Samsung Electronics
| File:Samsung Logo.svg Samsung logo | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics, semiconductors, appliances |
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Lee Jae-yong (Vice Chairman) |
| Products | Smartphones, televisions, home appliances, semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, image sensors, camera modules, display panels |
Number of employees | 260000 (2019) |
| Parent | Samsung Group |
| Website | www |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEC; stylized as SΛMSUNG; Template:Korean) is a global South Korean corporation specializing in major appliances and consumer electronics. Established on 13 January 1969, its headquarters are located in the Yeongtong District of Suwon, South Korea.[1] As the flagship entity of the Samsung chaebol, it contributed approximately 70% of the conglomerate's revenue in 2012,[2] and has been central to the group's corporate governance structure through intricate cross-shareholding arrangements.[3] The majority ownership is held by international investors.[4][5]
As of 2019, Samsung Electronics ranked as the world's second-largest technology company measured by revenue, with a market capitalization reaching approximately US$520.65 billion, positioning it as the twelfth largest globally.[6] Since 2012, it has maintained its status as the foremost smartphone manufacturer worldwide.[7][8][9][10] The company is widely recognized for its Samsung Galaxy portfolio, which includes flagship models such as the Galaxy S series, popular mid-tier devices like the Galaxy A series, and premium foldables including the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip lines. It has held the position of leading television manufacturer since 2006,[11] encompassing related software platforms and services such as Samsung Pay and TV Plus. Additionally, Samsung pioneered the phablet category through its Galaxy Note series.[12] The firm also commands a significant share in markets for washing machines, refrigerators, computer monitors, and soundbars.[13]
Beyond consumer products, Samsung Electronics is a key supplier of electronic components including lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, image sensors, camera modules, and display panels for prominent clients such as Apple, Sony, HTC, and Nokia.[14][15] It has been recognized as the largest global producer of semiconductor memory products,[16] and from mid-2017 through mid-2018 briefly surpassed Intel to become the world's top semiconductor manufacturer.[17] Operating across assembly facilities and sales offices in over seventy-six countries, Samsung Electronics employs upwards of 260,000 personnel worldwide.[18]
1969–1987: Formative Period
Samsung Electric Industries was launched as a manufacturing division within the Samsung Group on 13 January 1969 in Suwon, South Korea. At that time, Samsung Group was primarily recognized domestically as a trading firm specializing in fertilizers and sweeteners. Despite limited technological expertise and resources—lagging even behind local competitors—the group strengthened its position in manufacturing by partnering with Japanese companies. This approach sparked considerable anti-Japanese backlash among the public and fierce opposition from competitors concerned about potential Japanese dominance over the sector. The strategy gained traction only after both the government and Samsung committed to focusing exclusively on export markets. Toshio Iue, founder of Sanyo, served as an advisor to Samsung's founder, Lee Byung-chul, who was inexperienced in electronics at the time. Later that same year, Samsung Electric formed a joint venture named Samsung-Sanyo Electric alongside Sanyo and Sumitomo Corporation. This entity is regarded as the direct forerunner of present-day Samsung Electronics.
The initial product lineup from this joint venture included various electronic and electrical devices such as televisions, calculators, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. In 1970, Samsung created another partnership, Samsung-NEC, with Japan’s NEC Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation, focusing on manufacturing home appliances and audiovisual equipment. This joint venture evolved into Samsung SDI, which now handles the group's display and battery divisions. In 1973, Samsung and Sanyo established Samsung-Sanyo Parts, which later became known as Samsung Electro-Mechanics. By 1981, Samsung Electric had produced over 10 million black-and-white televisions.
In 1974, Samsung Group entered the semiconductor market by acquiring Korea Semiconductor, a company struggling financially while developing one of South Korea’s earliest chip fabrication plants. Shortly afterward, Korea Telecommunications—another Samsung affiliate specializing in electronic switching systems—assumed control of the semiconductor operations and was renamed Samsung Semiconductor & Communications.
In February 1983, Lee Byung-chul announced what became known as the "Tokyo declaration," declaring Samsung’s ambition to become a competitive supplier of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). One year later, Samsung revealed it had successfully developed a 64 kb DRAM chip, narrowing the technological gap between itself and leading companies from developed countries from over ten years down to roughly four years. To achieve this advancement, Samsung utilized technology imported from the U.S.-based Micron Technology for DRAM development and from Japan’s Sharp Corporation for its SRAM and ROM technologies. In 1988, Samsung Electric Industries merged with Samsung Semiconductor & Communications to form Samsung Electronics; prior to this consolidation, they operated separately but cooperatively rather than competitively.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Samsung marketed personal computers under the Leading Technology brand name. Although these devices were manufactured by Samsung itself, regulatory filings from that era frequently identified them as Samsung products.
1988–1995: challenges in the consumer market
In 1988, Samsung Electronics introduced its inaugural mobile phone to South Korea's market. Initial sales were underwhelming, and by the early 1990s, Motorola dominated with a market share exceeding 60 percent, while Samsung held merely about 10 percent. During this period, Samsung's mobile phone division faced difficulties due to subpar quality and less competitive products, leading to internal debates about potentially withdrawing from the mobile phone industry.
1995–2008: focus on component production and design innovation
Under Lee Kun-Hee's leadership, Samsung revised its approach by discontinuing numerous low-performing product lines. The company shifted its focus toward designing and manufacturing components for other firms while investing in emerging technologies. Additionally, Samsung implemented a decade-long strategy aimed at shedding its "budget brand" reputation and competing with Sony for the title of the largest global consumer electronics manufacturer. This approach was intended to deepen Samsung's understanding of product creation and eventually secure a technological advantage. The patient vertical integration strategy in component manufacturing began to yield significant benefits by the late 2000s.
Complementing this shift, chairman Lee proclaimed 1996 as the "Year of Design Revolution," aiming to establish Samsung's design capabilities as a core competitive strength and elevate the company to a global leader in brand design. Achieving this required substantial transformation in corporate culture, processes, and systems. By embedding a robust design management framework into its organizational culture, Samsung successfully developed an award-winning product design portfolio by the late 1990s, significantly enhancing its brand equity.
As Samsung moved away from direct consumer markets, it formulated a strategy to sponsor major sporting events, including the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Leveraging its status as a chaebol with considerable financial resources, Samsung prioritized investment in new technologies rather than focusing solely on product volume that might negatively affect its financial health.
Samsung achieved several technological milestones in memory technology that have become standard across many electronic devices. These include pioneering the world's first 64 MB DRAM in 1992, followed by 256 MB DRAM in 1994, and 1 GB DRAM in 1996. In 2004, Samsung developed the first-ever 8 GB NAND flash memory chip. The company secured a manufacturing agreement with Apple in 2005 and has since remained a crucial supplier of Apple components. Notably, Samsung produced the A7 processors used in Apple's iPhone 5S model as of October 2013.
2008–present
Between 2000 and 2003, Samsung sustained a net profit growth exceeding 5%, even as 16 out of South Korea's 30 largest corporations collapsed amid a financial crisis. In 2005, Samsung overtook its Japanese competitor, Sony, for the first time, securing the 20th position among the world's most valuable consumer brands according to Interbrand's rankings. By 2007, Samsung had surpassed Motorola to become the second-largest smartphone manufacturer globally. Two years later, in 2009, Samsung recorded revenues of $117 billion, surpassing Hewlett-Packard to claim the title of the world's top technology company by sales.
Nevertheless, Samsung encountered legal repercussions in 2009 and 2010 when both U.S. and European Union authorities imposed fines on the company alongside other memory chip producers for participating in a price-fixing conspiracy from 1999 to 2002. In 2010, Samsung received immunity from prosecution by the EU after cooperating as an informant in the investigation of the LCD price-fixing cartel, which implicated companies such as LG Display and HannStar.
Despite ongoing expansion, concerns about Samsung’s financial stability have been voiced. Upon returning from a brief retirement in 2010, chairman Lee Kun-hee cautioned that the future of Samsung Electronics was uncertain due to the likelihood that many flagship products would become obsolete within a decade. Since then, Samsung has set ambitious targets aiming to reach $400 billion in annual revenue within ten years, supported by its network of 24 global research and development centers.
In 2011, Samsung divested its hard disk drive division by selling it to Seagate Technology for $1.4 billion in cash and stock. The following year, Kwon Oh-hyun assumed the role of CEO at Samsung Electronics; he resigned in 2017 amid what he described as an "unprecedented crisis." This departure led to a leadership structure featuring three co-CEOs until 2021, when Kyung Kye-Hyun and Han Jong-hee were appointed as new CEOs following a comprehensive corporate restructuring.
The year 2014 marked significant product launches for Samsung, including the Galaxy S4 smartphone and successful trials of advanced 5G technology. Subsequently, Samsung expanded its footprint in technology sectors with releases such as the Galaxy S5 in April 2014 and the Galaxy S6 along with Galaxy S6 Edge in 2015—both introducing redesigned aesthetics and curved screen technology. That same year, Samsung entered the Internet of Things (IoT) market by acquiring smart home startup SmartThings.
Samsung faced one of its most notable challenges in 2016 when its Galaxy Note 7 devices experienced battery defects causing overheating and fires, prompting a worldwide recall and production suspension. The company rebounded with successful launches like the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 in 2017, restoring consumer trust. Additionally, November 2016 saw Samsung's acquisition of Harman International Industries for $8 billion—a strategic move into automotive technology focusing on connected car solutions.
In 2017, record profits were reported by Samsung driven primarily by its semiconductor division specializing in memory chips. By early 2018, Samsung had surpassed Intel to become the largest semiconductor manufacturer worldwide. Continuing its expansion efforts amid global chip shortages, in 2021 Samsung announced a $17 billion investment to construct a new semiconductor fabrication plant in Taylor, Texas.
On May 20, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden visited Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor facility in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Both leaders emphasized the critical role of semiconductors and discussed enhancing technological collaboration between their nations.
At CES 2024, Samsung unveiled Ballie—a home robot powered by artificial intelligence designed to assist with everyday tasks, monitor pets, and seamlessly connect with smart home devices. The company has also prioritized sustainability initiatives; in 2023 it partnered with British Gas to integrate services into Samsung’s SmartThings platform aimed at reducing household energy consumption. As part of this collaboration, British Gas began offering energy-efficient heat pumps aligned with the UK’s goal for net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2024, Samsung continues to lead across consumer electronics, semiconductors, and AI innovation—shaping advancements in smart homes, connected devices, and sustainable energy technologies.
In early 2025, Samsung Electronics became the principal shareholder of South Korea's Rainbow Robotics firm. On March 25 that year, co-CEO Han Jong-hee passed away at age 63 due to a heart attack. Following his death—just one week after Jun Young-hyun’s appointment as co-CEO—Jun assumed sole leadership of the company.
On June 2, 2025, Samsung announced ongoing discussions regarding a comprehensive agreement with Perplexity AI Inc., an artificial intelligence startup specializing in search technologies. The proposed deal includes pre-installing Perplexity’s app and assistant on upcoming Samsung devices as well as integrating their search functionalities into Samsung’s web browser.
Corporate governance
As of January 2024
| Shareholder | Common Shares (%) | Preferred Shares (%) | Total Ownership (%) | Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Life Insurance | 8.64% | 0.06% | 7.60% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| National Pension Service | 7.35% | – | 7.35% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| BlackRock | 5.03% | – | 5.03% | File:Flag of the United States.svg |
| Samsung C&T | 5.01% | 0% | 4.40% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Hong Ra-hee | 1.64% | 0.03% | 1.45% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Lee Jae-yong | 1.63% | 0.02% | 1.44% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance | 1.49% | 0% | 1.31% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Lee Boo-jin | 0.89% | 0.02% | 0.78% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Lee Seo-hyun | 0.79% | 0.02% | 0.70% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Samsung Welfare Foundation | 0.08% | 0% | 0.07% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
| Samsung Foundation of Culture | 0.03% | 0% | 0.03% | File:Flag of South Korea.svg |
Global reputation
In April 2024, PricewaterhouseCoopers placed Samsung Electronics at number 21 in their list of the top 100 global companies by market capitalization.
By January 2025, Samsung Electronics secured the top position in YouGov’s 'Best Global Brands' rankings, as reported by the market research organization.
Logo history
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Samsung Electronics emblem used from its inception in 1969 until it was updated in 1979
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Logo adopted in 1979 and retained until its replacement in 1993
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The emblem used from November 1, 1993, through to its change in 2013
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Design utilized starting June 9, 2005, until it was superseded in 2013
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Logo employed from 2013 until the blue color was discontinued in 2020
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Current logo design introduced in 2020 and still in use
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Business trends
The principal financial developments for Samsung Electronics, based on the fiscal years ending 31 December, are as follows:[19][20][21]
| Revenue (KRW trillion) |
Net profit (KRW trillion) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 201 | 22.4 |
| 2017 | 239 | 41.3 |
| 2018 | 243 | 43.8 |
| 2019 | 230 | 21.5 |
| 2020 | 236 | 26.0 |
| 2021 | 279 | 39.2 |
| 2022 | 302 | 54.7 |
| 2023 | 259 | 15.5 |
| 2024 | 301 | 34.5 |
Operations
| Region | Percentage share |
|---|---|
| Americas | 35.6% |
| Europe | 18.6% |
| South Korea | 17.6% |
| Asia and Africa | 17.3% |
| China | 10.9% |
Samsung Electronics concentrates its operations in four main sectors: digital media, semiconductors, telecommunication networks, and LCD digital appliances.[23] The digital media division encompasses computer equipment including laptops; digital display products such as televisions and monitors; consumer entertainment gadgets like DVD players, MP3 players, and digital camcorders; along with household appliances including refrigerators, air conditioners, air purifiers, washing machines, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and robotic vacuum cleaners.[24][25] The semiconductor segment produces various chips such as SDRAM, SRAM, NAND flash memory; smart cards; mobile application processors; mobile TV receivers; RF transceivers; CMOS image sensors; integrated circuits for smart cards, MP3 players, DVD/Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD player system-on-chips (SoCs); as well as multi-chip packages.[26] Within the telecommunication network business, the company manufactures multi-service DSLAMs and fax machines; cellular devices including mobile phones, PDAs, and hybrid mobile intelligent terminals (MITs); along with satellite receivers. The LCD division specializes in manufacturing TFT-LCD and OLED panels designed for laptops, desktop monitors, and televisions. Samsung Print was launched in 2009 as an independent unit targeting B2B markets by offering a wide range of multifunction devices and printers.[27] In 2018, Samsung divested its printing operations to HP.
Products
Samsung Electronics manufactures a diverse range of items including LCD and LED display panels, mobile devices, memory modules, NAND flash storage, solid-state drives, televisions, digital cinema displays, laptops, among others. The company previously engaged in the production of hard drives and printers.
The firm places a strong emphasis on research and development. According to the 2021 annual report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) titled World Intellectual Property Indicators, Samsung ranked second globally in the number of patent applications published under the PCT System, with 3,093 applications released in 2020. This marked an improvement from its third-place position in 2019 when it had 2,334 applications.
LCD and OLED panels
By 2004, Samsung had become the leading global producer of OLED displays, commanding a 40 percent share of the worldwide market. By 2018, it dominated the global AMOLED sector with a 98% market share. In 2006, Samsung's OLED-related revenue reached $100.2 million out of a total $475 million generated globally. At that time, the company held over 600 patents in the United States and more than 2,800 patents internationally related to AMOLED technology, making it the foremost patent holder in this field.
Samsung's smartphones currently utilize its proprietary Super AMOLED technology. The Samsung Wave S8500 and Samsung i9000 Galaxy S models were introduced in June 2010 featuring this display type. In January 2011, Samsung unveiled Super AMOLED Plus screens that provide improvements over previous versions, including a real stripe matrix with 50% more subpixels, a slimmer design, enhanced brightness, and an 18% reduction in power consumption.
In October 2007, Samsung launched a slim 40-inch LCD television panel measuring ten millimeters thick; this was followed by the introduction of the world's thinnest 7.9-mm panel in October 2008. The company also developed ultra-thin panels for monitors and laptops—3.5 mm for 24-inch LCD monitors and as thin as 1.64 mm for 12.1-inch laptop displays. By 2009, Samsung had created a "Needle Slim" panel for forty-inch LED TVs just 3.9 millimeters thick (approximately two stacked coins), which is about one-twelfth the thickness of conventional LCD panels that measure around 50 millimeters.
Despite significant reductions in panel thickness, Samsung maintained key performance features such as Full HD 1080p resolution, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a contrast ratio of 5000:1. On September 6, 2013, Samsung introduced its curved OLED TV model KE55S9C (55-inch) to the UK market through John Lewis.
In October 2013, Samsung announced its curved display technology alongside the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Round smartphone. This device was promoted as the "world's first commercialized full HD Super AMOLED flexible display." The company highlighted features allowing users to view information like time and battery status while the home screen is off by simply tilting the phone.
In 2020, Samsung Display declared its withdrawal from the LCD panel manufacturing business.
Mobile and smart phones
Samsung initiated its mobile communications division with a car phone in 1984, followed by the development of its first portable mobile device, the SH-100, in 1988. This model operated on South Korea's AMPS 800 network.[28] By 1995, Samsung had surpassed Motorola to become the leading mobile phone provider within South Korea.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name During this timeframe, the company broadened its reach internationally. By 1998, Samsung had established itself as the foremost supplier in key CDMA markets including South America and Hong Kong, ranking seventh globally among manufacturers.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The following year, Samsung advanced to become the fifth largest global cell phone producer, capturing a 5% market share.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Around 1999 and 2000, Samsung introduced the world's first "MP3 phone", the SCH-M210, marketed as the SGH-M100 in GSM networks and as the SPH-M100 for PCS CDMA in the United States.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The company's inaugural smartphone was the Samsung SPH-i300, launched in 2001. In the early 2000s, Samsung popularized the clamshell or "flip phone" format,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name with the SGH-T100 being notable as the first phone featuring "true color" display technology and achieving sales exceeding 10 million units.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[28] Mid-decade, models like the SGH-D500 brought widespread attention to the slider style,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name with subsequent slider phones such as the E250 enjoying commercial success.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 2006, Samsung released the ultra-slim X820, measuring just 6.9 mm thick; its successor U100 further reduced thickness to 5.9 mm, holding the record for slimmest phone for multiple years.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The year 2007 saw Samsung unveil the slate-style touchscreen device F700, which preceded later influential touch-based models like the Tocco and Omnia. During this period, Samsung overtook a declining Motorola to become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Currently, Samsung's premier smartphone lineup is embodied by the Galaxy S series, widely regarded as a primary rival to the iPhone.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The Galaxy S debuted initially in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea in June 2010,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name followed by a launch in the United States in July of that year. It achieved sales exceeding one million units within its first 45 days on sale in the US market.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Unlike many competitors who concentrated on one or two operating systems, Samsung adopted multiple platforms over time: including Symbian, Windows Phone, Linux-based LiMo, as well as proprietary systems such as TouchWiz, Bada, and Tizen.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name By 2013, however, Samsung had streamlined its offerings to focus solely on Android and Windows Phone devices. That year alone saw at least 43 Android smartphones or tablets and two Windows Phones released by Samsung.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
By late Q3 of 2010, Samsung had shipped over 70 million handsets globally, securing a market share of approximately 22%, trailing behind Nokia by about 12 percentage points.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Overall sales for that year reached 280 million units, representing a market share of roughly 20.2%.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In Q3 of 2011, Samsung surpassed Apple in global smartphone sales with a market share of 23.8%, compared to Apple's 14.6%.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 2012, Samsung became the leading smartphone manufacturer worldwide, selling 95 million units in just the first quarter.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
During Q3 of 2013, Samsung experienced growth in emerging markets such as India and the Middle East where demand for affordable handsets was strong. As of October that year, its US website listed around 40 different smartphone models.[29]
In 2019, Samsung announced it would cease mobile phone production in China due to insufficient demand within that market. At that time, over 200,000 employees were engaged in smartphone manufacturing around Hanoi in Vietnam. Additionally, some production continued through outsourcing arrangements in China and significant portions were manufactured domestically in India.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In May 2022, Samsung Electronics expanded its enterprise mobile security portfolio by launching Samsung Knox Guard. This solution enables organizations to rapidly disable devices remotely to help prevent theft and mitigate risks related to fraud or data breaches.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Semiconductors
Since 1993, Samsung Electronics has maintained its position as the leading global manufacturer of memory chips, and it held the title of the largest semiconductor company worldwide during 2017 and 2018. The Samsung Semiconductor division produces a broad array of semiconductor devices, including various semiconductor node technologies, MOSFET transistors, integrated circuit chips, and semiconductor memory products.
Beginning in the early 1990s, Samsung Electronics pioneered several innovative memory technologies for commercial use. In 1992, they launched the first commercial SDRAM, a synchronous form of random-access memory. By 1998, they had introduced both DDR SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM) and GDDR (graphics DDR) SGRAM (synchronous graphics RAM). In 2009, Samsung commenced large-scale production of NAND flash memory using a 30 nm process technology. The following year, they achieved mass production of 30 nm-class DRAM and 20 nm-class NAND flash memory—both industry firsts. Additionally, in 2010, Samsung commercially introduced TLC NAND flash memory.
The company continued to advance its offerings with the release of V-NAND flash in 2013, followed by LPDDR4 SDRAM the same year. In 2016, Samsung began mass-producing HBM2, a high-bandwidth memory technology. January 2018 saw the launch of the industry's first 16-gigabit GDDR6, and by June 2018, they introduced LPDDR5.
Samsung has also focused heavily on the foundry sector, initiating investments in this area starting in 2006 and establishing it as a core component of their semiconductor growth strategy. They have led advancements in semiconductor fabrication processes, beginning mass production with a 20 nm class process in 2010. This was followed by the introduction of a 10 nm class FinFET process in 2013 and further development to 7 nm FinFET nodes by 2018. Late in 2018, Samsung started producing chips using their first-generation 5 nm nodes and plans to roll out 3 nm GAAFET nodes by 2021.
Market analysis from Gartner revealed that in the second quarter of 2010, Samsung captured the leading position in the DRAM market with a commanding 35% share due to strong global sales. Competitors such as Hynix, Elpida, and Micron followed behind.
In forecasts made by IC Insights during 2010, Samsung was predicted to surpass Intel as the top semiconductor chip supplier by 2014. Between 1999 and 2009, Samsung's semiconductor revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 13.5%, significantly outpacing Intel's growth rate of 3.4%. By 2015, both IC Insights and Gartner ranked Samsung as the fourth-largest chip maker globally. Ultimately, Samsung overtook Intel to become the world's leading semiconductor company in 2017.
By mid-2020, Samsung planned to commence large-scale production of chips fabricated with Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) at the 5 nm scale and aimed to establish dominance in EUV process technology usage.
On November 30, 2021, it was announced that Samsung would manufacture new automotive logic chips for Volkswagen vehicles. These chips are intended for infotainment systems to support enhanced demand for 5G connectivity and high-definition video streaming during travel.
Samsung’s manufacturing facility located in Xi'an, China—operational since 2014—accounts for roughly forty percent of its NAND flash memory chip output.
Solid-state drives
In 2016, Samsung introduced a 15.36 TB SSD to the market, priced at US$10,000, featuring a SAS interface and housed in a 2.5-inch form factor with the thickness typical of 3.5-inch drives. This marked the first occasion where an SSD available commercially surpassed the largest HDD capacity at that time. By 2018, Samsung had launched a 30.72 TB SSD utilizing a SAS interface. That same year, the company also released an M.2 NVMe SSD capable of delivering read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds reaching 3300 MB/s.
In 2019, Samsung unveiled SSDs achieving sequential read and write speeds of 8 GB/s and IOPS up to 1.5 million. These drives featured technology that could transfer data from faulty memory chips to intact ones, allowing continued operation at reduced capacity rather than complete failure.
Samsung's current lineup of consumer SSDs includes models such as the 980 PRO, 970 PRO, 970 EVO Plus, 970 EVO, 960 PRO, 960 EVO, 950 PRO, 860 QVO, 860 PRO, 860 EVO, 850 PRO, 850 EVO, and the 750 EVO. Models starting with the digit '9' utilize an NVM Express interface, whereas the others operate over a Serial ATA connection. Additionally, Samsung manufactures portable consumer SSDs equipped with a USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2 port. These portable drives provide read speeds of approximately 1,050 MB/s and write speeds near 1,000 MB/s and are offered in capacities of 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB.
Consistent with many SSD manufacturers, Samsung's solid-state drives employ NAND flash memory produced internally by Samsung Electronics.
Hard drives
In the storage media sector, Samsung secured a 10% share of the global market in 2009, propelled by the launch of a novel hard disk drive featuring a capacity of 250 Gb per 2.5-inch platter. By 2010, the company introduced the industry's largest HDD with 320 Gb per disk and increased its emphasis on external hard drive sales. After encountering financial setbacks, Samsung divested its hard disk division to Seagate in 2011, receiving a 9.6% equity stake in Seagate as part of the transaction.
Televisions
In 2009, Samsung sold approximately 31 million flat-panel TVs, allowing it to sustain its position as the global market leader for the fourth year running.
March 2010 saw Samsung unveil its first full HD 3D LED television, which had been previewed earlier that year at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas.
Within six months of release, Samsung's 3D TV sales surpassed one million units, closely matching industry analysts' projections for worldwide sales that year (around 1.23 million units). The company also introduced the HT-C6950W 3D Home Theater system, enabling simultaneous enjoyment of 3D visuals and surround sound. This launch positioned Samsung as the pioneer in offering a comprehensive lineup of 3D products, including televisions, Blu-ray players, content, and glasses.
Samsung debuted "Internet TV" in 2007, which allowed viewers to access online information while watching traditional broadcasts. This evolved into the "Smart LED TV" (now known as "Samsung Smart TV"), supporting downloadable smart television apps. The Power Infolink service was launched in 2008, followed by an enhanced Internet@TV platform in 2009. In 2010, alongside introducing 3D TVs, Samsung upgraded Internet@TV to include access to applications via its Samsung Apps Store, offering both free and paid content alongside services like news, weather updates, stock quotes, YouTube videos, and movies.
Samsung Apps provides premium paid services tailored to specific regions such as Korea and the United States. The offerings include family-oriented applications like health care tools and digital photo frames, as well as gaming options. Among Samsung's smart TV applications are ITV Player and motion-controlled games including Angry Birds. Since 2015, Samsung’s proprietary FAST service, Samsung TV Plus, has been preloaded on its smart television models.
Monitors
Samsung began its journey in the 1980s as an affordable display monitor manufacturer, initially producing cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors designed for computers. By the close of that decade, Samsung had established itself as the leading global monitor producer, having sold more than 8 million units by 1989.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Samsung transitioned to manufacturing LCD monitors incorporating TFT technology. While maintaining a strong presence in the budget segment, the company simultaneously expanded its focus towards mid-range and premium markets through collaborations with brands like NEC and Sony via joint ventures. Over time, Samsung acquired these joint ventures, transforming them into what are now known as Samsung OLED and S-LCD Corporation, respectively.
Tizen
Starting in 2015, Samsung's smart TVs and smart monitors have operated on a customized version of Tizen OS, an open-source platform based on Linux. Due to Samsung's substantial share of the smart TV market, around 20% of smart TVs sold globally in 2018 featured Tizen as their operating system.
In 2019, Samsung revealed plans to introduce the Apple TV app (previously known as iTunes Movies and TV Shows) along with AirPlay 2 compatibility to its 2018 and 2019 smart TV models via firmware updates.
Odyssey
Samsung's Odyssey lineup of gaming monitors targets both professional players and avid gaming fans. By 2022, the Odyssey series included four primary product lines, each offering distinct combinations of resolution, refresh rate, and aspect ratio.
At CES 2022, Samsung unveiled the Odyssey Neo G8, recognized as the first-ever 4K display delivering a 240 Hz refresh rate.[30][31] This model sports a 32-inch mini LED curved display with a 1000R curvature and incorporates 1,196 local dimming zones. It supports HDR10+ technology and can reach peak brightness levels up to 2,000 nits. Additionally, it holds certifications for G-Sync and FreeSync.[32] The Odyssey Neo G8 was launched on June 6, 2022, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,500.[33][34]
Printers
Historically, Samsung manufactured printers catering to both individual consumers and corporate clients. Their product range included monochrome laser printers, color laser devices, multifunction printers, as well as high-speed digital multifunction printers designed for enterprise environments. The company discontinued its printer operations and divested this division to HP in the autumn of 2017.[35] In 2010, Samsung introduced the ML-1660, which was the world’s smallest monochrome laser printer at the time, alongside the CLX-3185 color laser multifunction printer.
Audio
In 2017, Samsung completed the acquisition of Harman International. Harman is renowned for producing high-fidelity audio equipment under a variety of well-known brands, including AKG, AMX, Becker, Crown, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, dbx, DigiTech, Mark Levinson, Martin, Revel, Soundcraft, Studer, Arcam, Bang & Olufsen, and BSS Audio.
By May 2025, Harman had agreed to acquire several notable audio brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Marantz, Denon, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics as part of Masimo's divestment of its consumer audio division.
Cameras
Samsung has launched multiple digital cameras and camcorders over the years. Notable models include the WB550 compact camera, the ST550 featuring dual LCD screens, and the HMX-H106 full HD camcorder equipped with a 64 GB SSD. In 2014, Samsung secured the second spot in the mirrorless camera market segment. Since then, the company has shifted its focus towards premium-priced products. The NX10 model, an interchangeable lens camera representing a new generation of devices, was introduced in 2010.
Other
Samsung entered the digital audio player (MP3 player) market in 1999 with its Yepp series. Initially facing competition from emerging Korean startups like iRiver, Cowon, and Mpio, Samsung managed to capture a substantial share of domestic markets by 2006 and expanded its presence into Russia, parts of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The brand also began increasing its footprint in the U.S., although it remained behind market leader Apple. In 2009, Samsung released the R1—the world's smallest DivX-compatible MP3 player.
In 2014, Samsung announced its withdrawal from the European laptop market.
In 2015, Samsung proposed a satellite constellation project involving 4,600 satellites orbiting Earth at approximately 900 miles (around 1,450 kilometers) altitude. This initiative aimed to deliver up to 200 gigabytes of internet data monthly to each of the planet’s estimated five billion inhabitants. However, this plan has yet to progress into full development. If realized, it would compete directly with satellite networks under construction by OneWeb and SpaceX.
On July 13, 2017, Samsung Electronics collaborated with GDC Technology Limited to unveil an LED screen designed for digital cinema use. This display was publicly showcased on a single screen at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul.
Stores
Samsung operates Samsung Experience Store outlets worldwide. These stores mainly offer Samsung Galaxy products, although they may also showcase other brands owned by Samsung.
Korea
Throughout South Korea, Samsung maintains numerous service centers that display a variety of Samsung products available for purchase and provide repair services for these items.[36] Additionally, there are dedicated stores focused on the installation of large home appliances such as televisions, dishwashers, and refrigerators.[36] Separate locations specialize in selling and servicing memory products like SSDs.[36] These outlets do not carry the Samsung Experience Store branding.
Management and board of directors
Template:Update sectionTemplate:Confusing
In December 2010, Samsung transitioned from a single CEO leadership model under Choi Gee-sung to a dual management structure, appointing Choi Gee-sung as CEO and vice chairman, with Lee Jae-Yong serving as chief operating officer and president. By June 2012, Kwon Oh-Hyun was named CEO of Samsung.[37][38] The company also restructured its international marketing operations by consolidating the Britain and Continental Europe markets into one regional subsidiary and merging China and Taiwan into another.
In 2012, J. K. Shin, previously director of mobile products, was promoted to president and CEO of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Consumer Products division.
A new digital imaging business unit was established in 2010, expanding the company’s structure to eight divisions: display, IT solutions, consumer electronics, wireless, networking, semiconductor, LCD, and digital imaging.
That same year saw the merger of consumer electronics with air conditioners under the consumer electronics division. The set-top box business was integrated into the Visual Display Business division.
The 2023 organizational changes included new leadership appointments within the network and digital imaging divisions among the eight existing units, while other divisions continued based on their performance.[39]
- Executive Chairman: Lee Jae-yong
- Vice Chairman and Co-CEO of the Device Experience Division: Han Jong Hee
- Co-CEO of the Device Solutions Division: Kyung Kye-hyun
- Vice Chairman and Head of Future Business Planning Division: Jun Young-hyun
Below is the list of current board members:[40]
| Board of directors | |
| Name | Position(s) |
| Han-Jo Kim | Chairman of the Board & Independent Director |
| Jong-Hee Han | Vice Chairman & CEO (DX) |
| Kyung Kye-Hyun | President & CEO (DS) |
| Tae-Moon Roh | President & Head of MX |
| Hark-Kyu Park | President & CFO (DX) |
| Jung-Bae Lee | President & Head of Memory |
| Sun-Uk Kim | Independent Director |
| Jeong Kim | Independent Director |
| Jun-Sung Kim | Independent Director |
| Eun-Nyeong Heo | Independent Director |
| Myung-Hee Yoo | Independent Director |
Ownership
Approximately 44% of Samsung Electronics' stock is owned by individual investors, while institutional investors possess about 38%, and insiders control roughly 4%. As of early 2024, the principal shareholders included:
- Samsung Life Insurance (7.6%)
- National Pension Service (6.46%)
- BlackRock (4.83%)
- Samsung C&T Corporation (4.4%)
- The Vanguard Group (3.03%)
- Norges Bank (1.76%)
- Hong Ra-hee (1.45%)
- Lee Jae-yong (1.45%)
- Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance (1.31%)
- Fidelity Investments (1.27%)
- JP Morgan Asset Management (1%)
- Samsung Asset Management (0.91%)
- Lee Boo-jin (0.78%)
- Capital Research and Management Company (0.77%)
- Lee Seo-hyun (0.7%)
| Product | Samsung world market share |
Leading competitor | Market share | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active-matrix OLEDs | 98% | LG Display, AUO | 0.5~1.5% | Q2 2010 | |
| DRAM | 49.6% | SK Hynix | 24.8% | Q2 2013 | |
| NAND flash | 42.6% | Toshiba | 27.7% | Q2 2011 | |
| Mobile phones | 34% | Apple Inc. | 13.4% | Q3 2013 | |
| Large-size LCD panels (revenue) |
20.2% | LG Display | 26.7% | Q4 2013 | |
| Lithium-ion batteries | 18% | Sanyo | 20% | Q2 2010 | |
| Solid-state drives (SSD) | 46.8% | SanDisk | 12.7% | Q4 2015 | |
| LCD monitors | 18% | LG Electronics | 12.7% | 2010 | |
| Televisions (LCD, PDP, CRT, LED) |
24% | LG Electronics | 14.7% | Q2 2010 | |
| Digital cameras | 11.8% | Sony | 17.4% | 2010 |
Major clients
| Leading customers of Samsung (Q1 2010) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank / Company | Product category | Share of total revenue (%) |
| 1 Sony | DRAM, NAND flash memory, LCD panels, among others | 3.7 |
| 2 Apple Inc. | Application processors (mobile), AMOLED displays, DRAM, NAND flash, and more | 2.6 |
| 3 Dell | DRAM, flat-panel displays, lithium-ion batteries, etc. | 2.5 |
| 4 Hewlett-Packard | DRAM, flat-panel screens, lithium-ion batteries, and similar components | 2.2 |
| 5 Verizon Communications | Mobile handsets and related products | 1.3 |
| 6 AT&T Inc. | Mobile handsets and associated devices | 1.3 |
Relationship with Apple Inc.
Samsung and Apple have been characterized as frenemies due to their complex dynamic marked by both cooperation and competition.[41] Samsung has served as a significant supplier to Apple, initially providing memory components for early iPod models in 2005.[42] Conversely, Apple represents a vital client for Samsung; in 2012, component sales to Apple were estimated to generate approximately $8 billion in revenue for Samsung.[41] This interdependence influenced Apple CEO Tim Cook's initial reluctance to pursue legal action against Samsung, given the importance of Samsung's components within Apple's supply chain.[43]
In April 2011, Apple initiated a lawsuit against Samsung concerning the design of its Galaxy smartphones. This legal action, filed on April 15, 2011, accused Samsung of infringing upon Apple's patents and trademarks associated with the iPhone and iPad.[44] Samsung responded by filing a counterclaim alleging patent infringement by Apple.[45] Subsequently, in August 2011, the Regional Court of Düsseldorf issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the sale and marketing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 throughout Europe except in the Netherlands.[46] This injunction was temporarily suspended across the European Union—with the exception of Germany—pending review to determine its appropriateness.[47]
On August 31, 2012, the Tokyo District Court determined that Samsung's mobile devices did not violate an Apple patent.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This ruling pertained specifically to Apple's patent covering data synchronization between mobile devices and personal computers and was distinct from the U.S. case decided on August 24 of the same year. Later, on October 18, 2012, the U.K. High Court concluded that Samsung had not infringed upon Apple's design patents. As a result, Apple was mandated to publish an apology to Samsung on its official U.K. website.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Relationship with Best Buy Co, Inc.
Best Buy and Samsung collaborated to establish the Samsung Experience Shop, a retail concept designed to enable customers to explore Samsung products firsthand and receive guidance on their existing mobile devices. By the summer of 2013, over 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile outlets had incorporated the Samsung Experience Shop. These spaces typically occupy around 460 square feet and are strategically placed near Best Buy entrances, with prominent signage visible throughout the store. The initiative aims to enhance customer access to Samsung products, particularly the Galaxy lineup.
The initial rollout of Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy locations across the United States began in May 2013. In May 2014, Best Buy revealed plans to introduce an additional 500 Samsung Entertainment Experience Shops. While the original Samsung Experience Shops primarily highlighted and supported Galaxy smartphones, cameras, and tablets, the new Entertainment Experience locations focus on showcasing and assisting customers with Samsung's home theater offerings.
Distinct from the Samsung Experience Shop, the Samsung Entertainment Experience stores are staffed by Best Buy associates trained directly by Samsung. The rollout of these new centers across the U.S. was anticipated to be completed by January 2015.
Design
Samsung started emphasizing product design's significance in the early 1990s. When chairman Lee proclaimed 1996 as 'The Year of Design Revolution,' a global design initiative was launched with the objective of making design a core strategic asset and competitive edge for the company. The corporate design center, housed in Samsung's headquarters in Gangnam (south Seoul), employs over 900 full-time designers. This marks a substantial increase from 1971 when only a handful of designers were present company-wide; by 2015, this number had grown to approximately 1,600. Besides Seoul, additional design centers operate in Tokyo, San Francisco, and London.
Samsung follows a biennial design renewal process: the first year is dedicated to analyzing global design trends and aligning them with product strategies; in the second year, new design concepts are developed.
Since 2006, Samsung has garnered around 210 awards from prestigious international design organizations. Notably, it has received accolades such as the iF (International Forum) and IDEA design awards. In 2009, Samsung achieved distinction by winning eight categories at the IDEA awards—the highest number awarded that year—through collaborations with partners.
In the 2010 iF Material Awards presented by International Forum Design GmbH of Hannover, Samsung earned Gold Awards for five products, including its external hard disk drive. These awards recognize excellence in materials and process technologies within home appliances, furniture, and industrial design sectors. Among the honored products were an external hard disk drive, a full-touch screen phone, a "side-by-side" refrigerator, a compact digital camera, and laser printer toner cartridges.
Environmental record
Since April 2010, every Samsung mobile phone and MP3 player released has been manufactured without the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
Samsung is featured in Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics, an evaluation that assesses electronics firms based on their environmental policies, climate impact reduction efforts, production of eco-friendly products, and sustainable operational practices. In November 2011, Samsung ranked seventh among 15 major electronics manufacturers, earning a score of 4.1 out of 10. This represented a drop of two places compared to October 2010, when it held fifth position. Despite this, Samsung achieved full marks for providing verified greenhouse gas emissions data and performed well in Sustainable Operations, with the guide highlighting its relatively effective e-waste collection program and transparency. However, criticism was directed at the company for lacking ambitious goals to expand renewable energy usage and for its membership in a trade association opposing stricter energy efficiency regulations.
In June 2004, Samsung was among the pioneering electronics companies to publicly pledge the elimination of PVC and BFRs from all new product models. Nevertheless, the company missed its initial deadlines for achieving PVC- and BFR-free products and subsequently announced revised phase-out timelines. Greenpeace activists staged a protest at Samsung's Benelux headquarters in March 2010, accusing the company of failing to honor its commitments.
Samsung has been recognized as one of the top ten global companies in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), standing out as the sole Asian firm within this elite group. Additionally, it is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).
The proportion of Samsung products meeting or exceeding Global Ecolabel standards ("Good Eco-Products" internally) surpassed its 2010 target by 11 percentage points, reaching 80 percent. In the first half of 2010 alone, Samsung received Global Ecolabel certification for 2,134 models, making it the world leader in terms of product count meeting these environmental criteria.
Samsung has also enhanced its initiatives for recovering and recycling electronic waste. In 2009, it collected approximately 240,000 tons of waste across 60 countries. The company's voluntary recycling initiative in the United States, "Samsung Recycling Direct," was extended to include Canada.
In 2008, the U.S.-based advocacy organization Electronics Take Back Coalition commended Samsung for operating the "best eco-friendly recycling program." More recently, in 2023, Samsung earned its tenth consecutive Sustainable Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the manufacturer's category.
Employee health and safety
A number of workers employed in Samsung's semiconductor plants have been diagnosed with various types of cancer. Initially, Samsung rejected any responsibility for these health issues. Despite the company's known opposition to labor unions, affected employees formed the organization SHARPS (Supporters for the Health And Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry) to advocate for their rights. In 2013, the crowdfunded film Another Promise was created to highlight the victims' struggle for compensation, alongside the documentary The Empire of Shame. By May 2014, Samsung issued an apology and provided compensation to workers who had fallen ill. However, the company did not fully comply with all the recommendations from a designated mediation committee, instead offering payments to some families outside of an agreed framework and requiring them to forgo pursuing further legal claims. This led SHARPS to persist with ongoing legal and advocacy efforts. The dispute was largely settled following a public apology from Samsung in November 2018.
DRAM price manipulation
In December 2010, the European Commission imposed a collective fine of €648 million on six LCD panel manufacturers, Samsung among them, for engaging in cartel activities. Samsung was granted a complete exemption from the fine as it was the first company to cooperate with EU competition authorities.[48]
On 19 October 2011, Samsung faced a penalty of €145.73 million for participating in a DRAM price-fixing cartel involving ten firms that operated between 1 July 1998 and 15 June 2002. The company received a 10% discount on its fine for admitting to the violations during the investigation. Samsung was responsible for paying 90% of its allocated penalty, while Micron avoided payment altogether due to being the initial whistleblower. Micron remains the sole company exempted from any financial penalties under this settlement.[49]
In Canada, authorities launched an inquiry into DRAM price fixing in 2002. The investigation paused as an economic downturn began that year. Nevertheless, in 2014, inspired by the EU's enforcement success, Canadian officials quietly resumed the probe. Compelling evidence was presented during a class action lawsuit hearing involving Samsung and two other manufacturers. The parties consented to a $120 million settlement, comprising a $40 million penalty and $80 million restitution distributed to Canadian consumers who purchased electronics such as computers, printers, MP3 players, gaming consoles, or cameras between April 1999 and June 2002.[50]
Apple litigation
On 15 April 2011, Apple initiated legal action against Samsung in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing several Samsung Android devices—including the Nexus S, Epic 4G, Galaxy S 4G, and Galaxy Tab—of infringing upon Apple's intellectual property rights. The claims covered patents, trademarks, user interface designs, and overall styling.[51]Template:Fix/category[citation needed] Apple's lawsuit asserted federal allegations such as patent infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition, and trademark violations, alongside state claims including unfair competition, common law trademark infringement, and unjust enrichment.[52][53]
The jury delivered a verdict predominantly favoring Apple on 24 August 2012. It concluded that Samsung had willfully violated Apple's design and utility patents and had diluted Apple's trade dress associated with the iPhone. Consequently, Apple was awarded damages totaling $1.049 billion, while Samsung's countersuit resulted in no damages awarded.[54] The infringed patents included those covering the iPhone's "Bounce-Back Effect" (US Patent No.7,469,381), "On-screen Navigation" (US Patent No.7,844,915), and "Tap To Zoom" (US Patent No.7,864,163), as well as design patents protecting features such as the "home button, rounded corners and tapered edges" (US$593087) and "On-Screen Icons" (US$604305).[55]
Product safety
Although Samsung phones enjoy widespread use, there have been multiple instances of these devices exploding. One notable case involved a Swiss teenager who suffered second- and third-degree burns on her thigh after her Galaxy S3 detonated. This incident was followed by two additional Galaxy S3 explosions reported in Switzerland and another occurrence in Ireland. In 2012, a battery explosion was also documented involving a South Korean student's Galaxy S2.
The Galaxy S4 model has been linked to several hazardous events as well. In July 2013, a residence in Hong Kong reportedly caught fire due to an S4 device. Subsequent minor burn incidents involving the Galaxy S4 were reported in Pakistan and Russia. Additionally, a small fire was recorded in Newbury, United Kingdom, in October 2013.
Users have also reported issues such as battery swelling and overheating with the Galaxy S4. In response, Samsung provided affected customers with replacement batteries at no cost. In December 2013, a Canadian user posted a video on YouTube showing his Galaxy S4 catching fire. Following this, Samsung requested the individual to sign a legal agreement requiring removal of the video, confidentiality regarding the settlement, and relinquishment of any future claims against the company before receiving a replacement device. No further communication from Samsung was noted after this exchange.
Additional reports of Galaxy S4 explosions emerged from India and the United Arab Emirates, further highlighting concerns regarding the device’s safety during charging or use.
Galaxy Note 7
On 31 August 2016, reports emerged that Samsung had postponed the delivery of the Galaxy Note 7 in certain markets to conduct "additional quality assurance tests," following user incidents involving battery explosions during charging. By 2 September, Samsung halted sales of the Note 7 globally and introduced a "product exchange program" allowing customers to swap their devices for another Note 7, a Galaxy S7, or an S7 Edge, with any price difference reimbursed. Participants also received a gift card from select carriers. Prior to this, on 1 September, Samsung disclosed it had documented 35 battery malfunction cases, representing less than 0.2 percent of total units sold, according to an unnamed company representative. Although widely referred to as a product recall in media coverage, this initiative was voluntary and not an official recall mandated by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, on 15 September 2016, the CPSC issued an official recall notice after Samsung reported at least 92 instances of battery overheating in the U.S., including 26 burn injuries and 55 cases of property damage.
Following reports that replacement Note 7 units also experienced fires, Samsung announced on 11 October 2016 that it would cease production of the Note 7 permanently to prioritize consumer safety. Despite this setback, Samsung aimed to offset the impact on sales by launching new color variants like Blue Coral and Black Pearl for the Galaxy S7 edge.
On 14 October 2016, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration along with the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration implemented a ban prohibiting the Note 7 from being carried aboard any commercial flights within the United States, regardless of whether the device was powered off. Subsequently, airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Singapore Airlines enforced similar restrictions effective from midnight on 15 October. Major Mexican carriers such as Aeromexico, Interjet, Volaris, and VivaAerobus also prohibited the device on their flights.
Washing machines
On 4 November 2016, Samsung initiated a recall of approximately 2.8 million top-loading washing machines that were sold through appliance retailers between 2011 and 2016. This action was taken because the machine's lid could unexpectedly separate from the main body during operation due to excessive vibrations.
Advertisements on smart televisions
In 2015, users on Reddit reported that certain Samsung Smart TVs displayed advertisements for Pepsi products while playing movies via the Plex app. Plex denied any involvement in placing these ads, and Samsung informed the blog Gigaom that they were looking into the situation.
In March 2016, renowned soccer player Pelé filed a lawsuit against Samsung in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, demanding $30 million in damages. The lawsuit alleged violations under the Lanham Act for false endorsement, as well as a state law claim for infringing upon his right of publicity. The complaint stated that Samsung and Pelé had nearly reached a licensing agreement for his appearance in a Samsung marketing campaign before Samsung abruptly ended negotiations. The contested October 2015 advertisement featured a partial face image of a man who allegedly "closely resembles" Pelé, alongside an ultra-high-definition television screen displaying a "modified bicycle or scissors-kick," a move famously perfected by Pelé.
In December 2016, Samsung pushed a firmware update to its Smart TV models that caused advertisements to appear within the device menus.
Viral marketing
On April 1, 2013, documents surfaced on TaiwanSamsungLeaks.org revealing that the advertising agency OpenTide (Taiwan) and its parent company Samsung were employing students to undermine competitors by posting damaging remarks and biased product reviews targeting other smartphone brands like Sony and HTC on prominent Taiwanese forums and websites. The hacker known as "0xb," who uploaded these files, claimed they originated from an intercepted email exchange between OpenTide and Samsung. Four days afterward, Samsung Electronics' Taiwan branch issued a statement declaring the cessation of all online marketing tactics involving posting or responding in internet forums. This incident attracted extensive coverage from Taiwanese media outlets. Subsequently, Taiwan imposed a fine on Samsung Electronics for orchestrating this disparagement campaign.
Samsung's Response to the Russian Market Post-2022 Invasion of Ukraine
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Samsung's actions regarding its operations in Russia appeared inconsistent, sending mixed messages. Initially, the company suspended shipments to Russia, aligning with global sanctions efforts. Nonetheless, Samsung continued to have a presence through gray market imports routed via Customs Union countries such as Armenia and Belarus. Although Samsung contributed $6 million towards humanitarian relief efforts, it proceeded with sourcing metals from Russia and contemplated leasing its manufacturing facility in Kaluga to local enterprises rather than exiting the market entirely. By 2023, Samsung had restarted promotional campaigns within Russia, highlighting an unstable stance and casting uncertainty over its adherence to international sanction regimes.
National Samsung Electronics Union Strikes in 2024
On June 5, 2024, the National Samsung Electronics Union declared its inaugural strike involving approximately 28,000 employees scheduled for June 7. The labor talks had collapsed as workers demanded a salary increase of 6.5%, which management did not meet. Subsequently, on July 1, 2024, the union announced a planned three-day strike from July 8 to July 10 after negotiations once again failed to reach an agreement. The majority of participants were employees from manufacturing hubs and ongoing production development sectors. Due to management’s continued lack of engagement, the strike escalated into an open-ended industrial action. Ultimately, the strike concluded on August 1 amid institutional pressures and dwindling participation; however, the union affirmed its commitment to pursue its objectives through alternative strategies.
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedurlJury decides Samsung infringed on Apple patents - ↑ Burnett, Ed, The verdict is in: Samsung vs. Apple, ZDNet, 25 August 2012.