

Quantum Dots: The Next Generation of Display Innovation

Quantum dots are ultra-fine semiconductor particles that are tens of thousands of times thinner than a human hair. Since inception, their physical characteristics that allow them to provide the highest level of color accuracy and brightness among existing materials had them positioned to revolutionise display technology.

When used in displays, quantum dots support a wide color gamut that closely matches colors perceived by the human eye and facilitate pixel-level light adjustment for more accurate black levels. Emitting light in all directions, quantum dots deliver uniform luminance and consistent color from any viewing angle while minimising blue light exposure for a more comfortable viewing experience.

What Sets Quantum Dot TVs Apart: Content, Film Quality and No-Cadmium Technology

The TV industry continues research and development into the commercialisation of quantum dots as the material becomes a game-changer in display technology. For that reason, a variety of quantum dot TVs have hit the market recently — offering a wide range of options to customers.

However, key differences in quantum dot TVs lie in how the technology is implemented and the overall quality of the display. To ensure a premium viewing experience, factors such as the amount of quantum dot content, the quality of quantum dot film and the use of no-cadmium materials must be considered.

Quantum Dot Content

The true quality of a quantum dot TV is defined by its quantum dot content. The quantum dot film requires a minimum of 3,000 parts per million (ppm) of the material to achieve the vivid, rich picture quality and color expression that only quantum dots can deliver.

Quantum Dot Film

Samsung QLEDs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, enhancing light and energy efficiency while delivering more vivid colors. A quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED), which consists of a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer,^[1] a self-emitting light source and a quantum dot film that uses the light emitted from the light source, takes a step further enhancing picture quality. In either case, a dedicated quantum dot film that contains sufficient quantum dots is key in delivering top-class picture quality and longevity.

No Cadmium

In the early stages of developing quantum dot TVs, cadmium was essential to achieving the key benefits of quantum dots such as color reproduction and contrast ratio. At the time, cadmium was considered the most efficient material for producing quantum dots.

However, cadmium’s toxicity became a significant obstacle to the commercialisation of quantum dot technology. The element posed serious threats to the environment — making its widespread use difficult despite being the most suitable material for implementing quantum dot technology.

In response to this challenge, Samsung developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014 and successfully commercialised quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs in the following year to open a new era of quantum dot TVs.

10 Years of Quantum Dot Innovation and Leadership

Samsung has quickly recognised the potential of quantum dot technology and led innovation in the global display market over the past decade through continuous research and investment.

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — at a time when there was limited research on non-cadmium materials. Achieving vivid colors required making the nano-sized particles uniform, but the lack of technology and research made mass production extremely challenging.

Despite these obstacles, Samsung succeeded in creating a no-cadmium nanocrystal material in 2014. Since then, the company has accumulated extensive expertise — registering more than 150 patents — and continuously worked on advancing the technology. Samsung’s long-standing commitment culminated in 2015 when the company unveiled the world’s first SUHD TVs with no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

Samsung’s QLED lineup was revealed in 2017, setting a new standard for premium TVs that overcame the limitations of OLED TVs. By applying metal quantum dot technology, Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s color standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% color volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled color expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in^[2] to ensure consistent picture quality over time.

Following its success in developing a red light-emitting element for displays in 2019, the company enhanced the luminous efficiency of blue self-emitting QLEDs — considered the most challenging to implement among the three primary QLED colors^[3] — to an industry-leading 20.2%.

“Discovering a blue material for self-emitting QLEDs and demonstrating industry-leading performance at the device level were significant achievements of this research,” said Dr. Eunjoo Chang, a fellow at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. “Samsung’s distinctive quantum dot technology has once again overcome technical barriers.”

This cutting-edge advancements led to the launch of the QD-OLED TVs, making history at CES 2022 by winning the Best of Innovation award for integrating quantum dot technology and OLED displays.

Samsung remains dedicated to advancing quantum dot technology through continuous innovation. The company continues to invest in leading display technology — from QLED to Neo OLED — by offering high brightness, color accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivaled quantum dot innovations, the future of display technology is brighter than ever.

^[1] An electronic circuit that adjusts and controls the light-emitting layers

^[2] Occurs when a static image is displayed for too long, causing color distortions or ghost images to remain on screen

^[3] Red, green and blue

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that the quantum dot (QD) sheet used in its QD TVs has received certification for compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and has been verified to contain no cadmium by the global certification institute, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a world-leading testing and certification body that provides services to ensure organisations meet stringent quality and safety standards across various industries, including, but not limited to, electronic products and food.

In addition to receiving recognition from SGS for the no-cadmium technology in Samsung’s QD film, the company’s compliance with the European Union’s RoHS directive assures the safety of the TV viewing experience.

“Samsung’s quantum dot TVs are built on safe technology that complies with restrictions on hazardous substances while delivering unmatched picture quality”, said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Achieving SGS certification fully validates the safety of our products. With this recognition, we are committed to continuously developing sustainable display technologies.”

Samsung began researching QD technology in 2001, and its ongoing commitment to research and investment has positioned it at the forefront of innovation in the global display market.

After developing the world’s first no-cadmium QD material in 2014, Samsung launched TVs that implemented the technology the following year. Since then, the company has been leading QD technology through continuous technological advancements.

In particular, Samsung successfully created nanocrystal material without cadmium and has secured around 150 patents for the technology. With this extensive expertise and technological progress, the company has ushered in an era of safer QD TVs made with materials that do not contain harmful substances.

“Samsung sees TVs not as one-directional devices for passive consumption but as interactive, intelligent partners that adapt to your needs,” said SW Yong, President and Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung Vision AI, we’re reimagining what screens can do, connecting entertainment, personalisation, and lifestyle solutions into one seamless experience to simplify your life.”

Samsung Vision AI^[1]: Smarter, Adaptive Screens for Seamless Living

Samsung Vision AI represents the next step in Samsung’s journey to deliver intelligent, intuitive, and seamless screen experiences. With the ability to make your Samsung TV aware of its surroundings, adaptive to user preferences, and autonomous in delivering intuitive features, Samsung Vision AI transforms screens into smart companions that enhance entertainment, simplify interactions, and seamlessly integrate into connected lifestyles.

At the core of Samsung Vision AI are its personalised features, which redefine how users interact with their screens.

• Click to Search offers instant information about what’s on screen — whether identifying an actor or exploring displayed content — all without disrupting the viewing experience.
• Live Translate, powered by on-device AI translation model, eliminates language barriers with real-time subtitle translations, allowing viewers to enjoy global content seamlessly.
• Generative Wallpaper transforms screens into dynamic, personalised art canvases, allowing users to make images that perfectly match their taste or occasion.

Beyond personalisation, Samsung Vision AI positions screens as central hubs for smarter living through integration with the SmartThings ecosystem:

• Home Insights provide real-time updates about your household environment, including safety alerts and daily updates, ensuring peace of mind whether users are home or away from home.
• Pet and Family Care keeps a watchful eye on loved ones, detecting unusual behavior in both pets and family members. It enhances comfort by automatically adjusting room settings, like dimming the lights when a child falls asleep, while providing real-time updates and recorded events through TVs.

Samsung Vision AI also delivers exceptional advancements in picture and sound quality, making every on-screen moment captivating. On-device AI picture and sound technologies analyse content and environmental factors in real time, dynamically adjusting visuals and audio for an optimised experience.

Building on its history of recognition for innovation, Samsung’s latest Vision AI features, such as Click to Search and Live Translate, along with cutting-edge products like the AI companion Ballie and the Smart Monitor M9 featuring Copilot, have earned the prestigious 2025 CES Innovation Award.

Driving Innovation Through Open Partnerships in AI

Samsung Vision AI also offers limitless potential by collaborating with various AI partners such as Microsoft, paving the way for even more intelligent and personalised experiences and AI screen ecosystem expansion.

In collaboration with Microsoft, Samsung announced the new Smart TVs and Smart Monitors featuring Microsoft Copilot. This partnership will enable users to explore a wide range of Copilot services, including personalised content recommendations.

Samsung also plans to work closely with leading AI partners such as Google and others to expand what Vision AI can do.

With Samsung Vision AI, Samsung is redefining what screens can do — delivering personalised, intelligent experiences that adapt to users’ needs, simplify their routines and enhance their daily lives.

The Era of AI Screens: Samsung Brings Samsung Vision AI to Its Widest Lineup Yet

Samsung is ushering in a new era of AI-driven screen technology, with Samsung Vision AI features now integrated across its most comprehensive lineup ever — including Neo QLED, OLED, and QLED, and The Frame models. This expansion underscores Samsung’s commitment to bringing intelligent, adaptive screens to more users, redefining what’s possible in home entertainment and smart living.

At the forefront of this innovation is the Neo QLED 8K QN990F, Samsung’s most advanced TV to date, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, sleek design, and smarter, AI-driven experiences. Powered by the latest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, the TV leverages a suite of on-device AI features to enhance picture quality, sound clarity, and overall viewing experience:

• 8K AI Upscaling Pro: Elevates lower-resolution content up to stunning 8K quality, ensuring incredible detail and clarity in every frame.
• Auto HDR Remastering Pro: Analyses content frame by frame, applying scene-adaptive color expansion for lifelike visuals and vibrant colors, even in dark scenes.
• Adaptive Sound Pro: Uses AI to separate and optimise sound components like speech, music, and sound effects, delivering clear, balanced audio.
• Color Booster Pro: Enriches color expression with AI-driven scene analysis and enhanced image processing for each frame.
• AI Mode: Adaptively optimises picture and sound leveraging AI-based content recognition and TV area analysis for an optimal viewing experience in any setting.

Encased in an ultra-slim, minimalist design, the QN990F is a premium home entertainment device that combines cutting-edge technology with elegant aesthetics. With its advanced features and refined design, it elevates both the performance and style of any living space, offering a truly sophisticated entertainment experience.

A New Vision of Art: Expanding the Samsung Art Store and Introducing The Frame Pro

Samsung is continuing its commitment to blending art and technology with the expansion of Samsung Art Store and the launch of The Frame Pro, a new addition to the iconic Frame lineup. Together, these innovations reinforce Samsung’s mission to make art more accessible, personal, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Samsung Art Store now features over 3,000 curated works from prestigious global partners, including MoMA and the estates of Magritte and Basquiat. For 2025, this expanded collection is available not only on The Frame and MICRO LED series but also on Neo QLED and QLED models^[2], giving users more ways than ever to transform their screens into personalised art galleries. This marks another milestone in Samsung’s commitment to enriching homes with dynamic art experiences.

Complementing The Frame, Samsung unveiled The Frame Pro, the latest model of the lineup, which enhances the art and entertainment experience with advanced Neo QLED picture quality — delivering brighter colors, sharper contrasts and improved local dimming for deeper blacks. Powered by the NQ4 Gen3 AI Processor, The Frame Pro offers unparalleled picture quality for both artwork and video content. It also comes with the innovative Wireless One Connect, allowing for more flexible installations that blend in seamlessly with their environment.

Further strengthening its connection to the art world, Samsung has partnered with Art Basel, making The Frame the official art display of the globally celebrated event.

“As our mission is to power the world of art, having Samsung as our official global display partner is helping us break down physical and digital barriers, allowing more people to experience art in innovative and meaningful ways,” said Hayley Romer, Chief Growth Officer at Art Basel. “Through The Frame and the Samsung Art Store, art lovers can bring world-class works into their homes, transforming how they engage with and appreciate art.”

Shaping the Future of Display Technology

As Samsung continues to lead the way in reimagining the role of screens, its advancements deliver more than just technology — they create meaningful, personalised experiences that elevate everyday life.

At First Look 2025, Samsung unveiled The Premiere 5, the industry’s first interactive triple-laser ultra-short-throw (UST) projector. Designed to redefine home entertainment, The Premiere 5 introduces an interactive touch feature, allowing users to engage directly with the screen. This innovation seamlessly combines high-quality projection with versatile functionality, featuring Samsung LightWARP technology to project images onto everyday objects for creative and immersive experiences.

Samsung also showcased its commitment to shaping the future of display technology with the MICRO LED Beauty Mirror. This innovative mirror display combines advanced reflectance and transmittance capabilities with personalised beauty insights, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can enhance daily routines. By analysing individual skin types, the mirror provides tailored product recommendations to make self-care more intuitive and effective, leveraging innovative beauty solutions developed by Amorepacific, Korea’s leading cosmetics company.

^[1] Available features may vary by country and model.

^[2] Available models may vary by country.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the integration of Eclipsa Audio — a groundbreaking 3D audio technology developed in partnership with Google — into its 2025 TV and soundbar lineup. By empowering creators to craft dynamic, immersive audio content and enabling seamless playback on Samsung TVs, Eclipsa Audio brings captivating audio and visual experiences closer to consumers than ever before.

“We are proud to lead the industry with the integration of Eclipsa Audio into our 2025 TV and soundbar lineup,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “This innovation opens new possibilities for immersive audio experiences and reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of home entertainment.”

Innovating the Home Entertainment Experience

Samsung, the global leader in the TV market for 18 consecutive years, is redefining home entertainment with the integration of Eclipsa Audio. With the largest market share over 75 inches worldwide, Samsung TVs are poised to make this groundbreaking technology accessible to more consumers than ever before.

Eclipsa Audio allows creators to adjust audio data such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections, to create an immersive three-dimensional sound experience.

As the first in the industry to adopt Eclipsa Audio, Samsung is integrating the technology across its 2025 TV lineup — from the Crystal UHD series to the premium flagship Neo QLED 8K models — to ensure that consumers who want to experience this advanced technology can choose from a wide range of options.

Expanding Content and Playback

Starting in 2025, creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks to YouTube. Viewers with 2025 Samsung devices will be able to watch YouTube videos with premium spatial audio when available.

To ensure consistent audio quality, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to create a certification program for devices using Eclipsa Audio, ensuring that consumers experience the highest standards of sound fidelity.

“We believe that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to change the way we experience sound,” said Jim Bankoski, Vice President of Engineering, Google Chrome. “We are excited to see how the creator community uses it to create new and innovative audio experiences.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s leading TV manufacturer for 17 consecutive years, today announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures that will bring highly-anticipated movie trailers to Neo QLED 8K screens in more than 65,000 retail stores around the world.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward for 8K content, showcasing Neo QLED 8K’s capabilities and getting consumers excited about seeing films in cinematic quality,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Collaborating with Warner Bros. allows Samsung to show consumers how ultra-premium TV technology can take their favorite films to a whole new level.”

To better understand demand for 8K content, Samsung and Warner Bros. trialed their partnership by showcasing the “Creed III” trailer across more than 450 retail stores in the United States and Europe earlier this year. This garnered significant attention and enthusiasm from audiences worldwide, exemplifying the growing demand for 8K content. Since then, Samsung and Warner Bros. have worked together to expand the program. Now, shoppers globally will be able to see Samsung Neo QLED 8K in action with an appealing lineup of high-profile content, including trailers for upcoming films such as “Barbie,” “Blue Beetle,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Wonka,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

This collaboration with Warner Bros., a global leader in the creation, production and distribution of entertainment, represents Samsung’s ongoing efforts to bring high quality entertainment to consumers, and Warner Bros. is a perfect partner in bringing much-anticipated 8K trailers to consumers worldwide.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K screens continue to revolutionize the TV industry, with their impact reaching content production and retail markets around the globe. Powered by Neural Quantum Processor 8K and Quantum Matrix Technology, they bring immaculate picture quality with crisp details, accurate colors and hyper-realistic depth to offer consumers the best viewing experience available in the consumer TV market.

For more information on Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K TVs, please visit www.samsung.com. 

With its technical expertise and industry-leading innovation, Samsung Electronics has been recognized for its global market leadership and excellence.

According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung once again topped the global TV market in 2022, making it the 17th year in a row the company has ranked first in the TV industry. This accomplishment can be attributed to the company’s commitment to premium viewing experiences and user-centered design.

By prioritizing its premium product lineup, Samsung has upheld its unparalleled leadership in the TV industry for an impressive 17 years, exemplified best by its Neo QLED lineup. In 2022, Samsung sold a staggering 9.65 million units of QLED and Neo QLED TVs, bringing cumulative sales to 35 million units since its launch in 2017. Samsung also dominated the ultra-large TV market segment in 2022, reporting a 36.1% and 42.9% market share for TVs over 75-inches and 80-inches respectively. For the premium TV market priced over $2,500, Samsung retained the largest market share by revenue at 48.6%.

“Our track record of industry leadership over the past 17 years was made possible by our consumers’ continued loyalty and trust in our products,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to pave the path to create the most premium device experiences that go beyond premium picture quality.”

Samsung’s leadership in the TV market for 17 consecutive years is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing the most innovative products with consumer-centric designs and upgraded user experiences. The launch of the Bordeaux TV in 2006 marked the mainstream adoption of LCD TVs with sophisticated designs and light-weight form factor. It was also the first time for Samsung to rank number one in the global television market. The company continued to bring groundbreaking technologies closer to consumers by launching its first LED TV in 2009 and Smart TV in 2011, holding the top position in the market throughout each of those launches and after.

Samsung continued to push the boundaries of picture quality and innovation by introducing products with the latest technologies as well. In 2017, Samsung defined the term “next-generation display” by unveiling the first QLED TV, which utilized quantum dot technology to achieve 100 percent color volume for the first time in the industry. In 2018, the company launched the groundbreaking QLED 8K, followed by the Quantum Mini LED-backed Neo QLED and the self-illuminating MICRO LED in 2021. This collection of innovative technologies redefined the standard for TV picture quality and continued to set new industry benchmarks each time.

Additionally, Samsung has been at the forefront of pioneering new categories such as the Lifestyle series. Starting with the iconic design of The Serif in 2016, Samsung has continued to evolve its product lineup with designs to enhance the user experience through products such as The Frame, The Sero, The Terrace, The Premiere and The Freestyle.

In 2023, Samsung’s commitment to innovation continues with the development of intuitive technology designed to meet the needs of users. SmartThings will enable seamless integration and connectivity of multiple devices with security remaining a top priority, empowering users to create deeply personalized experiences that accommodate both their unique preferences and needs.