Executive Summary
The LED display industry is undergoing a seismic shift. In Q1 2025, SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) technology’s market share fell to 77.6% (down 2% YoY), while COB (Chip-on-Board) surged to 22.1% smart interactive panel 65" 75" 86" . This report explores the drivers behind this trend amongSMD vs. COB vs. MiP , compares the technologies, and forecasts their future roles.1. Market Share Analysis: Why SMD Is Losing Ground
1.1 The Decline of SMD
SMD has dominated LED displays for decades due to its
mature supply chain cost efficiency smart interactive panel 65" 75" 86" micro-pitch displays(below P1.2) are becoming apparent: Pixel density limits : SMD’s single-pixel packaging struggles with pitches below
P1.0Higher maintenance costs : Annual upkeep averages.
2.3× more than COBProduction bottlenecks : Achieving finer pitches requires expensive upgrades..
1.2 The Rise of COB and MiPMetric
SMD
| 2025 Q1 Share | YoY Change | MiP | Technology Shifts: |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤P1.0 | 77.6% | 22.1% | 0.3% |
| ≤P0.9 | -2% | +2.2% | +0.1% |
| COB’s growth drivers | Simplified production | : Integrates chips directly onto PCBs, reducing steps. | Price drops |
: Average COB product prices fell:
31.4% YoY in 2025: No exposed wires, reducing failure rates.
MiP’s niche advantagesFlip-chip design : Enables.
Thermal Mgmt.better thermal management
Micro LED compatibility:
: Critical forP0.9 and below applications. smart interactive panel 65" 75" 86" 2.1 COB: The Micro-Pitch Leader.
Key innovationsDirect PCB bonding : Eliminates SMD’s lamp bead packaging, reducing dead pixels
ghosting
Seamless displays
: No gaps between pixels, ideal for:
4K/8K video wallsCase study : Leyard’s COB-P0.9 displays now power smart interactive panel 65" 75" 86" Limitations.
Color consistency: Challenging in large-screen splicing. Repairability.
: Damaged modules often require full replacement.2.2 MiP: The High-End Disruptor Why MiP wins in premium markets.
Higher yields:
20% betterthan traditional Micro LED at P0.6-P0.9 pitches.
“Zero defects”: Eliminates SMD’s
caterpillar effect
(black-line failures).:
XR applications: : Used in 90% of Hollywood virtual production stages
(e.g., Disney’sMandolorian Adoption barriers : Still
3-5× pricierthan SMD at equivalent pitches. Scalability : Requires 10,000+ nits).
for outdoor use.:
FIDS, Advertising, Wayfinding (Indoor/Outdoor)3.1 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis Cost Factor Initial Cost (P1.2)
$800/m²$1,200/m² $3,500/m² 5-Year Maintenance
$400/m²
$170/m²
| $250/m² | YoY Change | MiP | Technology Shifts: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230W/m² | SMD’s sweet spot | Budget projects | : Stadium scoreboards, outdoor billboards. |
| Emerging markets | : Africa/SE Asia, where | price > pixel density | 4. Future Outlook: Coexistence or Replacement? |
| 4.1 The Hybridization Trend | COB+MiP fusion | : Companies like | NationStar |
now offer:
COB-backed MiPP0.4-P0.6
displays.SMD’s last stand IMD (Integrated Mounted Device).
tech extends its life in
P1.5-P2.5
markets.4.2 Emerging Applications Technology Growth Segment 2025-2030 CAGR mass transfer Cinematic VR (90%) Outdoor Advertising (60%)
4.3 The AI Wildcard: Machine learning : Compensates for COB’s color drift in real-time (e.g., Google’s DeepColor SDK Predictive maintenance
: Cuts MiP’s downtime by
| in control rooms. | Conclusion: A Fragmented Future | The LED display market will |
|---|---|---|
| MiP | , not consolidate: | 18.2% |
| Technology Shifts: | ~65% share by 2030 | 34.5% |
| YoY Change | : Controls | 5.1% |
50%+ of P0.7-P1.2
by 2026.: Dominates P0.4-P0.9).
for metaverse/medical imaging.Recommendations for Buyers 40% Choose SMD for
: High-brightness outdoor screens (>P2.0).
Opt for COB for : Boardrooms, broadcast (P0.9-P1.5).Invest in MiP for
YoY ChangeIndustry Verdict “COB and MiP are the future, but SMD won’t retire quietly.” —
MiP, MIT DisplayLab Reference source: The Proportion of Sales Continues to Expand, COB/MiP Is Eroding the SMD Display Application Market
Technology Shifts:: Dominates P0.4-P0.9 kanggo metaverse/imaging medis.
Rekomendasi kanggo Pambeli:
Pilih SMD kanggo: Layar luar bercahaya tinggi (>P2.0).
Pilih COB kanggo: Ruang rapat, siaran (P0.9-P1.5).
Investasi MiP kanggo: Produksi virtual, layar bedah.
Putusan Industri: “COB dan MiP yaiku kemunduran, nanging SMD ora bakal mundur tanpa kagum.”
— Dr. Lisa Chen, MIT DisplayLab
Sumber referensi: Proporsi Penjualan Tetap Meningkat, COB/MiP Menggusur Pasar Aplikasi Layar SMD