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As Samsung marks Foundation Day on 1 November, look back at the milestones that took it from black-and-white TVs to Galaxy smartphones, QLED and AI innovation.
Every great technology story starts somewhere modest. For Samsung Electronics, it started in 1969 with a factory floor and a focus on consumer electronics. As the company celebrates its Foundation Day on 1 November, it is worth tracing how a maker of black-and-white televisions grew into one of the most recognisable technology brands in the world.
Samsung Electronics was established in 1969 and began by manufacturing consumer electronics, including black-and-white televisions, before expanding into home appliances and international markets. In 1979, it began mass-producing microwave ovens, widening its household portfolio.
The 1980s brought deeper ambition. A research and development centre opened in Suwon in 1980, and personal computer production began in 1983. In 1988, Samsung Semiconductor and Telecommunications merged with Samsung Electronics, making home appliances, telecommunications and semiconductors the core pillars of the business and setting up the technological strength that would define its future.
The next decade was one of transformation. In 1992, Samsung developed the world’s first 64-megabit DRAM, a major step forward in semiconductor technology. The 1993 New Management initiative reinforced a commitment to quality and global excellence, and by 1998 the company had begun mass-producing digital televisions while reaching a leading position in the global TFT-LCD market.
In 1999,I it developed a wireless internet phone and launched what it identifies as the world’s first MP3 mobile phone, early signs of its growing role in connected consumer technology.
The early 2000s turned ambition into leadership. In 2002, Samsung ranked first in NAND flash memory and second globally in semiconductors. In 2005 it reached the top spot in the global television market, and in 2006 it became the world’s leading television brand by market share, a position it has continued to hold.
A defining chapter opened in 2010 with the launch of the Galaxy smartphone series powered by Android, bringing communication, entertainment, photography and productivity together in one expanding range of devices. In 2014, Samsung acquired SmartThings to strengthen its connected home capabilities, and in 2017 it brought QLED televisions and The Frame to global markets, blending display innovation with design.
The 2019 50th anniversary year was especially notable. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Fold, which launched a new smartphone category, and introduced BESPOKE refrigerators that let home appliances reflect individual style. In 2020, the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold2 pushed foldable technology further.
More recently, Samsung has accelerated its work in artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors and sustainability. In 2022 it began production using a three-nanometre process with gate-all-around transistor architecture. In 2023 it unveiled Samsung Gauss, its generative AI model, and in 2024 it developed 10.7Gbps LPDDR5X DRAM optimised for AI applications and announced 24GB GDDR7 DRAM for next-generation AI computing.
Recognition has followed. In 2024, Samsung retained its position as the global television market leader for the 18th consecutive year and ranked among Interbrand’s top five global brands for the fifth consecutive year, with a brand value of US$100.8 billion.
Samsung’s mission is to devote its talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society. Its core values, People, Excellence, Change, Integrity and Co-prosperity, reflect a commitment to innovation, ethical conduct and responsible growth.
Foundation Day is a reminder that these milestones are about more than technology. They reflect the people, partnerships and ideas behind decades of change, and a company that continues to look ahead with the goal of making technology work better for everyone.
For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
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