Introduction
In 2019, Samsung redefined smartphone displays. It was the year the company solidified its dominance in AMOLED technology, phasing out LCDs from nearly all high-end models. From the Galaxy S10 series to the futuristic Galaxy Fold, Samsung showcased innovation and display mastery that left a lasting mark on the industry.
While AMOLED ruled most of its lineup, some entry-level and regional models still featured LCD screens — mainly to balance cost and market demand. Let’s explore every major Samsung smartphone launched in 2019 and the specific display types used.
The Rise of AMOLED Technology
A Decade in the Making
Samsung began developing AMOLED screens long before 2019, but that year was a turning point — Dynamic AMOLED debuted, pushing color accuracy, brightness, and eye safety to new heights.
Why 2019 Was a Milestone
Before 2019, AMOLED was reserved for flagships. By this year, Samsung expanded it across mid-range phones, making Super AMOLED a new norm.
Dynamic vs. Super AMOLED
- Super AMOLED: Integrates touch sensors directly into the display for thinner design and vivid colors.
- Dynamic AMOLED: Adds HDR10+ support, better contrast, and reduced blue light emission, making it ideal for premium models.
Flagship Series – Galaxy S10 Family
The Galaxy S10 lineup, unveiled in February 2019, defined Samsung’s flagship identity.
Galaxy S10e
The most compact of the series, featuring a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display — vibrant, efficient, and compact without compromise.
Galaxy S10 and S10+
Both models delivered Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED screens with impeccable clarity. HDR10+ support and minimal bezels offered a cinematic experience.
Galaxy S10 5G
Samsung’s first 5G phone also sported a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display — large, sharp, and future-ready.
💡 Key takeaway: No LCDs were used in any Galaxy S10 model. The entire series was AMOLED-exclusive.
Premium Note Series – Galaxy Note10 Line
Galaxy Note10 and Note10+
Released in August 2019, both models featured Dynamic AMOLED screens with vivid colors and professional-grade brightness.
The Note10+ boasted a massive 6.8-inch display, making it perfect for creative tasks, media, and productivity. Samsung’s S Pen experience was enhanced by this display’s precision.
Mid-Range Power – Galaxy A Series
A Series Overview
2019’s Galaxy A lineup covered a wide spectrum — from budget models to high-end mid-rangers. Samsung’s strategy was to democratize premium display tech.
Entry-Level Models Using LCD
- Galaxy A10 – Released in March 2019, it used a TFT LCD panel.
- Galaxy A20e – An IPS LCD variant for European markets.
These were among the few A-series devices not to feature AMOLED displays.
Core A Series with Super AMOLED
- Galaxy A20, A30, A40, A50, A70, A80, A90 5G – All equipped with Super AMOLED screens.
- The A50 became a best-seller due to its balanced specs and premium display.
- A80 introduced a rotating camera, showcasing Samsung’s design innovation.
- A90 5G was the first mid-range phone to support 5G.
Regional and Cost-Effective Models
- Galaxy A60 – Launched mainly in China, featuring PLS LCD, Samsung’s proprietary version of IPS.
Online-Exclusive Value Line – Galaxy M Series
Samsung’s M series, introduced in 2019, targeted online markets with high specs at affordable prices.
M10 and M20 – Budget LCD Options
Both models launched with PLS LCD displays, balancing cost with acceptable viewing quality.
M30 – First AMOLED in the M Series
A game-changer — the M30 was the first in the M series to adopt Super AMOLED, setting a new standard for budget phones.
M40 – Hybrid Features
Despite its higher positioning, the M40 returned to PLS LCD, likely for cost and supply reasons.
Innovation Milestone – Galaxy Fold
Samsung’s first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, launched in September 2019, was revolutionary.
It featured:
- 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display
- 4.6-inch cover AMOLED screen
This dual-AMOLED setup made it the first mainstream foldable AMOLED smartphone, setting the stage for Samsung’s foldable future.
LCD vs AMOLED – The 2019 Perspective
Image Quality and Power Efficiency
AMOLED delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and lower power consumption than LCDs, making it ideal for both performance and aesthetics.
Cost Factors and Market Segmentation
LCDs remained in entry-level and select regional models due to lower manufacturing costs and pricing strategies — ensuring Samsung stayed competitive in budget segments.
Key Insights from 2019 Samsung Lineup
- Full AMOLED in Flagships: The Galaxy S and Note series completely abandoned LCDs.
- Mid-Range Revolution: Super AMOLED became standard across A-series mid-range phones.
- Budget Retention of LCD: Models like A10, A20e, A60, M10, M20, and M40 retained LCDs.
- Foldable Innovation: Galaxy Fold introduced new form factors powered by AMOLED technology.
Understanding Display Technologies
Dynamic AMOLED
Introduced in 2019, supporting HDR10+, better color accuracy, and reduced blue light — the pinnacle of Samsung’s display tech.
Super AMOLED
Integrated touch technology with rich color reproduction, delivering vivid and efficient visuals.
PLS and IPS LCD
Both are LCD types; PLS (Plane to Line Switching) is Samsung’s in-house variant of IPS, known for better brightness and wider viewing angles.
Conclusion – Samsung’s Display Evolution
2019 was a defining year for Samsung’s display innovation.
From Dynamic AMOLED in the S10 and Note10 to Super AMOLED in the A series and even the foldable display in Galaxy Fold, Samsung cemented its reputation as the world leader in display technology.
The selective use of LCDs in budget phones showed that Samsung could balance innovation with accessibility — ensuring there was a Galaxy for every type of user.
FAQs
1. Which 2019 Samsung phones used LCD displays?
Galaxy A10, A20e, A60, M10, M20, and M40 used LCD-based panels.
2. What’s the difference between Dynamic AMOLED and Super AMOLED?
Dynamic AMOLED offers HDR10+, improved contrast, and reduced blue light, while Super AMOLED focuses on integration and vividness.
3. Why did Samsung still use LCD in 2019?
To lower costs and cater to emerging markets where affordability was a priority.
4. Was the Galaxy Fold the only foldable Samsung phone in 2019?
Yes. The Galaxy Fold was Samsung’s first commercial foldable smartphone.
5. How did Samsung’s 2019 lineup influence later designs?
It set the foundation for all-AMOLED lineups in the 2020s and led to the Z Fold and Z Flip series.
