Samsung Electronics has won high praise from customers for its next-generation high-bandwidth memory HBM4 chip based on differentiated competitiveness.
“Samsung is back” as demand for AI chips accelerates, co-CEO and chip chief Jun Yong-hoo-hyun said in his New Year's address, hinting at a major comeback for the South Korean giant.
As reported by Reuters, positive reviews from customers for Samsung's upcoming high-bandwidth memory products have reignited confidence and growth in the company's AI-focused memory strategy.
Samsung was in “close discussions” in early October 2025 with the aim of supplying its cutting-edge HBM4 to US-based AI chip maker Nvidia to compete with rivals such as SK Hynix in the AI chip race.
Following the development of the HBM4 chip, Samsung Electronics' stock price rose as much as 7.2%, compared to SK Hynix's 4% on the first trading day of the year.
Until now, SK Hynix had monopolized the HBM market with 53% in the third quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, Samsung and Micron held 35% and 11% market share, respectively, according to a report by Counterpoint Research.
Jun said supply deals with major customers around the world were responsible for the “big jump” in the business.
For example, the chipmaker signed a $16.5 billion deal with Elon Musk's Tesla.
He also said a surge in demand for AI-powered chips is also benefiting the company's growth.
On the other hand, the competitive AI environment makes the business environment in 2026 potentially challenging, highlighting future preparedness and heavy investments.
TM Roh, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, said 2026 is likely to bring uncertainty due to global tariff constraints and high prices.
Roh Moo-hyun added, “To be well-positioned to maintain our competitive advantage under any circumstances for years to come, we will strengthen our core competitiveness through aggressive supply chain diversification and global business optimization to address issues such as parts sourcing, pricing, and global tariff risks.”
