Samsung's Latest Foldable Phone: A Major Test for the Tech Giant

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., founded in 1969 as a subsidiary of the Samsung Group, is a South Korean multinational leader in consumer electronics, semiconductors, and telecommunications technology[3][5]. Originating from the larger Samsung conglomerate established in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul as a trading company dealing with noodles and dried fish, Samsung Electronics marked its entry into the technology sector by producing black-and-white televisions in the early 1970s[1][4][9]. The name “Samsung” means "three stars" in Korean, symbolizing strength and longevity[1][2]. Samsung’s pivotal expansion into electronics began in the 1960s, with significant diversification through the 1970s into heavy industries, petrochemicals, and manufacturing[2][4]. Samsung Electronics consolidated its position in the semiconductor industry in the 1980s, notably developing the world’s first 64K DRAM chip in 1983, which accelerated its rise to become the world’s largest memory chip producer by the late 1990s[3][5]. This semiconductor success established a foundation for Samsung's leadership in advanced technology manufacturing. Entering the telecommunications market in 1992, Samsung launched its first mobile phone and rapidly grew to become the world’s largest mobile phone vendor by 2003 through continuous innovation and strategic product development[3]. The launch of the Galaxy smartphone series in 2010 further cemented Samsung's dominance, with the Galaxy S series driving significant global market share in smartphones[3]. Samsung invests heavily in research and development, with approximately $22 billion allocated in 2022 focusing on 5G, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technologies[3]. Today, Samsung Electronics is a global powerhouse in technology, known for its broad product range including smartphones, televisions, home appliances, and semiconductors. The company’s history reflects a strategic evolution from humble beginnings to a diversified conglomerate at the forefront of innovation an