The great supply crisis in 2026 is starring memoirs. Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron control 90% of global DRAM production, and can currently only cover about 60% of projected demand. This is bad news for consumers, and excellent news for giants that cannot keep up with selling memory.
Tell Samsung. Samsung Electronics has published its financial report corresponding to the first quarter of 2026. The company recorded revenue of 133.9 trillion won and, so that we understand each other better, this is its all-time quarterly high, with a 43% increase compared to the previous quarter.
Memories, memories, memories. The figure is even more surprising if we look closely at the Device Solutions Division, in which its memory business is located. It recorded a sales increase of 86% compared to the previous quarter, with a historical record in operating profit.
Samsung itself details that this boom comes from the hand of much higher demand and, to no one’s surprise, a sales price that has increased in the industry.
It is not something isolated. Sales related to memories and semiconductors will continue with strong demand throughout the second quarter, Samsung predicts. The company wants to continue capitalizing on demand for GPUs, CPUs and DRAMexpecting advances in agentic AI to continue accelerating demand growth.
Why is it important. Samsung’s results are not only good news for the company’s shareholders: they are a reflection of a change in the industry that is here to stay.
The RAM crisis will change forever the price of the products we buywill make companies that have never participated in the manufacture of memories have to start considering doing so, like teslaand positions manufacturers like Samsung in a position of power that they have not had for years.
The new Samsung. Samsung has always been relevant in semiconductors and memories, but currently this division accounts for 94% of the company’s total operating profit. Virtually every won Samsung earns comes from its device solutions business (RAM and chips).
And what about mobile phones?. Although Samsung’s near future will be led by a single division, the company gives enough clues about its future in a territory that touches the average user very closely: mobile phones.
Its DX division (in which smartphones are found) grew 19%, with more sales and more profit compared to the previous quarter. Samsung expects a slight drop in revenue next quarter, although it will continue to focus on three clear pillars: high end, folding and series A.
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