- Founded: January 13, 1969, in Suwon, South Korea
- 2024 Revenue: 300.9 trillion KRW (approximately $220 billion USD)
- Employees: 262,647 globally (2024)
- Market Cap: Approximately $350 billion USD (January 2026)
- Global Smartphone Market Share: 19.9% (2024)
Samsung Electronics ranks as the world’s fourth-largest technology company by revenue. The South Korean multinational manufactures semiconductors, consumer electronics, and mobile communications devices from its headquarters in Suwon.
The company operates through three main divisions: Device eXperience (DX) covering smartphones and consumer electronics, Device Solutions (DS) handling semiconductors and displays, and Harman for automotive electronics. Samsung holds the top position in global TV sales and stands as the largest smartphone vendor worldwide since 2012.
Samsung Electronics History
Samsung Electronics Co-founders
Samsung Electronics Competitors
Samsung faces competition across multiple product categories from global technology and electronics companies. In smartphones, LG Electronics was a major rival until exiting the mobile market in 2021. Samsung also competes with semiconductor manufacturers like Texas Instruments and storage providers like Seagate Technology.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Competition Area |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Cupertino, USA | Smartphones, Tablets, Wearables |
| Xiaomi | Beijing, China | Smartphones, Consumer Electronics |
| Huawei | Shenzhen, China | Smartphones, Telecom Equipment |
| Sony | Tokyo, Japan | TVs, Image Sensors, Gaming |
| LG Electronics | Seoul, South Korea | TVs, Home Appliances, Displays |
| SK Hynix | Icheon, South Korea | Memory Semiconductors |
| Micron Technology | Boise, USA | Memory Chips, Storage |
| OPPO | Dongguan, China | Smartphones |
| Vivo | Dongguan, China | Smartphones |
| TCL | Huizhou, China | TVs, Display Panels |
Samsung Electronics Revenue
Samsung Electronics generated 300.9 trillion Korean won (approximately $220 billion USD) in consolidated revenue for fiscal year 2024. The Mobile eXperience division remains the largest revenue generator, contributing around $72 billion annually.
The company’s revenue growth recovered strongly after the semiconductor downturn in 2023. Memory chip demand and Galaxy smartphone sales drove the rebound in 2024.
Samsung Electronics Marketcap
Samsung Electronics maintains a market capitalization of approximately $350 billion USD as of January 2026. This positions the company among the top 20 most valuable companies globally.
Samsung Electronics Acquisitions
Samsung Electronics has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its technological capabilities and market presence. The company’s acquisition strategy focuses on automotive electronics, audio technology, and emerging technologies rather than aggressive expansion through mergers.
The largest acquisition in Samsung Electronics history was the $8 billion purchase of Harman International in 2017. This deal gave Samsung immediate access to the automotive electronics market, with Harman supplying connected car and audio systems to over 30 million vehicles at the time of acquisition. Harman owns premium audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, and Mark Levinson. The acquisition has since proven successful, with Harman posting record operating profits of 1.3 trillion won in 2024.
In 2010, Samsung acquired Medison, a medical equipment company, expanding into healthcare technology. The company has also made smaller acquisitions in display technology and semiconductor equipment. Samsung established joint ventures rather than outright acquisitions in several areas, including S-LCD with Sony in 2003 for TFT-LCD panel manufacturing.
Recent acquisitions through Harman include Roon Labs in 2023 for home audio technology and a $350 million deal for Masimo’s consumer audio division in 2025. Harman also agreed to acquire ZF Group’s advanced driver-assistance systems business for €1.5 billion in late 2025. These deals strengthen Samsung’s position in both consumer audio and automotive technology markets.
FAQs
When was Samsung Electronics founded?
Samsung Electronics was founded on January 13, 1969, in Suwon, South Korea. Lee Byung-chul established it as part of Samsung Group’s expansion into the electronics manufacturing industry.
What is Samsung Electronics known for?
Samsung Electronics is known for smartphones, semiconductors, televisions, and home appliances. The company leads globally in memory chips, TVs, and ranks as the largest smartphone manufacturer worldwide.
Who owns Samsung Electronics?
Samsung Electronics is a publicly traded company on the Korea Exchange. Foreign investors hold about 44% of shares, institutions own 38%, and the Lee family maintains approximately 4% ownership.
How many employees does Samsung Electronics have?
Samsung Electronics employs approximately 262,647 people globally as of 2024. About 125,000 employees work in South Korea, with the remainder distributed across manufacturing and research facilities worldwide.
What is Samsung Electronics market share in smartphones?
Samsung Electronics holds approximately 19.9% of the global smartphone market as of 2024. The company competes for the top position with Apple and Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi.
