Samsung’s Color E-Paper Is Nice — But Will Small Businesses Actually Use It?
An ultra-low power display with big promises, but are we ready to change how we show content?
Lately, I’ve been following the buzz around Samsung’s new Color E-Paper displays — and on the surface, it looks like a smart, sustainable, design-forward step for retail and signage. Lightweight, no glare, battery-powered, and beautiful. The kind of tech that makes you think: “Finally, someone is rethinking how we display things in public spaces.”
But then comes the question that matters most:
Would a small, tech-friendly business actually use it?
📉 Static Screens in a Dynamic World
Let’s start with what’s genuinely impressive: the screen uses almost no power to show static content. It can go 200 days on a single charge if you're only updating it once a day. That’s serious battery life. And Samsung’s marketing rightly points out how eco-friendly it is — built with over 50% recycled plastics and shipped in paper-based packaging.
It’s the kind of screen that would look great in a cafe window, a creative studio, a co-working space, or a boutique with a minimal aesthetic.
But here’s the trade-off:
No video. No animations. No motion.
This thing is designed for static content only. And in 2025, that might be a problem — especially when customers are used to video menus, attention-grabbing motion, and Instagram-like digital boards.
🔒 It’s Also a Closed System
Another big factor for small businesses is control. The content is managed through Samsung’s proprietary VXT platform. If you’re a business owner used to Google Drive, Canva, or scheduling posts from your phone — VXT could feel like an extra step (and not always a welcome one).
That said, Samsung does offer a mobile app, and the interface doesn’t look overly complex. Still, any time you add a proprietary tool, you’re asking people to adapt to your system instead of working with theirs. For big companies, that’s fine. For small business owners? Less so.
💰 And Then There’s the Price…
At launch, the 32” model retails around $1,300 USD. Not outrageous for digital signage — but also not casual. Especially if you run a small business in Latin America (like I’m familiar with) where security is a constant concern. A sleek, portable display like this would need to be fixed, protected, and monitored — all of which adds cost, risk, and friction.
🌱 Is It Still Worth Watching?
Actually… yes.
Even with the limitations, this is a valuable product category that will evolve quickly. If you run a sustainable brand, a quiet store, or want to stand out in a world of loud screens, this might be a beautiful, intentional way to do it.
Imagine a digital wine list that doesn’t glow like a TV.
Or an art show guide that doesn’t use a single watt of power unless updated.
Or a calm way to share messages in wellness spaces, galleries, and cultural centers.
That’s where I see the magic of this kind of tech.
More info:
https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-showcases-color-e-paper-and-ai-signage-solutions-at-ise-2025
👋 Thanks for reading!
I’m Felipe Aguilera, a digital strategist and designer based in Santiago, Chile — helping people and businesses improve how they communicate, organize, and protect their digital lives.
If you’re looking to simplify your systems, align your brand, or optimize your productivity — I’d love to help.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.faguilera.com