[THE INVESTOR] Global sales of small and midsized OLED displays doubled in the second quarter from a year earlier, data showed Sept. 25.

According to the data compiled by IHS Markit, the market for flexible OLEDs that are 9 inches and below was estimated at US$2 billion in the April-June period, rising sharply from US$886 million posted a year earlier.

OLED displays boast improved resolution as each pixel on the screen emits light, compared with LCD products, which need backlights. This difference allows OLED displays to express complete black and have superior contrast.

Industry watchers said the growth came as major tech giants, including Samsung Electronics, adopted flexible OLED displays on their flagship smartphones.

Samsung Display accounted for 98.3 percent of the market for flexible OLED products in the second quarter.

By Alex Lee and newswires (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)