As smartphones equipped with 2K (2560 by 1440) displays are starting to appear in the market from vendors such as Vivo, more vendors are expected to launch 2K-smartphones in the second half of 2014, according to sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Vivo launched its first smartphone equipped with a 6-inch 2K display, and Oppo and LG Electronics have followed suit by launching smartphones featuring 2K screens.

Smartphones will increase resolutions and larger sizes are expected to be the focus of handset vendors' new products throughout the rest of 2014 into 2015 as competition increases and price wars intensify, the sources said.

AU Optronics (AUO), JDI and Samsung Display are expected to be the main suppliers of 2K panel technology in the second half of 2014, the sources added.

The sources also said vendors in China are expected to release various 4G smartphones with 2K panels in the second half due to 4G developments in the nation.