The History of Samsung: What Mobile Repair Technicians Need to Know

As a mobile repair technician, you work with a variety of smartphones every day, but it can also be interesting to learn how popular brands like Samsung got started and grew into global leaders. By understanding how Samsung has evolved, you gain more insight into how their technology and designs have changed over the years, something that helps you better understand the devices you work with today. In this blog, we’ll take you through Samsung’s history and explore why this brand has become such an important part of the smartphone world.

From Small Trading Company to Global Player

Samsung was founded in 1938 in South Korea as a small trading company by its founder, Lee Byung-chul. In the 1960s and 1970s, the company increasingly focused on electronics, such as televisions and household appliances.

The real turning point came in the 1990s, when Samsung decided to fully invest in innovation and quality. The company poured significant resources into research and development (R&D) to create new technologies and enter the mobile market.

Technically, Samsung released its first smartphone in 2001: the SPH-i300, a device running Palm OS that combined phone functionality with a PDA. (A PDA, or Personal Digital Assistant, was a handheld device used to manage appointments, contacts, and notes, a kind of precursor to the modern smartphone.) This device was primarily available in the United States and is often considered Samsung’s first smartphone. For the modern audience and the global smartphone market, however, the Samsung i7500 Galaxy from 2009 is often referred to as their first true smartphone. This was Samsung’s first Android device and marked the beginning of the Galaxy line that would make the brand famous worldwide.

The Galaxy Era

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy S series in 2010 changed the smartphone world. For mobile repair technicians, this means that Galaxy devices are now frequently on the workbench. The most common issues include:

• Screen and touch problems on Galaxy S and Note models
• Battery issues on older Galaxy devices
• Software problems caused by regular updates and the One UI interface

By understanding which models tend to have these issues, you can diagnose problems more quickly and repair devices more efficiently.

Innovations Repair Technicians Should Know

Samsung is constantly innovating, and some of their technologies have a direct impact on repairs:

• Water resistance (IP67/IP68): requires extra care when opening devices
• Foldable screens (Galaxy Z Fold/Flip): flexible displays require different tools and techniques
• Fast chargers and larger batteries: proper replacement is crucial for safety

Helpful tools for these types of repairs include a heat gun or heating pad for safely opening glued screens, precision screwdrivers and plastic pry tools to prevent damage, and an ESD-safe work mat to protect sensitive components.

Why This Knowledge Is Important

For a mobile repair technician, it’s not just useful to know how a device works. By understanding Samsung’s history and their technologies, you can better advise customers, identify common issues more quickly, and stand out as a specialist.

This knowledge also helps you build a niche in Samsung repairs, strengthening your reputation and expanding your customer base.

Popular Samsung Models Frequently Repaired

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23 (SM-S911B) Display | Service Pack

Manufacturer part numbers: GH82-30481A, GH82-30480A

Model codes: SM-S911

View display

Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung Galaxy S25 (SM-S931B) Display | Service Pack

Manufacturer part number: GH82-36329C

Model codes: SM-S931

View display

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (SM-S938B) Display | Service Pack

Manufacturer part number: GH82-36588A

Model codes: SM-S938

View display

Conclusion

Samsung has evolved from a small trading company into a global leader in smartphones. For mobile repair technicians, understanding their history, innovations, and common issues is essential for working efficiently and professionally.

By combining this knowledge with your technical skills, you can perform repairs more quickly, provide better advice, and establish yourself as an expert in the Samsung repair market.

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