Samsung’s Color E-Paper: Redefining Digital Signage with Ultra-Slim, Ultra-Light, and Ultra Low-Power Design

Samsung’s new 32-inch Color E-Paper (EM32DX model) is changing the game in digital signage. Designed for energy efficiency, mobility, and stunning visuals, it marks a major shift in how digital content can be displayed — especially in retail and commercial spaces.

Paradigm Shift: A New Display Standard

The Color E-Paper redefines what’s possible in signage by setting a new standard in three key areas: hardware design, operational efficiency, and visual expressiveness. At just 8.6mm thin and weighing 2.5kg (with battery), its ultra-slim and lightweight body is easy to install almost anywhere — from storefronts to interior wall displays.

“We designed it to be ultra-slim and ultra-light so it fits even in tight spaces,” said Daewoong Cho, who led the hardware development. “Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from café menus to emotional seasonal displays.”

Power Efficiency That Breaks the Mold

One of its most impressive features is its ultra-low power consumption. The display consumes 0.00W while showing static images, enabling extended use on battery power alone. Updating the screen requires only minimal energy. As part of Samsung’s sustainability efforts, the device uses recycled plastics and eco-friendly packaging.

A Display Without a Continuous Power Supply

Unlike traditional LCDs that rely on backlighting, the Color E-Paper uses digital ink technology — arranging colored ink particles like print on paper. Inside are microcups filled with red, yellow, white, and blue ink particles. An electrical signal moves the particles to the surface to display six combined colors, forming the desired image. Once rendered, the image remains without consuming power.

“This method mimics printed paper, offering a soft, eye-friendly texture,” said Iljun Ahn, who worked on the image enhancement technology. “It’s this innovation that gives the display its unique look and energy-saving advantage.”

Vivid Color With Just Six Inks

Despite using only six base colors, the Color E-Paper can produce up to 2.5 million hues, thanks to Samsung’s proprietary Color Imaging Algorithm. Inspired by how the human eye perceives color — averaging across regions rather than individual pixels — the algorithm calculates optimal color combinations and arrangements to enhance realism and avoid distortion.

This results in 40x more color richness compared to conventional methods, reduced eye strain, and printed-material-like visuals with smooth, natural gradients.

A Breakthrough Recognized Worldwide

The Color E-Paper has been met with surprise and acclaim. Reactions like “Is that real paper?” and “Where’s the power cable?” were common at ISE 2025, where it won three Best of Show awards.

“I felt proud when a global brand — known for sticking to analog signage — reconsidered digital after seeing the Color E-Paper,” said Cho. “Its paper-like visuals will offer fresh experiences across commercial spaces. We aim to expand the lineup with various sizes in the future.”

“We’re also continuing research to expand color range and refine performance,” added Ahn. “Samsung Research and the VD Business will keep pushing for the next breakthrough.”

A Glimpse Into the Future of Digital Displays

With a revolutionary combination of power efficiency, color accuracy, and elegant design, Samsung’s Color E-Paper is more than a display — it’s a vision for the future of digital signage. As everyday environments call for smarter, more sustainable tech, Samsung is delivering solutions that transform how we see and interact with information.