Tag: Samsung Electronics

  • Samsung Electronics Announces Passing of Co-CEO

    Samsung Electronics Announces Passing of Co-CEO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Han Jong-Hee passed away at age 63 due to cardiac arrest, leaving a significant impact on Samsung Electronics.
    2. He started his career at Samsung in 1988 and became co-CEO in 2022, overseeing major growth in various product categories.
    3. Han’s leadership was crucial in establishing Samsung’s dominance in foldable smartphones, OLED TVs, and Windows on ARM laptops.
    4. He guided the company into emerging sectors like augmented and virtual reality, despite not witnessing future product launches.
    5. Following Han’s death, Jun Young-hyun is now the sole CEO, facing challenges such as the future of the Exynos processor line and global trade uncertainties.

    Samsung Electronics has issued a statement about the death of Han Jong-Hee, who passed away from a cardiac arrest at the age of 63.

    Career Highlights

    Han began his journey with the company in 1988, eventually becoming co-CEO in 2022. He witnessed Samsung grow into a leading brand in televisions, smartphones, wearables, and silicon. However, he also faced significant slowdowns in the company’s growth and expected earnings during his time in charge.

    Lasting Impact

    Despite these challenges, Han’s influence on Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices will surely be seen as crucial. His work has played a major role in establishing Samsung’s leadership in areas like foldable smartphones, OLED TVs, and Windows on ARM laptops.

    Future Direction

    Moreover, Han contributed to guiding the company into important future sectors, including augmented and virtual reality, even though he won’t be able to see how the new Meta Quest 3 competitor will perform in the market.

    With Han’s passing, Jun Young-hyun, who became co-CEO in November 2024, is now the sole leader of the technology giant. Jun will have to manage Samsung Electronics’ issues, including the future of the Exynos mobile processor line and the uncertainties of global trade.

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  • Monitor Prices May Rise 5% as Manufacturers Stockpile Panels

    Monitor Prices May Rise 5% as Manufacturers Stockpile Panels

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leading monitor manufacturers are increasing their inventory of display panels to prepare for potential tariffs from China, possibly reaching three million units.
    2. Monitor prices may rise by around five percent due to increased system costs resulting from tariffs.
    3. Second-tier brands face significant pressure, with limited bargaining power and rapidly decreasing prices, while top brands manage tariff effects better.
    4. Demand for monitor panels is rising, with first-quarter 2025 shipments expected to exceed those of the previous quarter, despite challenges in securing enough monitor panels.
    5. Broader industry trends show companies considering relocating production to Vietnam and Taiwan, though these areas may face their own tariff challenges.

    Leading monitor manufacturers are preparing for possible retaliatory tariffs from China on U.S. products by increasing their inventory of display panels, with estimates suggesting they may reach three million units. Experts predict that monitor prices could rise by approximately five percent due to the overall rise in system costs.

    Impact on Second-Tier Brands

    The brands that are not as well-known are under the most pressure, as they have limited bargaining power in a highly competitive market and are facing rapidly decreasing prices. These companies may find themselves paying more to secure their production capacity, while top brands like Dell, HP, and Samsung Electronics can utilize their greater production capabilities to better manage the effects of the tariffs.

    Trends in Panel Demand

    Demand for monitor panels has been increasing steadily since late 2024, and shipments for the first quarter of 2025 are expected to surpass those of the previous quarter. This upward trend seems to be holding even during typically slow months, partly due to a spike in LCD TV panel prices earlier. Given that panel manufacturers often focus on producing TV panels (which yield higher profits), securing enough monitor panels is becoming increasingly difficult.

    Overall, the market demand may rise by two to three million units, but the direction this takes will depend on how each brand approaches sourcing amid the changing geopolitical landscape. Larger companies are already ramping up both their panel and system inventories to mitigate the impact of higher tariffs from the U.S.

    Broader Industry Changes

    It’s not only monitor manufacturers that are feeling the effects of these developments. Wider industry trends indicate that companies such as ASRock are considering moving their production to Vietnam and Taiwan. However, these regions come with their own set of challenges, such as potential semiconductor tariffs that could reach up to 100 percent—part of a larger effort to alter global manufacturing dynamics.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 to Feature Exynos 2500 Chipset

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 to Feature Exynos 2500 Chipset

    Samsung Electronics has made important progress in its chip division, successfully stabilizing the production yield of its much-anticipated Exynos 2500 chipset, which is built on the cutting-edge 3nm process.

    Exynos 2500 in Premium Foldables

    Even with these advancements, the Exynos 2500 won’t be included in the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. Instead, Samsung plans to use this potent SoC in its high-end foldable lineup, particularly in the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 and possibly the Galaxy Z Flip FE models. Reports from Korea’s Chosun Ilbo indicate that the Exynos 2500, developed by Samsung’s System LSI team and produced by Samsung Foundry, initially faced production issues due to low yield rates. These problems led to the choice of not including the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 series, where performance expectations are especially high.

    Strategic Move for Samsung

    The performance gap between the Exynos 2500 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite also played a role in this decision, ensuring that Samsung keeps its flagship performance standards by continuing to use Snapdragon chips for the Galaxy S25. Instead, Samsung is focusing on revitalizing its in-house processor business by equipping the next-gen Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the expected Galaxy Z Flip FE with the Exynos 2500. This is a notable change, as earlier Galaxy Z Flip models only used Snapdragon chipsets.

    With the more budget-friendly Exynos 2500 chip, Samsung might achieve a starting price point much lower than that of the current Z Flip models. This could be a big move towards making foldable smartphones more accessible to a broader audience.

    Collaboration and Future Plans

    The report also mentions that internal conflicts between Samsung’s Foundry and System LSI divisions regarding the production delays of the Exynos 2500 have reportedly been resolved, promoting improved teamwork and setting the stage for stable mass production expected in 2025. A senior Samsung official, who wished to remain unnamed, stated, “The 3nm second-generation GAA process has overcome significant challenges, and we are now ready to begin mass production. While supply limitations stop us from equipping the Galaxy S25 series with Exynos 2500, our premium Z Flip models will fully utilize its power.”

    Looking forward, Samsung intends to launch the Galaxy S25 series in January next year, followed by the next foldable phones in the third quarter. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to have a sleeker design with a larger display, while the Galaxy Z Flip FE may provide a more affordable alternative without sacrificing performance.

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  • Samsung Exynos Shutdown: 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Plants Close Due to Demand

    Samsung Exynos Shutdown: 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Plants Close Due to Demand

    Samsung Electronics is said to be cutting back on its semiconductor foundry operations, particularly focusing on its 4 nm, 5 nm, and 7 nm production lines due to low demand. This move follows substantial financial losses, which are estimated to be in the tens of billions of won for the third quarter of this year, as the company aims to lower expenses and optimize its operations.

    Production Capacity Reduction

    Industry sources indicate that Samsung has already decreased over 30% of its production capacity for the aforementioned process nodes on its Pyeongtaek campus. Plans are in place to raise this reduction to nearly 50% by year’s end.

    Facing Losses in the Foundry

    As reported by South Korean outlet ChosunMedia, the semiconductor sector has had difficulty securing enough mass production orders from significant tech players like Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm. This has resulted in a reported loss of 1 trillion won (about USD 724 million) in the last quarter. To cut costs, including electricity expenses, the company is choosing to power down production machines instead of keeping them idle.

    This strategy reflects a larger trend in the industry, especially as lower-than-anticipated orders from Chinese fabless semiconductor firms have impacted the production levels in the 4 and 5 nm processes. Increased U.S. regulations on semiconductor exports to China have led these companies to postpone their projects, worsening conditions for Samsung’s foundry operations.

    Concerns About Competitive Edge

    Experts are cautioning that these closures may undermine Samsung’s competitive edge in the semiconductor arena. With Samsung reallocating resources to its memory division, which has been more lucrative historically, its foundry segment could lag behind competitors like TSMC. Professor Lee Jong-hwan from Sangmyung University warned that this gap could make it difficult for Samsung to catch up once market conditions improve.

    Shift Towards Snapdragon Chips

    In light of the challenges in the foundry sector, Samsung seems to be shifting away from its own Exynos chips toward Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Reports suggest that the forthcoming Galaxy S25 series might incorporate the Dimensity 9400 rather than the Exynos 2500. This change indicates that Samsung is having trouble meeting performance and profitability goals with its Exynos line, resulting in a greater dependence on Qualcomm’s products, even in home appliances increasingly driven by AI functionalities.

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  • Samsung to Boost Utilization of LG OLED Panels in TVs, Omdia Research Reveals

    Samsung to Boost Utilization of LG OLED Panels in TVs, Omdia Research Reveals

    Market analysis firm Omdia has reported that Samsung Electronics is set to increase its usage of LG WOLED panels in its products during this year. It is projected that Samsung will incorporate 700,000 to 800,000 WOLED panels in its OLED TVs, a sharp rise from the previous year's 10-20 thousand units.

    Increased Utilization of LG WOLED Panels

    Samsung's Growing Dependency on LG's WOLED Panels

    LG Display is anticipated to produce close to 6 million units in the current year, with LG Electronics expected to utilize 3.5-4 million of these units. The surplus panels will be distributed to other manufacturers like Sony and Samsung. Market insights suggest that Samsung Electronics will acquire a considerable portion of these LG panels.

    Samsung's Diversified Display Strategy

    The Rise of QD-OLED Panels in Samsung's Manufacturing Plan

    In the display manufacturing sector, Samsung Display holds a significant position and is poised to manufacture 1.4 million QD-OLED panels in the ongoing year. Of these, Samsung Electronics plans to employ 1.1 million panels internally, sharing the remainder with Sony. This shift indicates Samsung's emphasis on QD-OLED panel production while supplementing its WOLED panel requirements through LG Display. Notably, Samsung is projected to produce close to 2 million OLED TVs this year, marking a twofold increase from the previous year.

    OLED TV Market Growth

    Samsung's Role in the Expanding OLED TV Market

    Market research suggests that global OLED TV sales are estimated to reach 6.3 million units in the current year, with Samsung and LG collectively accounting for 5.5 million units. In light of this data, Samsung is set to incorporate LG's B series and C series TV-level WOLED panels in its OLED TVs, while maintaining the use of in-house QD-OLED panels for premium TV models like the S95D showcased at CES earlier this year.

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  • Samsung’s Potential First Worker Strike in Over 55 Years

    Samsung’s Potential First Worker Strike in Over 55 Years

    South Korea's Samsung Electronics and Labor Unions at Impasse Over Wage Negotiations

    Samsung Electronics, a major tech company in South Korea, is currently facing a critical standoff with its labor unions regarding wage negotiations. The deadlock in these discussions has brought the company to the brink of its first-ever worker strike.

    Discrepancies in Proposed Salary Increases

    At the heart of the issue are significant differences between the proposed salary increases put forth by both parties. While the union is pushing for a substantial raise, Samsung's counteroffer falls considerably short of these expectations.

    Negotiation Stalemate and Strike Threat

    The National Samsung Electronics Union rejected the company's initial 2.5% wage increase offer during the first mediation meeting in February. Despite Samsung revising the offer to 2.8% with added benefits such as extended leave and healthcare options, this figure remains well below the union's demand for an 8.1% raise.

    Concerns Over Potential Impact

    The looming threat of a strike is causing concerns about its potential repercussions on Samsung's operations and the wider South Korean economy. As a key player in the global tech sector, any extended disruption could have far-reaching consequences.

    Critical Mediation Ahead

    The upcoming second round of mediation scheduled for March 8th will be pivotal in determining the resolution of this labor dispute. Both sides are under pressure to find a middle ground that addresses the union's grievances while ensuring the company's long-term stability. This situation is closely monitored as it could establish a precedent for future labor relations in South Korea.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Series Global Availability Starts on February 26

    Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Series Global Availability Starts on February 26

    Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Book 4 series, set for global release starting on February 26. This latest lineup comprises the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra, Galaxy Book 4 Pro, and Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 laptops. Initially launched in Korea, where it swiftly surpassed its predecessor’s sales figures, the Galaxy Book 4 series is now making its way to international markets such as the U.S., the U.K., France, and Germany.

    Galaxy Book 4 Ultra: High-End Performance

    The Galaxy Book 4 Ultra stands out as the premium model in the series, boasting a 3K AMOLED display and running on Intel Core Ultra processors, with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics options. It can accommodate up to 64GB of memory and 2TB of SSD storage. Noteworthy features include a 76Wh battery, 140W fast charging capabilities, all packed into a slender 16.5mm chassis weighing about 1.86 kg.

    Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360: Versatile Design

    Designed for versatility, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 is lighter and slimmer compared to the Ultra model, maintaining the same high-quality display while integrating Intel Arc Graphics. It offers up to 1TB of storage, a 76Wh battery, and a 65W USB Type-C adapter. This model caters to users seeking a convertible laptop that offers both performance and flexibility.

    Galaxy Book 4 Pro: Prioritizing Portability

    For consumers emphasizing portability, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch variants. Similar to the Pro 360, it features Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc Graphics, ensuring a balance between performance and display quality. The Pro models are furnished with a 63Wh or 76Wh battery and a 65W adapter, varying based on the size.

    Pricing

    Although global pricing details are yet to be disclosed, looking at the Korean market can provide a rough estimate. In South Korea, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro starts at 1.88 million won ($1,452), while the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 and the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra are priced at 2.59 million won ($2,002) and 3.36 million won (~$2,597), respectively.

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  • Introducing Samsung’s Glare-Free S95D: The Brightest OLED TV Unveiled at CES 2024

    Introducing Samsung’s Glare-Free S95D: The Brightest OLED TV Unveiled at CES 2024

    Samsung has just unveiled its third generation QD-OLED TV, the S95D, during the ongoing CES event. This high-end TV is packed with impressive features that aim to set it apart from the competition. Notably, it is the brightest OLED TV from Samsung and offers a Glare Free viewing experience.

    Samsung S95D QD-OLED TV Specs

    According to the South Korean tech giant, the S95D is capable of removing any noticeable reflections, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience even in well-lit environments. To achieve this, Samsung used a specialized hard-coating layer and surface coating pattern that maintains viewing angles and prevents color distortion.

    The S95D QD-OLED TV is available in sizes up to 77 inches and boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for an enhanced gaming experience. Pantone has even validated the AI-powered color accuracy feature on this model. Despite its impressive capabilities, the TV maintains an ultra-thin 11mm body and comes with Samsung’s One Connect Box.

    Samsung’s Latest Tizen OS and Other Features

    The new QD-OLED TV runs on the latest version of Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS, which can be customized based on the user’s Samsung ID. Additionally, the TV supports HDR10 and HDR10+ for enhanced picture quality.

    Samsung has also announced a slightly cutdown option, the S90D OLED TV, which lacks the glare-free finish and design elements of the flagship model.

    With CES 2024 currently underway, there is plenty of exciting news coming from Samsung. In addition to the new QD-OLED TV, Samsung has also introduced the Music Frame, a unique innovation that allows users to listen to music through a photo frame.

    Overall, the Samsung S95D QD-OLED TV offers a range of impressive features and specifications that make it a top contender in the high-end TV market. From its Glare Free display to its AI-powered color accuracy, this TV is sure to provide an exceptional viewing experience for consumers.

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  • BOE faces Samsung’s termination amidst ongoing legal disputes

    BOE faces Samsung’s termination amidst ongoing legal disputes

    South Korean electronics giant Samsung Electronics has cut ties with BOE, China's largest display manufacturer. The decision comes as a result of patent infringement and trade secret theft allegations made by Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. Complaints have been filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) accusing BOE of misappropriating OLED panel and module technology.

    The exclusion of BOE from Samsung Electronics' supplier list is significant as the Chinese company has been a major supplier of LCD panels, accounting for approximately 10% of the company's TV panel purchases in the first half of 2023. This marks the first time in nearly seven and a half years that BOE has not been included as a primary supplier for Samsung Electronics' Device Experience (DX) division.

    The termination of the partnership is expected to have a significant impact on BOE's business. As a major customer, Samsung's decision to end the contract will likely hurt the Chinese company's bottom line. BOE had been relying on Samsung as a key customer, and losing this contract will pose challenges for its operations.

    In response to cutting ties with BOE, Samsung Electronics is anticipated to increase its collaboration with other suppliers such as LG Display, Sharp, and AUO. LG Display, in particular, is expected to boost production at its Guangzhou, China LCD factory. This move could lead to an increase in shipments from 9 million units in 2023 to 16 million units in 2024.

    The severed ties between Samsung Electronics and BOE highlight the significance of intellectual property protection in the technology industry. Patent infringement and trade secret theft allegations can have severe consequences for companies involved, leading to the termination of partnerships and potential financial losses. As the industry continues to evolve, safeguarding intellectual property rights remains crucial for businesses to maintain their competitive edge.

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  • Samsung considers implementing 3D chiplet technology in Exynos mobile APs

    Samsung considers implementing 3D chiplet technology in Exynos mobile APs

    Samsung Considers 3D Chiplets for Exynos Mobile APs

    Samsung Electronics is reportedly considering the application of 3D chiplet technology to its Exynos mobile application processors (APs). According to a company official familiar with the matter, Samsung believes that there are significant benefits to be gained from this technology.

    The Advantages of Chiplets

    Chiplets are a next-generation packaging technology that involves manufacturing semiconductors with different functions and vertically connecting them into a single chip. This approach offers several advantages over the traditional monolithic method.

    One key benefit of chiplets is improved yield. In the case of a problem occurring in a specific circuit on a monolithic chip, the entire chip must be discarded. However, with chiplets, only the affected component needs to be replaced.

    Another advantage is increased design efficiency. When a change needs to be made to a particular circuit on a monolithic chip, the entire design must be redone. With chiplets, only the specific circuit that needs to be changed requires redesign.

    Gaining a Competitive Edge

    The move to chiplets is driven by Samsung's desire to gain a competitive edge in the mobile AP market. Currently, Qualcomm holds the largest market share, followed by Apple and MediaTek. Samsung's Exynos APs have struggled to gain traction, leading the company to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in its flagship Galaxy S23 smartphone series.

    By implementing 3D chiplets, Samsung aims to differentiate its Exynos APs. Vertical stacking of chips through 3D packaging can reduce overall package size, increase bandwidth, and improve power efficiency. These advantages could make Exynos APs more competitive with offerings from Qualcomm and Apple.

    Chiplet Technology Across the Industry

    Samsung is not alone in exploring chiplet technology. Other major players in the industry, such as NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel, are also incorporating chiplets into the development of system semiconductors for high-performance computing (HPC).

    In conclusion, Samsung's consideration of 3D chiplets for its Exynos mobile APs reflects the company's pursuit of improved performance and competitiveness in the market. With the potential benefits that chiplet technology offers, Samsung aims to enhance its position in the mobile AP industry and provide users with more efficient and powerful devices.

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