Galaxy S23 series to skip out on Samsung’s new UDR 2000 display

Samsung Display announced a new OLED display for smartphones at CES 2023, boasting a UDR 2000 (Ultra Dynamic Range) certificate from UL (Underwriter Laboratories). As the name suggests, the panel can reach over 2,000 nits of brightness and should have improved dynamic range. It would be a noteworthy upgrade for the upcoming Galaxy S23 series, but industry rumors say that the company won't use this panel for the 2023 flagship phones.

It's safe to say that everyone had hoped for Samsung to make the UDR 2000 panel available to the general public through the Galaxy S23 series, or at least the Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra. But according to new rumors (via @AhmedQwaider888), Samsung's next flagship phone won't use the UDR 2000 panel.

Better colors, same brightness?

It is suggested that the Galaxy S23 Ultra display will have the same brightness level as the S22 Ultra, i.e., 1,750 nits. At the same time, the panel should improve through other means, specifically under high luminosity conditions (direct sunlight). The Galaxy S23 display will have better color reproduction in direct sunlight, so there should be some improvements to image clarity even if the next flagship series won't use the UDR 2000 display unveiled at CES 2023.

Although the Galaxy S23 Ultra shouldn't have a “downgraded” display, as some would say, it might not boast significant upgrades over the previous generation, either. Color reproduction is said to have improved, but peak brightness levels may not surpass 1,750 nits. It's a bit of a shame, considering that Samsung already possesses better technology, and teased it at CES 2023, one month before the Galaxy S23's unveiling.

Samsung has increased peak brightness levels with nearly every flagship it released, but that may not be the case next month when the Galaxy S23 lineup is expected to go live at Unpacked. The series could be unveiled on February 1 and go on sale in most markets a couple of weeks later.