Wintek tops in mobile phone main display market for first time in 3Q07, says DisplaySearch

Building on its strength in passive matrix LCDs, Wintek was the leading supplier to the mobile phone display market in the third quarter of 2007 on a shipment basis, growing 39% on quarter and 76% on year, according to research firm DisplaySearch.

"Motorola was able to reverse their slide of the previous two quarters to post some unit growth in the third quarter; however, the gains were most likely seasonal as their market share dropped to 10.3%," noted Dale H Maunu, DisplaySearch's vice president. "Motorola is losing the battle for the number two as Samsung maintained their 12.6% share and market leader Nokia finished the quarter with a 32.6% share," he added.

Handset main display shipment revenues were up 13% on quarter, but down 8% on year to US$2.77 billion. Due to the tight supply situation, spot market prices for mobile phone displays are increasing, while long-term contracted prices are declining, but at a modest rate. As previously predicted by DisplaySearch, mobile phone display revenue is now increasing as a function of volume as ASP declines no longer outweigh increases in shipment volume.

Also of note, QVGA (320�240) resolution grew 38% on quarter to achieve a 31.4% share of market, followed by QCIF+ (176�220) with a 20.5% share. QVGA is forecasted to grow to 34.9% share by the first quarter of 2008. The average display size in mobile phones stood at 1.91-inch, flat on quarter and up 4% on year.