Samsung, a South Korean giant founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chull, began as a small trading company (selling fish, noodles) and evolved into a global conglomerate (chaebol) known for innovation, especially in electronics with Samsung Electronics, becoming a powerhouse in smartphones, TVs, and semiconductors, deeply influencing South Korea's economy and global tech.
Key Milestones
Early Years & Diversification (1938-1980s)
- 1938: Founded by Lee Byung-chul as a trading company in Daegu, Korea.
- 1960s: Entered electronics with black-and-white TVs; expanded into sugar, textiles, insurance, and hospitals.
- 1970s: Acquired Korea Semiconductor, began exporting electronics, and expanded into shipbuilding and petrochemicals.
- 1980s: Launched its first PC (SPC-1000); merged Samsung Electronics with Samsung Semiconductors & Telecommunications.
- 1990s: Became a global electronics leader; developed the first 64M DRAM chip, revolutionizing memory.
- 2000s: Became world's largest memory chip producer; released first mobile phone; launched the iconic Galaxy S series, driving mobile leadership.
- 2019: Introduced the foldable Galaxy Fold, creating a new smartphone category, and launched 5G smartphones.
- 2020: Launched the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold2, further advancing foldable tech.
- 2021: Unveiled AI-powered vacuums, Neo QLED TVs, and its first 5nm processor.
- 2022: Began 3nm process node production (GAA transistor) and launched Gaming Hub on TVs.
- 2023: Ranked top 5 global brand, topped TV market for 17th year, unveiled generative AI Samsung Gauss, and introduced FDA-cleared features on Galaxy Watch.
- 2024/2025 (Projected): Continued leadership with advanced DRAM (12nm-class, GDDR7) and form factors (LPCAMM).
Overview
- Common Name: Samsung
- Year Founded: March 1, 1938
- Founders: Lee Byung-chul
- Origin: Suwon-si, South Korea
- Headquarters: 129 Samsung-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Tagline: Inspire the World, Create the Future
Main Products
Mobile Devices:- Smartphones: Galaxy S Series (flagship), Galaxy Z Series (foldables), Galaxy A Series (mid-range).
- Tablets: Galaxy Tab S Series (premium), Galaxy Tab A Series (budget/mid-range).
- Wearables: Galaxy Watch (smartwatches), Galaxy Buds (earbuds).
- Laptops: Galaxy Book (e.g., Galaxy Book4, Ultra, Pro), focusing on thin & light, powerful performance for productivity.
- Monitors: Wide range of monitors for gaming, professional, and general use.
- Televisions: QLED, Neo QLED, OLED TVs.
- Home Appliances: Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Vacuums (Bespoke line).
- Memory: DRAM & NAND Flash (world leader).
- Processors: Exynos (mobile), foundry services (chip manufacturing for others like Apple, Qualcomm).
- Displays: Large format displays for digital signage, hospitality.
- Server & Storage: Server memory, SSDs for data centers, enterprise storage solutions.
Innovation & Partnership
- Google: A long-standing technology partnership for the Android ecosystem.
- Collaboration on the Android OS and Wear OS for smartwatches. This includes Google Cloud's generative AI (Gen AI) models such as Gemini Nano and Imagen 2, which power features on the Galaxy S24 series.
- Integration of Google apps, including YouTube, Gmail, and Calendar, into Samsung devices. It also involves the harmonization of file-sharing features into a unified "Quick Share" for all Android users.
- Samsung Knox security platform is integrated with Android Enterprise to provide enhanced security for business users.
- Microsoft: A strategic alliance focused on seamless experiences across mobile devices and cloud platforms.
- Pre-installation of Microsoft apps, such as Office, OneDrive, and Outlook, on Galaxy devices and integration with Windows PCs through features like "Link to Windows".
- Collaboration on cloud-based private 5G network solutions using Microsoft Azure. The alliance also manages IoT devices and smart appliances in buildings through the Azure IoT platform.
- AMD: A technology partnership in the semiconductor space.
- Samsung licenses AMD's Radeon graphics (RDNA architecture) to develop its in-house Exynos mobile processors. This brings advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing to mobile devices.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): A significant partnership focused on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
- The Samsung Global Goals app, launched in partnership with the UNDP, educates users about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It also allows them to generate donations for the UNDP's work.
- "Generation17" is an initiative to empower young changemakers around the world who use technology to address global challenges.
- Street League Skateboarding (SLS): A long-term global partnership under Samsung's "Open Always Wins" campaign to support and elevate skateboarding culture through athlete-led storytelling and event activations.
Sustainability
- Carbon Reduction: Leveraging tech to curb emissions, aiming for 100% renewable energy (RE100), installing solar panels, and reducing GHG emissions significantly.
- Circular Economy: Using recycled materials in new mobile products (2025 goal), increasing recycled resin use in plastics (50% by 2030, all by 2050), and researching recycling tech.
- Eco-Friendly Products: Designing for repairability (laptops), reducing energy consumption in TVs, and promoting water reuse in manufacturing.
- Responsible Substance Management: Continuous replacement of harmful chemicals and supplier EcoPartner certification.
Market Position
- Ticker: KRX: 005930
- Market Cap: Approx. KRW 708.17 T
Samsung Electronics is a global technology leader with a 2024 revenue of over $218 billion and a recent market valuation of around $492 billion. The company has a vast global reach and holds leading market shares in several key sectors, particularly semiconductors, smartphones, and TVs. The company posted an operating profit of $32.5 billion in 2024, with its Device Solutions (semiconductor) division contributing the majority of this profit.
Useful Links
Browse authorized repair centers and official retail stores of Samsung using the links below to get support or shop for products on Google Maps.
Customer Support
- Website: www.samsung.com
- Online Help: Samsung Help & Support