Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be mistranslations.
https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1771330385
TCL Overtook Samsung in December, but Samsung Maintains Overall Lead in 2025
TCL is rapidly catching up to Samsung's leading position in the TV market, and last December, the Chinese brand surpassed Samsung. Nevertheless, Samsung maintained its top spot in both Q4 2025 and annual overall performance.
Samsung has dominated the global TV market for 20 consecutive years, leading in both sales volume and revenue.
However, in recent years, competition with Chinese brands has intensified, causing Korean companies LG and Samsung to lose some ground. LG and Samsung have completely discontinued LCD TV panel production and outsourced it to Chinese manufacturers. While Korean companies have also lost their foothold in the miniLED LCD TV segment, they still hold a leading position in the OLED TV market.
TCL Took the Top Spot in December, Surpassing Samsung Electronics.
According to new data from market research firm Counterpoint, TCL followed closely behind Samsung in November and then surged ahead in December, overtaking Samsung in TV sales.
Bob O'Brien, Research Director at Counterpoint, said: "TCL has been expanding its presence for several months and, driven by a year-end surge, overtook Samsung in December. Although it was only a one-month result, TCL's shipments continued to grow year-on-year while Samsung's shipments stagnated."
TCL vs. Samsung
Can TCL Continue to Lead?
Samsung maintained its global leadership in both Q4 2025 and the full year of 2025. TCL came in second, followed by Hisense in third place.
The true test will be this year. Can TCL continue to lead in sales for the next few months and quarters before the TCL-Sony partnership fully takes effect?
Samsung also still holds a leading position in premium TV sales, focusing on QD-OLED TVs, high-end miniLED LCD TVs, and large LCD TVs. This is just one battle within a broader competition.
O'Brien added: "If TCL gradually strengthens its presence in the premium segment through its alliance with Sony, it could pose a greater competitive threat to Samsung in the future."
The TCL-Sony partnership, scheduled to begin operations in April 2027, has the potential to reshape the TV market landscape.
▶ Source: https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1771330385
