Samsung Reclaims Global Memory Market Top Spot in Q3 2025 Driven by Robust DRAM, NAND Demand
- Samsung Electronics reclaimed the top position in the global memory market in Q3 2025 with $19.4 billion in memory revenue, while SK Hynix ranked second with $17.5 billion.
- Samsung regained leadership thanks to strong demand for conventional DRAM and NAND, while High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which remained subdued this year, is expected to see significant growth starting 2026 with the ramp up of HBM3E and HBM4.
- Counterpoint expects Samsung to see significant growth momentum next year driven by HBM3E and the wider adoption of HBM4.
Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo – October 15, 2025
Samsung Electronics’ memory revenue climbed to $19.4 billion in Q3 2025, marking the South Korean firm’s return as the world’s leading memory supplier, according to Counterpoint Research’s Memory Tracker. Samsung’s performance during the quarter was driven by strong demand for its conventional DRAM and NAND. Meanwhile, SK Hynix ranked second globally with $17.5 billion in quarterly memory revenue.
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Source: Counterpoint Research Memory Tracker
Samsung delivered strong results across multiple business areas in Q3 2025, offsetting the sluggish performance seen earlier in the year. In the memory segment, the company had ceded the DRAM leadership to SK Hynix in Q1 2025 and slipped to second place in the overall memory market in Q2 2025, before climbing back to the No.1 position in Q3 2025.
In the smartphone business, the launch of the new Galaxy Z7 series played a pivotal role, driving an increase in the share of foldable smartphones. According to Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse, Samsung’s overall smartphone sell-through also grew year-over-year during the first two months of the third quarter, underscoring its solid market momentum.
“Samsung faced challenges in the first half of the year due to sluggish HBM performance but has successfully regained the No.1 position in the global memory market this quarter,” said Jeongku Choi, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research. “This rebound reflects the company’s strong commitment to product quality and operational excellence. Although Samsung narrowly missed reclaiming the DRAM leadership, we expect significant growth momentum next year driven by HBM3E and the wider adoption of HBM4.” Choi added.
About Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.
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Author
Jeongku Choi
Jeongku Choi is a Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research based in Seoul, Korea. As an engineer in LG Electronics, she was responsible for commercializing the latest technologies for new products in mobile and automotive. Also analyzing and strategizing the latest Android technology was one of her roles. Her interests are mobile, mobility, AI, and emerging technologies.
MS Hwang
MS Hwang is a research director at Counterpoint, specializing in memory semiconductor research. MS Hwang brings over 30 years of experience from Samsung Electronics and sell-side brokerage research roles including ABN AMRO, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Samsung Securities.