In summary:
- PCWorld reports on Samsung’s new ‘QuantumBlack’ film technology that will be standard across all Samsung OLED monitor panels starting in 2026.
- This innovation reduces light reflectance by 20% and increases surface hardness to 3H, addressing common OLED concerns about glare and scratch resistance.
- Major brands including Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI will incorporate this technology to enhance black performance on QD-OLED panels.
OLED monitors are all the rage now, getting far more numerous and constantly cheaper. (It helps that no one can afford to upgrade their actual computers, so it’s a good time to buy a new screen.) Samsung, one of the biggest suppliers of OLED panels, isn’t resting on its laurels. The company says that its new “QuantumBlack” film tech will make upcoming monitors better in several ways.
Specifically, the new film will reportedly reduce light reflectance by 20 percent, and increase the surface hardness from 2H to 3H. (That’s presumably on the Mohs hardness test — the tempered glass on your phone screen is probably around 8H or 9H.) According to Samsung’s promotional material, the film will be focused on black performance for QD-OLED panels, one of the areas OLED already shines versus even high-quality LCD panels.
Samsung supplies panels for its own monitors, of course, but also for Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, which will market the new film features as “Black Shield,” Obsidian Shield,” and “Dark Armor,” respectively. Samsung says that all the new OLED panels it produces in 2026 will feature the new tech. The monitor on the left in the header image looks like a de-branded MSI model, going by the base.
All that being said, OLEDs continue to be some of the most expensive monitors on the market, even as their general prices drop. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, going for an older model (especially when the new ones land) is a good way to save some dough.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.