Samsung Reclaims Top Spot in Global DRAM Market After Intense Quarter

Samsung Electronics has retaken the lead in the worldwide DRAM market. The shift occurred in the third quarter of 2025. This ends a brief period of dominance by its rival, SK Hynix.

The surge was driven by a significant jump in quarterly revenue. According to Reuters, strong demand for memory chips fueled this comeback. The competition between the two South Korean tech giants remains incredibly tight.

Revenue and Market Share See Major Gains

Samsung’s DRAM revenue reached $13.942 billion in Q3 2025. This represents a massive increase of nearly 30% from the previous quarter. The performance boosted its market share to 34.8%.

SK Hynix posted a similarly strong revenue of $13.79 billion. Its market share for the quarter was 34.4%. The two companies are now separated by less than half a percentage point.

AI Demand Fuels a Memory Chip Super Cycle

The intense demand for artificial intelligence technologies is the primary driver. This has created what analysts call a “super cycle” for memory chips. Companies like Samsung are capitalizing on this trend with strategic price increases.

Reports indicate Samsung has raised prices for some memory products by up to 60%. This demonstrates the company’s pricing power in the current market. The broader tech industry is feeling the effects of this high-stakes competition.

Samsung’s resurgence highlights the volatile nature of the semiconductor industry. Its regained leadership in the DRAM market underscores the company’s adaptability. The battle for memory chip supremacy is far from over.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused Samsung to lose the top spot earlier?

Samsung fell behind due to slower sales of its high-bandwidth memory products. Key approvals for its HBM3e chips from clients like NVIDIA were delayed. This allowed SK Hynix to seize the opportunity and take the lead.

How significant is the current AI demand for memory?

The demand is substantial and is creating a super cycle. AI servers and data centers require vast amounts of advanced DRAM. This sustained high demand is leading to increased profitability for chipmakers.

What is Samsung’s current market share?

Samsung now holds a 34.8% share of the global DRAM market by revenue. This places it just ahead of SK Hynix, which holds 34.4%. The gap between them is remarkably small.

Have memory chip prices increased?

Yes, prices have risen sharply due to market conditions. Samsung has reportedly increased prices for some memory products by as much as 60%. These hikes reflect the intense demand and supply dynamics.

Why is high-bandwidth memory (HBM) important?

HBM is critical for advanced computing, especially for AI. It provides the speed and bandwidth needed for complex AI workloads. Securing contracts for HBM is a key battleground for memory chip companies.