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Possibly—but the Galaxy A38’s screen has not been confirmed by Samsung. A July 3, 2026 report by ZDNet Korea, citing an unnamed industry source, says Samsung plans to reuse the Galaxy A27’s OLED panel in the A38. If accurate, the change would mean lower reported high-brightness-mode (HBM) brightness and no Always On Display (AOD) support compared with the Galaxy A37, while keeping the same basic screen size, resolution, pixel density and refresh rate.
What the Galaxy A38 screen report says
ZDNet Korea reported that Samsung Electronics intends to use the Galaxy A27 OLED panel in the future Galaxy A38, without changes to the panel module. The claim comes from an unnamed industry source; Samsung has not confirmed it as an A38 specification. The outlet says panel reuse could reduce manufacturing costs as memory semiconductor prices rise, but that is the report’s explanation, not an official Samsung rationale. ZDNet Korea’s July 3, 2026 report
Galaxy A37 vs. A27 vs. reported A38 display
The A38 figures below are conditional: they apply only if the reported A27 panel reuse is accurate. The A37 and A27 figures are those listed in ZDNet Korea’s comparison.
| Display detail | Galaxy A37 | Galaxy A27 | Galaxy A38 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel and size | OLED, 6.7 inches | OLED, 6.7 inches | Reportedly reuses the A27 OLED panel; unconfirmed |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2340 | 1080 × 2340 | Reportedly the same as A27; unconfirmed |
| Pixel density | 385 ppi | 385 ppi | Reportedly the same as A27; unconfirmed |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | Reportedly the same as A27; unconfirmed |
| High Brightness Mode (HBM) | 1,200 nits | 800 nits | Reportedly 800 nits if the A27 panel is reused; unconfirmed |
| Peak brightness | 1,900 nits | Not stated in ZDNet Korea’s comparison | Not stated in ZDNet Korea’s comparison |
| Always On Display | Supported | Not supported | Reportedly not supported if the A27 panel is reused; unconfirmed |
On the reported figures, the potential trade-off is specific: HBM brightness would be 400 nits lower than the A37’s, and AOD support would be absent. The report gives the A37 a separate 1,900-nit peak-brightness figure; it does not give an A27 or A38 peak figure, so the HBM numbers should not be treated as peak brightness. The listed size, resolution, pixel density and refresh rate would remain the same.
#1 Best Overall
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
What “RAMageddon” does—and does not—establish
Memory-cost pressure is part of the wider handset market context, not proof of Samsung’s specific A38 decision. Omdia forecast global smartphone AMOLED shipments of 810 million units in 2026, down from 817 million in 2025, attributing the expected decline to memory shortages and rapidly rising memory prices that prompted manufacturers to scale back shipment and procurement plans. Omdia said AMOLED panels could be a cost-offset target, while noting limited room for further panel price cuts. Omdia’s January 22, 2026 outlook
Omdia’s Principal Analyst Joy Guo described the broader cost mindset: “Many smartphone makers still rely on a product-line, cost-down mindset, assuming pressure can be pushed upstream to oversupplied components such as AMOLED panels to contain Bill of Materials (BOM) inflation,” That observation helps explain the market pressures discussed in the report; it does not independently confirm that Samsung will reuse the A27 panel or that memory prices caused the reported plan.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What remains unconfirmed about the Galaxy A38
Samsung’s 2026 first-quarter interim report lists other Galaxy A models and their specifications, but it does not confirm A38 panel reuse. The cited evidence also does not establish the A38’s final display specifications, launch timing or regional availability. Samsung’s 2026 first-quarter interim report
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Until Samsung publishes A38 specifications, treat the lower HBM brightness and missing AOD as reported possibilities—not settled facts. The report supports a potential downgrade in those two areas, but not a claim that every screen attribute would be worse.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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