Pantech drops AMOLED completely due to shortage, may resume use in 2H 2011

The Pantech Vega that just hit Korea may boast a sizable 3.7-inch AMOLED screen, but don't expect future phones from the Helio manufacturer to follow suit -- after suffering the same shortages that drove HTC to Sony's SLCD-illuminated doorstep, Pantech's also temporarily giving active-matrix organic technology the boot. Now, you may not give two nickels about the technologies in Pantech's next handset, but the firm's got a finger on the industry's pulse. So when an unnamed executive says "phones to be rolled out in the first half of next year" won't use AMOLED, that hints at when the shortage for US-bound devices might also let up. In case you're curious, 2H 2011 is when Samsung's next AMOLED facility is slated to open, though by that point AU Optronics and TPO Display should be shipping the screens as well.

[DanaG Posted Aug 3rd 2010 11:20PM]

I have an AMOLED display on my Cowon S9, and it does have colors that approach those of my old CRT -- but it's not readable outdoors at anything less than full brightness.

AMOLEDs already have awesome brightness and contrast by nature -- so why the hell do manufacturers then ruin it by putting GLOSSY screens over the things? I'd bet a matte screen could make a difference.

[j3ff Posted Aug 4th 2010 12:06AM]

@DanaG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_AMOLED

[Quad5Ny Posted Aug 4th 2010 8:09AM]

Are they allowed to use that wallpaper without the authors consent? Wallpaper if anyone wants it - http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper_beta/details/1906/stabilis.html

[Quad5Ny Posted Aug 4th 2010 8:11AM]

@Quad5Ny
(Pantech, not Engadget. I'm assuming the image is from Pantech.)