Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that they are working to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs to give users a seamless way to enjoy the moments that matter most, from trips and hobbies to everyday memories with loved ones – now on an immersive and larger screen. The experience aims to offer families a delightful and meaningful way to rediscover their favourite memories together. ^[1]

“Samsung TVs have always brought people together, and bringing Google Photos to the big screen makes that experience even more personal,” said Kevin Lee, Executive Vice President of the Customer Experience Team at the Visual Display (VD) Business of Samsung Electronics. “We’re giving users an intuitive and engaging way to enjoy the stories behind their photos – right from the comfort of their living room.”

A More Meaningful Way to Enjoy Personal Photos

Google Photos makes reliving and sharing special memories easy. With the planned integration, it will seamlessly bring the photos people capture on their phones to Samsung TVs, where they can appear in a larger, cinematic format.

Through the proposed integration, users can explore curated memories on their TVs organised by people, places, and meaningful moments. Google Photos will also expand the suite of photo-driven experiences that integrate with Samsung’s Vision AI Companion (VAC), enriching how memories are highlighted and enjoyed throughout the day.

Samsung wants Google Photos to be deeply woven into the TV experience. Imagine Photos surfacing naturally through Daily+ and Daily Board, ensuring that meaningful memories ^[2] greet users throughout their day in contextual and convenient moments. The setup should be simple — users sign in with their Google Account, and their photo memories instantly appear on the big screen.^[3]

Three Ways to Relive and Rediscover: Memories, Create and Themed Slideshows

• Memories (planned to launch exclusive in early 2026): Shows curated stories based on people, locations, and meaningful moments for the first time on TV, available first and exclusively on Samsung TVs for six months.^[4] Create with AI (planned to launch later in 2026): Introduces themed templates^[5] built on Nano Banana, Google DeepMind’s image generation and editing model, featuring playful and fun transformation. Users can also utilise Remix to transform the art style of an image, or Photo to Video to bring still moments to life as short videos.

• Personalised Results (planned to launch later in 2026): Users may view related photos as a slideshow based on topics or contents of memories e.g. ocean, hiking, Paris, etc.

A Seamless Way to Experience Memories on Samsung TV

Samsung and Google Photos want to bring a cinematic gallery experience to the heart of the home, enabling Samsung TV users to browse and relive their most important moments in stunning detail. This integration will transform personal photo libraries into a space where users are invited to explore their journey, create new stories, and reminisce over cherished memories with depth and simplicity.

“Google Photos is a home for people’s photos and videos, helping them organise and bring their memories to life,” said Shimrit Ben-Yair, Vice President, Google Photos and Google One. “We’re excited to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs — helping people enjoy their favourite photos on a larger screen and reconnect with their memories in new ways.

^[1] Features and availability may vary by model and region.

^[2] Available on Samsung TV models launched 2026 with a Google Account and backed-up photos/videos. For in market models, experience will be available following the OS update schedule.

^[3] Memories must not be turned off in Google Photos settings.

^[4] Memories available beginning March 2026; Create and Search available in the second half of 2026.

^[5] Select creative AI templates will be available exclusively on Samsung TVs.

*This article contains products and features currently in development. The plans, product claims, timelines, and specifications described are subject to change without notice. Their future availability is not guaranteed.

*Availability may vary per region, country or carrier.

The Samsung Shop App offers customers a more convenient, personalised, and rewarding way to purchase their favourite Galaxy devices and home appliances directly from Samsung. The app is designed to be the definitive digital destination for both new customers and dedicated Samsung fans, integrating commerce, support, and community into a single, powerful platform.

The app streamlines the entire shopping journey, from discovery to delivery. Users can effortlessly browse and purchase the latest products, including the Galaxy Z Series and Galaxy Watch8, while enjoying a suite of exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience. In a market that values both convenience and value.

Key benefits of the Samsung Shop App include:

• Exclusive App-Only Offers: Get instant savings on new products like the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Galaxy Watch8 series. New users receive a 10% discount* on their first purchase. The app is also the primary channel for time-sensitive promotions, such as limited-stock bundles and flash sales
• Earn & Redeem Rewards: Samsung Rewards programme enables you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future purchases. This creates a virtuous cycle where everyday purchases contribute directly to savings on future technology upgrades, making premium devices more accessible over time.
• A Truly Personalised Experience: The app provides tailored product recommendations and deals based on your selected interests, such as mobile devices, TVs, or appliances. Beyond just shopping, this personalisation extends to content, showing users relevant tutorials, tips for their owned devices, and invitations to virtual launch events based on their preferences.
• Flexible Payment Options: Pay securely with credit/debit cards, Samsung Pay, or choose instalment plans through Float, Mobicred, and PayJustNow. This flexibility is crucial for budgeting, allowing customers to spread the cost of essential technology like smartphones and laptops over manageable periods without any hidden fees.
• Comprehensive 24/7 Support: Access expert help via live chat, phone, or email, and manage warranties, register products, or book repairs directly through the app. This end-to-end support system means the app doesn’t stop being useful after checkout; it becomes a lifelong tool for managing your Samsung ecosystem, providing immediate help whether you need to set up a new TV or troubleshoot a washing machine.

The app integrates seamlessly with the Samsung ecosystem. A single Samsung Account provides unified access to services, order tracking, and device management. It also complements the Samsung Members app by offering dedicated shopping benefits like pre-order bonuses and beta-testing opportunities. For instance, loyal customers often get first access to reserve the next generation of foldable phones before they sell out.

“For the customer who wants a direct, efficient, and rewarding shopping experience, the Samsung Shop App is the ultimate destination,” said [Astrud Meintjes, Head of ECommerce]. “It puts our latest innovations, best offers, and dedicated support right at their fingertips. We’ve moved beyond a simple storefront to create a connected hub that understands and anticipates the needs of the South African consumer, rewarding their loyalty at every step of their journey with us.”

The Samsung Shop App is available for download now on the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store.

For more information and to explore current promotions, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/apps/samsung-shop-app/ 

^*  T&Cs apply.

Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, took centre stage at the recent Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, Samsung presented a powerful suite of cutting-edge hotel technologies designed to elevate guest experiences and streamline hotel operations.

Visitors to the Samsung exhibition stand experienced first-hand how the brand is shaping the future of smart hospitality. On display was a curated portfolio of Samsung’s premium commercial solutions tailored specifically for hotels, including:

• Samsung Hotel TVs – Commercial TVs built for business, and designed to offer an immersive in-room entertainment or conference experience. These advanced displays allow your guests to enjoy seamless and life-like picture quality. Explore more
• Samsung Kiosk and Connection Box – Modernise guest self-service with intuitive, secure, all-in-one solutions that simplify check-ins, payments, and more. See details
• Samsung Flip Screen – Encourage collaboration in conference or event spaces with an interactive whiteboard that brings meetings to life.
• LED Smart Signage – Find the perfect display solution for any business. Make a striking impression with high-impact indoor and outdoor LED signage, ideal for lobbies, event promotions, or wayfinding. More info | Smart Signage
• Samsung Tablets – Business-ready tablets that support operations and communication – designed to maximise productivity in the field, classroom, or office. Browse tablets

Samsung’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and seamless integration positions it as a leading technology partner for the hospitality sector. From enhancing operational efficiency to delivering premium guest experiences, Samsung’s hotel solutions are trusted by hotels across South Africa and around the world.

At the expo, Samsung gave visitors an opportunity to discover how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape, making every stay smarter, safer, and more connected.

For more information about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/business

Samsung South Africa is excited to announce the #YouMake TV Redemption Promotion. Running currently until 30 June 2025, this promotion offers South Africans more than just innovative televisions — it’s a chance to tailor your tech experience and receive a complimentary gift with every qualifying TV purchase.

Samsung’s #YouMake initiative focuses on giving consumers more control over how their technology integrates into their daily lives. From customisable design to seamless connectivity, the campaign is a bold step toward a world where technology adapts to the user, and not the other way around.

Buy a TV, Get Rewarded

During the campaign, customers who purchase a qualifying Samsung TV, either online or from select retailers, will receive a complimentary gift ranging from smartphones to tablets, tailored to the specific TV model purchased. Participating retailers include Game, Takealot, Iser, Hirsch’s, House & Home, as well as Samsung’s branded stores and online store.

This is the list of qualifying TVs (including product codes);

How to Redeem Your Gift

Step 1: Buy a participating product on or before 30 June 2025.

Step 2: Scan the QR Code or visit TV Offer Redemption and complete the redemption form, upload all required documents, then click submit.

Step 3: An email will be shared once the completed redemption form has been submitted and evaluation of the redemption has been successful.

Step 4: Once the redemption is approved, the complimentary gift(s) will be delivered within 21-30 days.

Each purchase of a qualifying TV unlocks a gift, so there’s no limit to how many times you can redeem, as long as each purchase meets the campaign criteria.

Make It Yours with #YouMake

Samsung’s #YouMake campaign redefines personalisation and connectivity, allowing you to tailor your technology to suit your space, your preferences, and your life. Now, with every qualifying TV purchase, that experience comes with even more value.

For more details, terms and conditions, visit: Samsung Offers

A significant leap forward – Samsung pioneered QLED technology, an innovative use of Quantum Dot displays, and has continually refined it to perfection. As a result, Samsung TVs have become the standard for picture quality in the world of home entertainment. Additionally, Samsung’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop with the picture – from sleek, minimalist designs to user-friendly interfaces, every Samsung TV is crafted with the modern consumer in mind.

When it comes to visual brilliance, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology is leading the charge in delivering a picture-perfect viewing experience. Watching TV has evolved from just a pastime into an immersive experience that redefines how we connect with stories, sports, games, and even daily streaming. Gone are the days of settling for dull, washed-out images on your screen. Today, technology is designed for function and lifestyle, creating visual experiences that transform how we enjoy media.

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — they succeeded in creating a no-cadmium nanocrystal material in 2014. Since then, the company has accumulated extensive expertise, registering more than 150 patents, and has 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.

A Leap Forward in Picture Quality

At its core, Quantum Dot technology enhances your TV’s picture quality by harnessing the power of tiny particles known as quantum dots. These microscopic dots emit pure, true colours when light hits them. It’s not just about sharper images, though — it’s about creating an experience that pulls you right into the action. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, cheering on your favourite sports team, or diving into a video game, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology ensures every scene is rich with vibrant, life-like colours, crisp contrasts, and unmatched clarity.

How Samsung’s Quantum Dots Elevate Your Viewing Experience

Picture-Perfect Colour: Samsung’s quantum dots allow your TV to produce an exceptional range of colours, even in the brightest of scenes. Imagine watching an action-packed movie where explosions are vivid, or a nature documentary where every leaf, every petal seems so detailed you can almost reach out and touch them. With Quantum Dots, colour accuracy comes standard.

Unmatched Brightness and Contrast: Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite show in a bright living room or enjoying a dark, moody film in the evening, Quantum Dot technology ensures that every scene looks incredible. With higher brightness levels and a superior contrast ratio, Samsung Quantum Dot TVs provide incredible depth, making both bright scenes pop and dark scenes more defined.

Longevity: Quantum dots are built to last, meaning that over time, your Samsung QLED TV will continue to deliver stunning, vivid colours without fading. Only Samsung quantum dots are metal-coated, which adds to your QLED TV’s longevity, and its picture quality will not degrade over time. So, you can rest easy knowing that your TV will keep delivering the same top-tier viewing experience for years to come — no need for constant upgrades.

A Lifestyle Experience That Goes Beyond the Screen

Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs aren’t just about great picture quality — they seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle. Whether you’re a movie lover, a gaming enthusiast, or a sports fan, the benefits are clear. Movie buffs get the picture accuracy and superior contrast of Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs that make every film feel cinematic, be it the latest blockbuster or an old classic. If you’re a gamer, imagine playing your favourite game and having the colours and contrasts pop with greater depth. Quantum Dot technology elevates your gaming experience with richer colours, smoother transitions, and a heightened sense of realism. For sports fans, this technology brings the action to life with the vivid colours, better contrast and sharper clarity – it’s more immersive, like being right there in the stadium.

A Perfect Fit for Your Home

Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs are not only technologically advanced, but they’re also designed to seamlessly blend into your home’s decor. With sleek, modern designs, they enhance any living room, bedroom, or home theatre, becoming the centrepiece of your entertainment space. Whether you’re watching, playing, or simply admiring its aesthetic, Samsung’s TVs are a statement of innovation, beauty, and functionality.

The academic world took notice. The successful commercialization 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 commercializing 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 synthesizing 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 commercialization. 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. Synthesizing 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 commercialization.”

 No Compromise – From Breakthrough to Mass Production

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

— Sanghyun Sohn, 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 commercialization. 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 synthesize 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 stabilizes 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 commercialization requires an entirely different level of effort to ensure product stability and consistent color quality,” said Hyeon. “I was truly impressed that Samsung succeeded in commercializing 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 commercialized 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 organization 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 commercialized 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 commercialization 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 commercialization,” he said. “Samsung’s QLED represents one of the most significant achievements in nanotechnology. Without its commercialization, 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 colors 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 recognize 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

According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung achieved a 28.3% market share in the global TV market in 2024, maintaining the number one ranking it has held since 2006. This continued success is driven by the company’s commitment to premium and ultra-large screen innovation, as well as the introduction of cutting-edge, AI-powered TVs.

“Samsung’s 19-year reign as the global TV market leader has been made possible by the trust and support of our customers,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to shape the future of the TV industry with innovations like AI-powered TVs, delivering products and services that meaningfully enrich people’s lives.”

Dominance in the Premium and Ultra-Large TV Segments

Samsung solidified its leadership in the high-end TV market, particularly in the premium and ultra-large (75-inch and above) segments:

Premium TVs – Samsung captured a 49.6% market share, accounting for nearly half of the global premium TV market.

75-inch and above – Samsung led the ultra-large category with a 28.7% market share.

QLED and OLED TV Success

Samsung also maintained its leadership in the QLED and OLED segments, reinforcing its dominance in the premium TV industry:

QLED TVs – With 8.34 million units sold, Samsung commanded a 46.8% market share, further strengthening its leadership in this category. The global QLED market also saw significant growth, surpassing 10% of total TV sales for the first time.

OLED TVs – Samsung’s OLED sales reached 1.44 million units in 2024, securing a 27.3% market share. This marks a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 42% and 4.6% in unit sales and market share, respectively, reflecting strong consumer demand for Samsung’s OLED innovations.

Transforming Home Entertainment With AI and Art

At CES 2025, Samsung unveiled Vision AI, a breakthrough in AI-powered screens that extends beyond traditional entertainment. By analysing user preferences, intent and habits, Vision AI delivers a seamlessly personalised viewing experience that shapes the future of smart home displays.

Samsung is also expanding its Samsung Art Store — originally available exclusively on The Frame — to Neo QLED and QLED models this year, providing more consumers with access to a personalised digital art experience.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has 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 electronic products, food and the environment.

In addition to receiving recognition from SGS for the no-cadmium technology in Samsung’s quantum dot film, the company’s compliance with the EU’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 Mike van Lier, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa. “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 quantum dot 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 quantum dot material in 2014, Samsung launched TVs that implemented the technology the following year. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot 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 quantum dot TVs made with materials that do not contain harmful substances.

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 colour accuracy and brightness among existing materials had them positioned to revolutionise display technology.

When used in displays, quantum dots support a wide colour gamut that closely matches colours 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 colour from any viewing angle while minimising blue light exposure for a more comfortable viewing experience.

▲ SUHD TVs at CES 2015

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.

▲ Factors to consider when selecting a high-quality quantum dot TV

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 colour 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 colours. 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.

▲ A comparison of QD-OLED and LCD displays

No Cadmium

In the early stages of developing quantum dot TVs, cadmium was essential to achieving the key benefits of quantum dots such as colour 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.

▲ A timeline of Samsung’s quantum dot technology development from 2001 to 2022

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001 — at a time when there was limited research on non-cadmium materials. Achieving vivid colours 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.

▲ QLED TVs (75Q8C and 88Q8F) at Samsung’s First Look 2017 event during CES 2017

Samsung’s QLED line-up 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 colour standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% colour volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled colour expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in^[2]to ensure consistent picture quality over time.

▲ (From left to right) Kwang-Hee Kim, Dr. Taehyung Kim, Dr, Eunjoo Jang, Sungwoo Kim and Seon-Myeong Choi from Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology

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 colours^[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, colour accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivalled 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 colour distortions or ghost images to remain on screen
^[3] Red, green and blue

Samsung Electronics 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.”