Internal rift amid crisis, Galaxy S25 will not use Samsung memory chip

Samsung’s MX mobile division is expected to use RAM from Micron (USA) for most Galaxy S25 models, instead of using memory chips from the traditional DS semiconductor division. Although supply diversification is common, this decision seems to stem from internal conflicts and structural problems within Samsung. According to the report, Samsung DS tried to offer MX LPDDR5X RAM at a higher price than competing products, while this type of RAM had overheating and performance problems. Samsung DS is having difficulty with profits after selling 1a-nanometer memory products at low prices to compete with Chinese semiconductor companies.

Chinese memory manufacturers have flooded the market with products that cost less than half that of Samsung. This comes at a difficult time for the semiconductor division, which is also facing sharp revenue declines in other areas of its business. To recoup these losses, Samsung DS reportedly tried to charge MX higher prices for components, leading to growing discontent within MX.

MX was also challenged by Exynos performance issues, forcing them to completely switch to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for the Galaxy S25, significantly increasing production costs. Qualcomm charging a higher price for the Snapdragon 8 Elite makes it difficult for MX to maintain profits if it also has to buy more expensive memory modules.

Faced with this situation, MX made the strategic decision to increase the use of Micron RAM in the Galaxy S25 to increase its bargaining power with DS. According to the report, most of the initial S25 shipments will use Micron RAM. Price is not the only factor in this decision. Micron’s RAM is also rated higher in both performance and heat management than Samsung. For MX, having to equip the Galaxy S25 with a DRAM chip with lower performance than the DS on a large scale will be a burden.

What’s even more surprising is the level of internal conflict within Samsung. The report mentions that last year, Samsung MX TM head Roh personally went to the DS division to express strong dissatisfaction, leading to a major controversy. This reflects Roh’s belief in equipping flagship models with only the best components. His stance against the use of inefficient internal components is an attempt to protect the Galaxy brand.

Countless reports have highlighted how MX had no choice but to choose the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset over the Exynos 2500 because the semiconductor division could not improve chip yield. Let’s be clear: TM Roh is not responsible for the failure of Exynos. Exynos’s shortcomings belong to Samsung’s contract foundry division, not the MX division.

For years, TM Roh has faced criticism for allegedly prioritizing cost cutting over focusing exclusively on innovation. However, this case shows another side of him: a leader who strives to create the best possible product within budget constraints. TM Roh is not only a corporate executive but also a “Dark Knight” fighting to maintain the Galaxy brand. Without his decisive actions, Galaxy’s reputation might have faced greater risks. Samsung needs to resolve these internal conflicts and find ways for its divisions to work in harmony, restoring its true competitive advantage.