Samsung could replace Intel as the world's largest chip maker later this year

[midian182]

After Apple briefly took the number one spot in the wake of the Note 7 disaster, Samsung is once again the world’s largest smartphone maker. And it looks as if it will soon surpass another US firm at the top of a different market: Samsung could displace Intel as the world’s biggest chip company later this year.

In 1993, through the popularity of its 386 and 486 processors and the release of the first Pentium CPU, Intel took the top position in the semiconductor industry. It’s stayed there ever since, but the tech giant’s 25-year reign could come to an end in the coming quarter, thanks to the increasing price and demand for memory chips.

According to IC insights, the massive rise in DRAM and NAND is bringing in huge revenue for Samsung. In Q1 2017, DRAM ASPs were 45 percent higher compared to Q1 2016, while NAND ASPs were up 40 percent from the same period a year ago.

If the predictions are correct, Samsung’s semiconductor sales will reach $14.9 billion by the second quarter, whereas Intel’s will be $14.4 billion.

“If memory market prices continue to hold or increase through the second quarter and the balance of this year, Samsung could charge into the top spot and displace Intel, which has held the No. 1 ranking since 1993,” said Bill McClean, president of IC Insights.

However, Samsung’s victory could be short-lived. “With the memory market still cyclical, this could indeed be a one-year event,” added McClean. Memory chip prices are expected to fall in the second half of this year, which could see Intel replace Samsung at the top.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/69183-samsung-could-replace-intel-world-largest-chip-maker.html

 

[Uncle Al]

We can only hope their chips are more dependable than their old batteries AND that any device with their chips does not include that 30 day clause that says you most "opt out" of their requirements for legal settlement if there is a problem!

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Yeah, it'll be a back and forth struggle that'll still go on for a while but remember, nothing, absolutely nothing, or no one remains at the top of the pile forever, so they may as well enjoy their status, and their slugfest while they can.

 

[amstech]

We can only hope their chips are more dependable than their old batteries AND that any device

They had one issue with one model.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

We can only hope their chips are more dependable than their old batteries AND that any device with their chips does not include that 30 day clause that says you most "opt out" of their requirements for legal settlement if there is a problem!

There was nothing inherently wrong with their batteries if you're referring to the N7 fiasco, it was the cramped design of the the device. They were too ambitious trying to cram so much into such a tiny space. Why they sold their SDI battery division, only they can truthfully answer that but their batteries are just as good as any other reputable brands.

 

[texasrattler]

Samsung has a history of being in the top spot. They dethroned Sony as the King of TVs years ago. No one thought that would happen but it did.

They are still considered the King of phones despite their Note 7 disaster. They are back on top. Not even the mighty Apple can touch them. That's probably because most realize their phones and products in general suck.
Their first gen iwatch is having similar battery issues to the Note 7, their upside it's not exploding, yet. Although people have heard a pop.

Most people don't even know that Samsung has been doing memory chips for a very long time, it's not a new business for them.