DOWNSIDE RISK:The start of production by two Chinese firms’ 8.5G fabs is expected to ease the supply constraint of high-definition smartphone panels in the first quarter

Taipei Times
Date: Sep 19, 2016
By: Lisa Wang / Staff reporter

The prices of flat panels used in entry-level smartphones have surged 50 percent this month to an all-time high as handset vendors refocus on shipping more low-end models to offset disappointing sales of premium smartphones, market researcher TrendForce Corp (集邦科技) said in a report released yesterday.

The price hikes were greater than a monthly increase of 30 percent for advanced high-definition 5-inch and 5.5-inch smartphone panels this month, TrendForce said.

“Entry-level smartphones are making a comeback and have become a shipment driver for smartphone vendors, which are facing challenges, including offering innovative features in new premium smartphones to stimulate sales,” the Taipei-based research firm said.     [FULL  STORY]