35 Fascinating Facts About Samsung You Probably Didn't Know
- Discover how Samsung transformed from selling noodles to leading the tech world.
- Unveil the secrets behind Samsung’s groundbreaking foldable smartphone technology.
- Learn why Samsung manufactures 90% of its components in-house and what it means for quality.
In the ever-evolving realm of technology, few names resonate as profoundly as Samsung. This South Korean powerhouse has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, from the smartphones in our pockets to the televisions in our living rooms. Yet, behind Samsung’s glossy advertisements and cutting-edge gadgets lies a tapestry of intriguing stories, groundbreaking innovations, and surprising milestones that many users remain unaware of.
Founded in 1938, Samsung has transformed from a humble trading company into a global conglomerate, spanning industries from electronics and shipbuilding to construction and beyond. This meteoric rise is not just a tale of business acumen but also one of relentless innovation and strategic foresight. As we peel back the layers of Samsung’s expansive empire, you’ll uncover facts that highlight the company’s pivotal role in shaping modern technology and its enduring legacy in the global market.
Photo via CNET // Ever wondered how Samsung came to dominate the tech industry? Here's the inside story.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast eager to delve deeper into Samsung’s journey, a curious consumer fascinated by the brand’s impact, or someone simply looking to impress over dinner, these 35 facts will offer a glimpse into the lesser-known facets of this technological titan. Let’s explore the most captivating Samsung facts of 2024.
35 Fascinating Facts About Samsung
- Humble Beginnings: Samsung was established in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul as a grocery, dried fish, and noodle trading company in Japan-occupied Korea. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that Samsung ventured into the electronics market. (Erlichman, Medium.com)
- Symbolic Name: In Korean hanja, "Samsung" means "three stars," symbolizing something powerful and everlasting. This was reflected in their original logo, which featured three stars until 1993. (Samsung Newsroom)
Photo via Insight and Innovation // All Samsung logos (Samsung logo history). The Samsung logo has changed a lot since 1938. - Publicly Traded Pioneer: Samsung Electronics, the flagship subsidiary, went public in 1975 on the Korea Stock Exchange, marking its transformation into a global electronics powerhouse. (Samsung Newsroom)
- Global Presence: Samsung operates in 74 countries and employs over 267,000 people worldwide as of March 2023. (Web Tribunal, Statista)
- In-House Mastery: An impressive 90% of Samsung’s components are manufactured in-house, ensuring stringent quality control and fostering innovation. (Reuters)
- Curved Display Trailblazers: In 2014, Samsung launched the Galaxy Note Edge, the first smartphone with a curved edge-to-edge display, setting a new trend in smartphone design. (Reuters)
- Foldable Innovation: Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold in 2019, becoming the first company to market a foldable smartphone that seamlessly transitions between phone and tablet functionalities. (Samsung)
- Bixby Assistant: Debuting with the Galaxy S8, Samsung’s proprietary virtual assistant, Bixby, competes with giants like Siri and Cortana across smartphones, smartwatches, and home appliances. (Samsung)
- Quality Over Quantity: In a dramatic shift towards quality, Chairman Lee Kun Hee ordered the destruction of 150,000 phones and fax machines in 1993, underscoring Samsung’s commitment to excellence. (Samsung Newsroom)
Photo via Tom's Guide // Some flagship Samsung smartphones in 2024. - Pioneering Mobile Photography: The Samsung SCH-V200, released in 2000, was the first cell phone to feature a built-in camera, revolutionizing mobile photography. (Digital Trends)
- Waterproof Leadership: With the Galaxy S5 in 2014, Samsung led the market in waterproof and dustproof smartphone technology without compromising design aesthetics. (Mint)
- Smart TV Vanguard: While not the inventor, Samsung significantly popularized Smart TVs around 2011, integrating internet capabilities into home entertainment systems. (Samsung Newsroom)
- QLED Technology: Samsung’s patented QLED technology employs quantum dots for superior light processing, positioning it alongside OLED and QNED as top-tier television innovations. (PC Mag)
- Affordable Innovation: In 2024, the most affordable Samsung Smart TV on Amazon is priced at just $259, making advanced TV technology accessible to a broader audience. (Amazon.com)
- Virtual Reality Ventures: In 2016, Samsung partnered with Six Flags to create North America’s first Virtual Reality roller coasters, merging entertainment with cutting-edge VR technology.
- Shipbuilding Giant: Samsung Heavy Industries is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding divisions, projected to operate profitably by 2023. (The Korea Economic Daily)
- Defense Legacy: Formerly Samsung Techwin, the company’s defense division was acquired by Hanwha Vision in 2014 and now specializes in video surveillance systems. (Wikipedia)
- US Market Entry: Samsung entered the US market in the late 1970s, establishing Samsung Electronics America in 1978 to spearhead its expansion into American consumer electronics. (Samsung Newsroom)
- Record Smartphone Sales: In 2013, Samsung sold a staggering 316.4 million smartphones, marking its highest sales year and solidifying its position as the leading smartphone manufacturer. (bankmycell)
Photo via Smartprix // Samsung's 2024 smartphone lineup, showcasing their modern and sleek designs. - Smart TV Dominance: Samsung holds a commanding 31.8% share of the global Smart TV market and 41.7% of US households owned a Samsung Smart TV in 2021. (Gitnux)
- Employee Development: Over 53,400 Samsung employees have completed more than 64 courses through the company’s HR Development Center since 1993, fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. (Samsung)
- Patent Powerhouse: Samsung secured more patents than any other company worldwide in recent years, boasting over 7,670 U.S. patents, underscoring its leadership in innovation.
- Sustainability Commitment: Since 2009, Samsung has invested $4.8 billion in reducing 85 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. (Samsung Newsroom)
- Digital Playground: Samsung’s New York building, 837, is a digital playground showcasing their latest tech, including a theater display made of ninety-six 55” screens and a VR tunnel.
- AI Ambitions: Samsung is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, integrating advanced AI capabilities into their devices to enhance user experiences and interconnectivity.
Photo via Medium // Left: Apple Intelligence logo. Right: Galaxy AI logo. - Economic Titan: Samsung’s revenue in 2022 reached 302.23 trillion KRW ($226.5 billion), with a net profit of 43.38 trillion KRW ($32.5 billion) in 2023. (Samsung Newsroom)
- Market Share Leader: As of Q1 2023, Samsung captured a 27.14% market share in smartphone sales, maintaining its position as a top vendor globally. (bankmycell)
- Smartwatch Influence: In 2022, Samsung was the second-largest smartwatch vendor with a 10.1% market share, highlighting its strength in wearable technology. (Counterpoint Research)
- Historical Milestones: Samsung was established 38 years before Apple, laying a foundational legacy in the tech industry that continues to influence its growth and innovation.
Photo via Sam Lover // Samsung vs. Apple: A tale as old as time. But is it, really? - Sustainable Goals: In 2015, Samsung partnered with the UN to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, focusing on areas like gender equality and climate change.
- Entertainment Ventures: Beyond electronics, Samsung has a significant presence in the entertainment industry, producing films, TV shows, and supporting cultural events globally.
- Legal Battles: The tech giant has faced notable legal disputes, including a high-profile patent infringement lawsuit between Apple and Samsung in 2012, shaping its approach to intellectual property. (Reuters)
- Self-Driving Trials: In May 2017, Samsung was granted permission to conduct self-driving car trials in South Korea, venturing into autonomous vehicle technology.
- Award-Winning Design: Samsung won 42 awards at the International Design Excellence Awards in 2022, including golds for innovative kitchen and vacuum cleaner designs. (Samsung Newsroom)
- Employment Leader: As of 2023, Samsung employs more people globally than Apple, with over 267,000 employees compared to Apple’s 154,000. (Web Tribunal, MacroTrends.net)
The Samsung Legacy Continues
Samsung's transformation from a modest trading entity to a technological behemoth is a narrative of vision, resilience, and unyielding pursuit of excellence. Their strategic investments in research and development, coupled with a robust in-house manufacturing approach, have enabled Samsung to stay ahead of the curve, often setting industry standards rather than following them. This dedication to innovation is evident in their diverse product lineup, which continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in consumer electronics and beyond.
Moreover, Samsung’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility underscores a forward-thinking ethos that goes beyond mere profit margins. By aligning with global sustainable development goals and investing heavily in reducing their environmental footprint, Samsung not only shapes the future of technology but also contributes positively to global challenges. This balance of technological prowess and ethical responsibility positions Samsung as a leader not just in the market, but also in fostering a better world.
As Samsung continues to explore new frontiers in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and autonomous technologies, their legacy of innovation and excellence remains unchallenged. Whether through groundbreaking smartphone features, immersive Smart TV technologies, or sustainable business practices, Samsung is poised to maintain its influence and drive progress in the tech industry and beyond. As Lee Kun Hee, former CEO of Samsung, aptly put it, “Change everything except your wife and kids,” encapsulating the company’s relentless drive for transformation and excellence.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s story is a testament to what strategic vision and relentless innovation can achieve. From pioneering smartphone technologies to leading the charge in sustainable practices, Samsung has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the global technology landscape. These 35 fascinating facts offer just a glimpse into the intricate and impressive world of Samsung, highlighting why it remains a beloved and respected name across the globe.
As we look to the future, Samsung’s ability to adapt and innovate will undoubtedly continue to shape our technological landscape in ways we can only begin to imagine. Whether you're a long-time fan or a casual observer, understanding these facets of Samsung’s journey enriches our appreciation of the devices and technologies that play such a pivotal role in our lives.
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