The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series, set to launch early next month, marks a surprising shift in Samsung’s strategy. For the first time, Micron, rather than Samsung’s own semiconductor division, will be the primary supplier of mobile DRAM for the flagship devices. This decision highlights key challenges and shifts in the mobile memory market, with significant implications for both Samsung and the broader industry.
Micron Overtakes Samsung in DRAM Supply
For over a decade, Micron has been the secondary vendor for Samsung’s Galaxy series mobile DRAM. However, with the Galaxy S25 series, Micron has risen to become the primary supplier. The decision was reportedly made after Samsung’s MX division conducted a thorough evaluation of performance, pricing, and overall requirements, ultimately favoring Micron’s LPDDR5 over Samsung’s own offerings.
The Galaxy S25 series, including the base model, S25+, and S25 Ultra, is scheduled for unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, in San Jose, California. General availability is expected by early February.
Why Micron? Performance and Technology Lead the Way
Micron’s advancement in memory technology has been a decisive factor. The company’s LPDDR5X, based on its 10nm-class 1b process, has set benchmarks for performance and efficiency. Micron was the first to develop LPDDR5X using the 1b process in 2022, supplying this advanced memory to Apple’s iPhone 15 series and NVIDIA’s AI accelerators, such as the Blackwell (GB200).
Meanwhile, Samsung’s own LPDDR5X, which boasts industry-leading speeds of up to 10.7 Gbps, has faced criticism for overheating issues linked to its 1b process. Despite beginning mass production of this memory in the second half of 2024, Samsung’s DRAM technology has struggled to match Micron’s reliability and efficiency.
The Growing Importance of LPDDR Memory
LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate) memory is critical in mobile devices, offering high performance while minimizing power consumption. As the demand for AI applications grows, power-efficient memory solutions are becoming increasingly vital, not just for smartphones but also for AI servers, data centers, and on-device AI systems.
Micron’s LPDDR5X has already proven its value in AI applications, with its use in NVIDIA’s AI accelerators underscoring its performance capabilities. The adoption of Micron’s DRAM in the Galaxy S25 series further cements its reputation as a leader in next-generation memory technology.
Implications for Samsung’s Semiconductor Division
The decision to source DRAM externally is a significant blow to Samsung’s memory division, long considered a cornerstone of the company’s technological prowess. The shift indicates a recognition within Samsung of the need to address gaps in its DRAM technology, particularly as competitors like Micron and SK Hynix continue to innovate.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Samsung
The Galaxy S25 series’ adoption of Micron DRAM underscores the shifting dynamics in the semiconductor industry. For Samsung, this move is both a setback and a call to action. To maintain its leadership, Samsung must prioritize advancements in DRAM technology, ensuring its products can compete with the best in the market.
For consumers, the decision may result in better performance and efficiency in the Galaxy S25 series, highlighting the benefits of healthy competition in driving innovation.
As the tech world gears up for the Galaxy Unpacked event, all eyes will be on Samsung’s new flagship devices and the performance gains delivered by Micron’s cutting-edge DRAM.
