Samsung TVs sit in millions of living rooms worldwide, yet most owners have no idea where their television actually came from. The answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. manufactures Samsung TVs, but that single sentence barely scratches the surface. The reality involves a sprawling global manufacturing network, complex panel supplier relationships, and a corporate structure that has dominated the television industry for nearly two decades.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Samsung TV manufacturing - from the factories assembling your television to the suppliers providing the screens, and what all of this means for quality.
Quick Answer: Who Makes Samsung TVs in 2026
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a South Korean multinational corporation headquartered in Suwon, manufactures Samsung TVs. The company has held the position of world's largest television manufacturer for 19 consecutive years since 2006.
Here's the essential breakdown:
Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
Parent Company | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Headquarters | Suwon, South Korea |
Market Position | #1 globally for 19 consecutive years |
2024 Market Share | 28.3% of global TV revenue |
Primary Manufacturing Hub | Thai Nguyen, Vietnam |
Panel Sources | Samsung Display (QD-OLED), CSOT, BOE, HKC (LCD) |
While Samsung designs and develops televisions at its Korean headquarters, actual production happens across a global network spanning Vietnam, Mexico, Hungary, Slovakia, India, and Brazil. The company assembles roughly 40-50 million televisions annually through these facilities.
One critical distinction often gets overlooked: Samsung Display - a separate subsidiary - produces the premium QD-OLED panels used in flagship OLED televisions. However, Samsung Electronics sources LCD panels for its Neo QLED, QLED, and Crystal UHD models primarily from Chinese suppliers including CSOT, BOE, and HKC.
According to Omdia market research, Samsung captured 28.3% of global TV revenue in 2024, with an estimated 29% share in Q3 2025. The company leads in nearly every premium segment, commanding 49.6% of the $2,500+ TV market and 45% of the high-end television category overall.
If you're setting up a new Samsung television, our guide on Samsung TV setup walks you through the initial configuration process. And should you encounter any issues down the line, our comprehensive Samsung TV troubleshooting resource covers the most common problems and their solutions.
Samsung Electronics: The Company Behind Samsung TVs
Understanding who makes Samsung TVs requires understanding Samsung itself - a company that's far more complex than most consumers realize.
The Chaebol Structure
Samsung Electronics isn't a standalone company. It's the flagship subsidiary of Samsung Group, South Korea's largest chaebol (재벌) - a term describing the family-controlled conglomerates that dominate the Korean economy. Samsung Group accounts for roughly 20% of South Korea's entire GDP, making it one of the most economically significant corporate entities in any single nation.
The Samsung Group traces its origins to 1938 when Lee Byung-chul founded a small trading company in Taegu, Korea. Samsung Electronics specifically was established on January 13, 1969, initially producing black-and-white televisions, calculators, and refrigerators.
Lee Family Ownership and Control
The Lee family maintains controlling influence over Samsung Electronics through a deliberately intricate web of cross-shareholdings - a structure common among Korean chaebols.
As of mid-2025, key shareholders include:
Shareholder | Stake | Role |
|---|---|---|
Samsung Life Insurance | 7.62% | Family-controlled affiliate |
National Pension Service of Korea | 6.48% | Government pension fund |
Samsung C&T Corporation | ~4.5% | Family-controlled holding company |
Lee Jae-yong (Chairman) | ~1.63% direct | Executive Chairman |
Lee Jae-yong, grandson of founder Lee Byung-chul, serves as Executive Chairman - a position he formally assumed in October 2022. Though his direct shareholding appears modest, his control extends through Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung C&T, which together amplify family influence far beyond their individual stakes.
The late Lee Kun-hee, who transformed Samsung from a regional player into a global technology leader, passed away in October 2020. His widow Hong Ra-hee and their children - Lee Jae-yong, Lee Boo-jin, and Lee Seo-hyun - collectively maintain the family's controlling position.
Key Subsidiaries and Divisions
Samsung Group encompasses dozens of affiliates, but several directly impact television manufacturing:
Samsung Display Co., Ltd.: Produces QD-OLED panels for premium TVs and monitors
Samsung SDI: Battery technology (relevant for some smart TV features)
Harman International: Audio systems (acquired 2017, powers TV sound technology)
Samsung SDS: IT services and logistics
The Visual Display Business division within Samsung Electronics handles television development, manufacturing, and sales. Executive VP Hun Lee heads this division, overseeing everything from product strategy to global distribution.
Samsung's current market capitalization sits around $314 billion (as of mid-2025), with approximately 260,000+ employees operating across 70+ countries. The company's television operation represents a significant portion of its consumer electronics revenue, though semiconductors and mobile devices generate larger overall profits.
For optimizing your Samsung television's picture performance, check out our detailed guide on Samsung TV picture settings - it covers everything from basic adjustments to advanced calibration.
Where Are Samsung TVs Made: Global Factory Locations [2026]
Samsung operates one of the most extensive television manufacturing networks in the world. Understanding these locations helps explain why your Samsung TV might say "Made in Vietnam" or "Made in Mexico" on its label.
Vietnam: The Primary Global Hub
Vietnam has emerged as Samsung's most important television manufacturing location. The company's facilities in Thai Nguyen province represent the heart of global Samsung TV production.
Key Vietnam Statistics:
Location: Thai Nguyen province (approximately 8 factories)
Employees: 60,000+ Vietnamese workers
Primary Hub Since: 2018 (after Korea production ended)
Markets Served: Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia
Samsung's relationship with Vietnam began in 2008 and has grown substantially. Between 2016 and 2018, Samsung's Vietnam facility ranked as the company's second-largest TV and home electronics manufacturer globally. Today, it arguably holds the top position.
The Vietnamese operation handles everything from component assembly to final quality testing. Televisions produced here ship throughout Asia, to African markets, and to numerous other global destinations. The facility benefits from Vietnam's competitive labor costs, favorable tax policies, and increasingly sophisticated manufacturing infrastructure.
Mexico: The Americas Hub
Samsung's Tijuana facility serves as the production center for North and South American markets.
Key Mexico Statistics:
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Production Capacity: ~17-19 million units annually
Operational Since: 1988
Markets Served: United States, Canada, Central America, South America
Tijuana's strategic location - just south of San Diego, California - enables efficient distribution throughout the Americas. The proximity to the US-Mexico border significantly reduces shipping costs and delivery times for the North American market, which remains one of Samsung's most important television marketplaces.
Samsung has operated in Mexico since 1988, making it one of the company's longest-standing international manufacturing relationships. The facility has undergone multiple expansions to meet growing demand.
Hungary: The European Hub
Samsung's Jászfényszaru facility serves Western and Eastern European markets.
Key Hungary Statistics:
Location: Jászfényszaru
Production Capacity: ~8 million units annually
Operational Since: Early 1990s
Markets Served: Western Europe, Eastern Europe
Hungary's central European location and membership in the European Union make it ideal for serving the continent's diverse markets. The facility benefits from skilled labor, favorable business conditions, and straightforward access to EU distribution networks.
Other Manufacturing Locations
Slovakia (Galanta): Supplements European production, primarily serving Eastern and Western Europe. Samsung previously considered consolidating this operation with Hungary but has maintained both facilities.
India (Tirupati, via Dixon Technologies): Since January 2020, Samsung has partnered with Dixon Technologies to produce LED televisions at Dixon's Tirupati facility in Andhra Pradesh. This arrangement allows Samsung to serve the growing Indian market while navigating local tax policies. Dixon manufactures TVs up to 55 inches under this partnership.
Brazil (Manaus): Operational since 1995, this facility produces approximately 10 million televisions annually for South American distribution. Brazil's Manaus Free Trade Zone offers significant tax advantages for electronics manufacturing.
Historical Note: Closed Facilities
South Korea (Suwon): Samsung ceased mass TV production at its Suwon headquarters in 2018. The facility was converted to test equipment manufacturing and prototype development. You won't find modern Samsung TVs labeled "Made in Korea."
China (Tianjin): Samsung closed its sole Chinese TV factory in November 2020, shifting production to Vietnam, Mexico, and other locations. Rising labor costs and competition from Chinese brands like TCL and Hisense drove this decision.
If you're encountering issues after setting up a new Samsung TV, the manufacturing location typically has no bearing on the problem. Quality control standards remain consistent across all facilities. However, keeping your TV's software current through regular Samsung TV firmware updates helps ensure optimal performance regardless of where your television was assembled.
Samsung TV Panel Suppliers: Who Makes the Screens
Here's something that surprises most Samsung TV owners: Samsung doesn't make the LCD panels in most of its televisions.
This represents one of the most significant shifts in Samsung's supply chain over the past several years, and it's a topic most competitors fail to address adequately.
Samsung Display's Exit from LCD
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. - the subsidiary responsible for display panel production - exited the LCD television panel business at the end of 2021. The company sold its LCD factories and related patents, choosing instead to focus exclusively on advanced display technologies like QD-OLED.
This strategic pivot means Samsung Electronics must source LCD panels from external suppliers for the vast majority of its television lineup, including Neo QLED, QLED, and Crystal UHD models.
Current Panel Supplier Breakdown (2025-2026)
Samsung sources LCD panels primarily from Chinese manufacturers:
Supplier | Approximate Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CSOT (TCL subsidiary) | ~26% | Largest supplier; acquired former Samsung/LG Display LCD factory in Guangzhou |
HKC | ~21% | Second-largest supplier |
BOE Technology | ~11% | Share reduced from 17% (2021) due to disputes |
CHOT | ~2% | Smaller supplier |
LG Display | ~7% | Supplies WOLED panels for larger OLED sizes |
Samsung Display | QD-OLED only | Flagship OLED panels exclusively |
CSOT's dominant position stems partly from its acquisition of LG Display's LCD factory in Guangzhou - a facility where Samsung previously procured panels. This vertical integration gives CSOT significant influence in Samsung's supply chain.
BOE's declining share reflects ongoing tensions between the companies, including disputes over advertising royalties and broader supply chain politics. Samsung has actively diversified away from BOE while increasing orders from competitors.
Which Samsung TVs Use Which Panels
Understanding panel sources helps clarify what you're actually buying:
Samsung Display QD-OLED Panels:
Samsung S95F, S90F (55", 65", 77" sizes)
Samsung S99H (2026 flagship, 55", 65", 77")
These are the only Samsung TVs with Samsung-made panels
LG Display WOLED Panels:
Samsung S95F 83" (Samsung Display doesn't produce QD-OLED in this size)
Larger OLED models requiring 83"+ screens
Chinese Supplier LCD Panels (CSOT, BOE, HKC):
All Neo QLED models (QN90F, QN85F, QN80F, etc.)
All QLED models
All Crystal UHD models
The Frame, The Serif, Lifestyle TVs
The "Panel Lottery" Reality
Here's something manufacturers rarely discuss: panel variation exists within the same TV model. Samsung might source panels for identical model numbers from different suppliers, meaning two TVs with the same model designation could have screens from CSOT, HKC, or BOE.
This "panel lottery" occurs across the industry, not just with Samsung. The variation happens within production batches at the same factory - it's not determined by manufacturing location or country of origin.
Should you notice any unusual color issues, our guide on Samsung TV blue tint problems covers common panel-related concerns. If you're experiencing a Samsung TV no signal message, that's typically a connection issue rather than a panel problem. And for general display issues, you can fix Samsung TV issues using our troubleshooting guide.
From a practical standpoint, Samsung maintains strict quality specifications regardless of panel source. The company's engineering team calibrates and tests televisions to meet consistent standards across suppliers. While enthusiasts sometimes debate panel lottery, average consumers rarely notice meaningful differences.
Samsung Display: The QD-OLED Manufacturing Division
Samsung Display deserves its own section because it represents Samsung's crown jewel in display technology - and the source of panels for Samsung's most premium televisions.
Corporate Structure and History
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, established in 2012 from the merger of S-LCD (a former Sony joint venture) and Samsung Mobile Display. The company is headquartered in Asan, South Korea, where its primary QD-OLED production facilities are located.
Unlike Samsung Electronics' television assembly operations spread globally, Samsung Display concentrates advanced panel manufacturing in South Korea. This allows tighter quality control over the complex QD-OLED production process.
QD-OLED Technology Explained
QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) represents Samsung Display's flagship technology and its answer to LG Display's WOLED dominance.
How QD-OLED Works: Traditional WOLED televisions (used by LG, Sony, Vizio, and others) create white light through OLED emitters, then use color filters to produce red, green, and blue. This filtering process loses brightness.
QD-OLED takes a different approach: blue OLED emitters provide the light source, and quantum dot layers convert that blue light into red and green. Blue passes through directly. This architecture enables:
Higher peak brightness than WOLED
More saturated, accurate colors
Better color volume across brightness levels
Wider viewing angles with less color shift
2025-2026 QD-OLED Specifications
Samsung Display continues pushing QD-OLED capabilities with each generation:
Generation | Year | Peak Brightness | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
3rd Gen | 2024 | ~3,000 nits | Improved efficiency |
4th Gen | 2025 | 4,000 nits | Higher brightness, better efficiency |
5th Gen | 2026 | 4,500 nits | Optimized organic materials, AI compatibility |
At CES 2026, Samsung Display showcased its 2026 QD-OLED TV panel achieving 4,500 nits peak brightness - positioning it among the brightest self-emissive displays ever produced. The company achieved this through newly optimized organic materials.
To put this in context: real-world TVs using these panels won't hit 4,500 nits in calibrated viewing modes. The 2025 panel claimed 4,000 nits, while actual TVs (Samsung S95F, Sony Bravia 8 II) measured around 2,000 nits and 1,700 nits respectively in testing. Expect 2026 models to approach 2,500 nits in practical use - still a meaningful improvement.
Market Position and Size Limitations
Samsung Display dominates the QD-OLED space it created, holding an estimated 75% share of the monitor OLED panel market in 2025. The company supplies QD-OLED panels to both Samsung Electronics and Sony for their flagship OLED televisions.
However, size remains a limitation. QD-OLED production currently maxes out at 77 inches. For the 83-inch Samsung S95F, Samsung Electronics sources WOLED panels from LG Display - a notable irony given the companies' display technology rivalry.
The V-Stripe pixel structure introduced for 2026 monitors represents another significant development. This RGB layout replaces the triangular pixel arrangement used previously, improving text clarity and fine detail reproduction. Television panels may eventually adopt similar improvements.
For getting the most out of QD-OLED picture quality, proper Samsung TV picture settings optimization makes a substantial difference. Similarly, if you're experiencing any Samsung TV sharpness issues, display calibration often resolves the problem.
Manufacturing Quality: Does Country of Origin Affect Samsung TV Quality?
Let's address a common concern directly: Manufacturing location does not significantly impact Samsung TV quality.
This might seem counterintuitive. Shouldn't a TV made in one country differ from one made elsewhere? In practice, Samsung's global quality management system ensures consistency regardless of assembly location.
Why Location Doesn't Determine Quality
Samsung implements standardized manufacturing processes across all facilities:
ISO Certifications: All manufacturing plants maintain international quality management certifications
Component Sourcing: Major components (processors, panels, circuit boards) come from the same suppliers regardless of assembly location
Quality Testing: Every television undergoes identical testing protocols before shipping
Training Standards: Workers receive consistent training across global facilities
Engineering Oversight: Korean engineers oversee quality control at all locations
The television you purchase from a Vietnamese facility uses the same NQ4 or NQ8 processor, the same Tizen operating system, and the same panel specifications as one assembled in Mexico or Hungary.
What Actually Affects Quality
Real quality variables have nothing to do with assembly location:
Panel Technology: QD-OLED versus LCD makes a far bigger difference than manufacturing country. An entry-level Crystal UHD assembled anywhere won't match a flagship OLED's picture quality.
Model Tier: Samsung's flagship Neo QLED models receive better components, more local dimming zones, and superior processors compared to budget models. This matters more than where assembly occurred. If your TV isn't performing as expected, Samsung TV troubleshooting can help identify whether it's a settings issue rather than a quality defect.
Production Year: Newer models incorporate improved technology. A 2026 television benefits from advancements unavailable in 2024 models.
Panel Lottery: As discussed earlier, variation exists within production batches at the same factory. Two identical model numbers assembled on the same production line might have panels from different suppliers.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth: "Made in Vietnam means lower quality" Reality: Vietnam produces Samsung's highest-volume TVs and serves markets including Europe, Australia, and Asia. Samsung has invested heavily in Vietnamese facilities precisely because the infrastructure supports quality manufacturing.
Myth: "Korean-made TVs were better" Reality: Samsung stopped mass TV production in Korea in 2018. Modern televisions benefit from global supply chain optimization that didn't exist when Korean production dominated.
Myth: "You can tell quality by the country label" Reality: Quality depends on model specifications, not geography. A premium OLED from Vietnam will outperform a budget LCD from anywhere else.
For maintaining your television regardless of origin, keeping firmware current through regular Samsung TV firmware updates ensures optimal performance. If you encounter any Samsung TV problem solving situations, the same solutions apply universally.
To optimize Samsung TV picture quality, focus on calibration and settings rather than worrying about manufacturing location. Proper setup makes far more difference than factory geography. Additionally, learning how to clear cache on Samsung TV can help maintain smooth performance over time.
How Samsung TVs Are Made: The Assembly Process
Understanding how Samsung televisions move from components to finished products helps explain why the company maintains factories across multiple countries.
Component Sourcing
Before assembly begins, Samsung gathers components from a global supply chain:
Panels: Sourced from Samsung Display (QD-OLED), LG Display (WOLED), or Chinese suppliers (LCD) depending on model tier. Panels ship to regional assembly facilities.
Processors: Samsung designs its own processors - the NQ4 Gen 3 AI for mid-range models and NQ8 AI Gen 3 for flagship units. These chips handle upscaling, motion processing, and AI features. Manufacturing occurs at Samsung's semiconductor facilities in South Korea.
Operating System: Tizen OS is developed entirely in-house by Samsung's software teams. Every Samsung TV runs the same operating system foundation, customized for specific model capabilities.
Circuit Boards: PCBs are manufactured at Samsung facilities and partner factories, then shipped to assembly plants for integration.
Casings and Stands: Produced regionally to minimize shipping costs for bulky components.
Assembly Process Overview
Television assembly follows a structured sequence:
Component Testing: Individual components undergo quality verification before assembly
PCB Installation: Circuit boards are mounted and connected
Panel Mounting: Display panels are carefully installed in housings
Calibration: Factory calibration sets baseline picture quality parameters
Quality Inspection: Automated and manual testing verifies functionality
Software Loading: Tizen OS and region-specific software are installed
Final Testing: Complete operational testing before packaging
Packaging: Protective packaging for shipping
Premium vs. Budget Model Differences
Samsung's assembly process varies by model tier:
Flagship Models (S95F, QN90F):
Extended burn-in testing to identify potential panel defects
More rigorous calibration procedures
Additional quality checkpoints
Higher component inspection standards
Entry-Level Models (Crystal UHD):
Streamlined testing focused on essential functionality
Standard calibration protocols
Efficient quality verification processes
These assembly differences explain why flagship models command premium prices - they receive more rigorous quality assurance throughout production.
Regional Assembly Strategy
Samsung's multi-location strategy serves specific purposes:
Reduced Logistics Costs: Assembling televisions closer to markets minimizes shipping expenses for finished products
Tax Optimization: Manufacturing in specific countries provides tax advantages and trade agreement benefits
Supply Chain Resilience: Multiple facilities protect against regional disruptions
Market Responsiveness: Regional facilities can adjust production quickly based on local demand
Components often travel extensively before reaching assembly. A television assembled in Mexico might include a Korean-designed processor manufactured in South Korea, a panel from China, and a circuit board from Vietnam - all coming together in Tijuana before shipping to a US retailer.
For understanding the ports and connections on your finished television, our guide on Samsung TV USB port functionality explains what each connection does. You can also optimize your audio experience through proper Samsung TV sound settings configuration. And for first-time Samsung TV initial configuration, we cover everything you need to get started.
How to Identify Where Your Samsung TV Was Made
Curious about your own television's origins? Here's how to find out.
Method 1: Check the Physical Label
The simplest approach requires looking at your television:
Turn off your TV and carefully access the back panel
Look for a white or silver label (typically near the bottom or side)
Find the "Made in [Country]" text
The label also includes model number, serial number, and manufacturing date
This label is legally required in most countries and provides definitive information about assembly location.
Method 2: Access TV Settings Menu
For wall-mounted televisions or those where the back isn't easily accessible:
Press the Home button on your remote
Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
Select Support
Choose About This TV
Manufacturing information should appear here
The exact menu path may vary slightly depending on your Tizen OS version and model year.
Method 3: Decode the Model Number
Samsung's model numbers contain regional information:
Prefix | Region | Primary Manufacturing |
|---|---|---|
QN | North America | Mexico (Tijuana) |
QE | Europe | Hungary/Slovakia |
QA | Australia/Asia | Vietnam |
For example: QN65S95F = North American 65" S95F OLED (likely assembled in Mexico)
Method 4: Serial Number Information
Samsung serial numbers encode production information, though decoding requires specific knowledge:
First characters indicate production facility
Subsequent characters encode production date
Final characters provide unique unit identification
For detailed Samsung TV model number lookup information, our dedicated guide explains the complete naming convention.
Regional Model Number Decoder
Model Series Example | Display Type | Typical Assembly Locations |
|---|---|---|
QN90F, QN85F, QN80F | Neo QLED | Vietnam, Mexico, Hungary |
QE65QN90F (Europe) | Neo QLED | Hungary, Slovakia |
S95F, S90F | QD-OLED | Vietnam, Mexico |
CU8000, CU7000 | Crystal UHD | Vietnam, Mexico, Hungary, India |
When navigating your TV's menu system for manufacturing information, our Samsung TV setup guide covers basic navigation. If you encounter issues accessing the Support menu, our Samsung TV troubleshooting resource can help.
Samsung vs Competitors: Manufacturing Comparison
How does Samsung's manufacturing approach compare to other major television brands?
LG Electronics
Corporate Structure: Similar chaebol structure with LG Group and founding Koo family control
Panel Manufacturing: LG Display (subsidiary) produces WOLED panels and LCD panels. Unlike Samsung, LG Display continued LCD production longer and maintains significant panel manufacturing.
Market Position: Second-largest TV manufacturer by revenue (16.1% in 2024). Dominates OLED TV market with 52.4% share versus Samsung's 27.3%.
Key Difference: LG's vertical integration in WOLED gives it more control over premium TV panel supply. Samsung's QD-OLED is newer but technically competitive.
Sony
Manufacturing Approach: Sony outsources most television manufacturing, focusing instead on image processing and calibration.
Panel Sources: Uses Samsung Display QD-OLED panels (Bravia XR A95L, A95K) and LG Display WOLED panels for non-QD-OLED models. LCD panels come from various suppliers.
Market Position: Fifth-largest by revenue (5.4% in 2024), positioned primarily in premium segment.
Key Difference: Sony prioritizes processing and picture quality tuning over manufacturing ownership. The company's X1 processor family and calibration expertise differentiate its products despite using the same panels as competitors.
TCL/Hisense
Manufacturing Approach: Vertically integrated Chinese manufacturers with owned panel production.
TCL Specifics: TCL owns CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology), one of Samsung's primary LCD panel suppliers. This vertical integration provides significant cost advantages.
Hisense Specifics: Rapidly expanding market share through aggressive pricing. Operates its own panel facilities and assembly plants.
Market Position: TCL holds 12.4% and Hisense 10.5% of global TV revenue (2024). Both gaining share aggressively.
Key Difference: Chinese manufacturers benefit from lower production costs and complete supply chain control. They're the primary competitive threat to Samsung's market leadership.
Samsung's Competitive Position
Advantages:
19 consecutive years of market leadership
Premium brand perception and pricing power
Dual technology approach (QD-OLED for flagship, LCD for mass market)
Global distribution and service network
Strong processor and software development (Tizen, AI features)
Challenges:
Reliance on external LCD panel suppliers
Chinese competition intensifying in mid-range segments
QD-OLED production capacity limited to 77" maximum
Premium pricing under pressure from value-focused competitors
For comparing picture quality across brands, understanding Samsung TV picture settings helps evaluate what Samsung TVs can achieve when properly configured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung a Korean or Chinese company?
Samsung is a South Korean company. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Suwon, South Korea, and operates as part of the Samsung Group - South Korea's largest chaebol (family-controlled conglomerate).
While Samsung manufactures products globally, including substantial operations in Vietnam, Mexico, and previously China, it remains Korean-owned and controlled. The Lee family has maintained control since founder Lee Byung-chul established the company in 1938.
Samsung does source components from Chinese suppliers, particularly LCD panels from companies like CSOT, BOE, and HKC. However, this supplier relationship doesn't change Samsung's Korean identity.
Why doesn't Samsung make TVs in Korea anymore?
Samsung ceased mass television production in South Korea in 2018. The Suwon factory - Samsung's historical TV production facility - was converted to test equipment manufacturing and prototype development.
Several factors drove this decision:
Labor Costs: Korean manufacturing wages significantly exceed those in Vietnam, Mexico, and other production locations
Logistics Efficiency: Producing closer to major consumer markets reduces shipping costs and delivery times
Tax Optimization: Various countries offer manufacturing incentives unavailable in Korea
Competitive Pressure: Maintaining cost competitiveness requires leveraging lower-cost production locations
Samsung continues to design, engineer, and develop televisions in Korea. The headquarters in Suwon houses research and development, quality management, and strategic operations. Only mass assembly moved elsewhere.
Understanding this helps explain why Samsung TV firmware updates originate from Korean development teams regardless of where your television was manufactured.
Are Samsung TVs made in China?
Samsung no longer manufactures televisions in China. The company closed its sole Chinese TV factory in Tianjin in November 2020.
The closure resulted from:
Rising Chinese labor costs
Intensifying competition from domestic Chinese brands (TCL, Hisense)
Strategic shift toward Vietnam and other locations
Efficiency optimization across global operations
Production shifted to Samsung's facilities in Vietnam, Mexico, Hungary, and other locations. While Samsung sources LCD panels from Chinese companies like CSOT, BOE, and HKC, the final television assembly no longer occurs in China.
Do Samsung TVs use LG panels?
Yes, some Samsung TVs use LG Display panels. Specifically:
The 83-inch Samsung S95F OLED uses a WOLED panel from LG Display because Samsung Display doesn't produce QD-OLED panels in that size.
LG Display also supplies approximately 7% of Samsung's LCD TV panel orders.
For smaller OLED sizes (55", 65", 77"), Samsung uses its own QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display. The 83-inch exception exists purely due to production limitations - Samsung Display's QD-OLED manufacturing currently maxes out at 77 inches.
Which Samsung TVs have Samsung-made panels?
Samsung Display produces QD-OLED panels exclusively used in Samsung's flagship OLED televisions:
Samsung S95F (55", 65", 77")
Samsung S90F (55", 65", 77")
Samsung S99H (2026 models: 55", 65", 77")
These are the only Samsung TVs with Samsung-manufactured panels.
All Neo QLED models (QN90F, QN85F, QN80F, etc.), QLED models, and Crystal UHD models use LCD panels sourced from Chinese suppliers including CSOT, BOE, and HKC.
The 83-inch S95F, as noted above, uses an LG Display WOLED panel rather than Samsung's QD-OLED.
How long do Samsung TVs last?
Samsung TVs typically last 7-10 years with normal use. Several factors influence longevity:
OLED Models: May experience some brightness degradation over time due to organic compound aging. Modern OLEDs include compensation features that minimize this effect. Under typical viewing conditions, significant degradation takes many years.
LED/LCD Models: Generally maintain consistent performance throughout their lifespan. LED backlights have extended lifespans, and LCD panels don't suffer the same organic degradation concerns.
Usage Factors:
Daily viewing hours (more hours = faster wear)
Brightness settings (higher brightness accelerates component aging)
Ambient conditions (heat and humidity affect electronics)
Power surge protection (surges can damage electronics)
Lifespan depends on usage patterns and settings rather than manufacturing location. Regular Samsung TV firmware updates help maintain performance and security throughout your TV's life. If you experience issues like Samsung TV channels not working or Samsung TV buffering, these are typically software-related rather than hardware longevity concerns.
Is Samsung the biggest TV manufacturer?
Yes. Samsung has been the world's largest television manufacturer for 19 consecutive years since 2006.
According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung held:
28.3% of global TV market share by revenue in 2024
29% market share in Q3 2025
49.6% of the premium TV market ($2,500+)
28.7% of the 75-inch and larger category
The closest competitors are LG (16.1%), TCL (12.4%), Hisense (10.5%), and Sony (5.4%) based on 2024 revenue data.
Samsung's leadership spans both volume and premium segments, though Chinese competitors TCL and Hisense are gaining ground in the mid-range market.
Who makes Samsung QLED TVs?
Samsung QLED TVs are manufactured by Samsung Electronics at their global assembly facilities in Vietnam, Mexico, Hungary, Slovakia, and other locations.
The "QLED" branding refers to Quantum Dot enhanced LCD technology - essentially LCD panels with quantum dot enhancement layers for improved color. Despite the similar naming, QLED televisions are fundamentally different from OLED (Organic LED).
For QLED models:
LCD panels are sourced from Chinese suppliers (CSOT, HKC, BOE)
Quantum dot layers are produced by Samsung and partners
Processors (NQ4, NQ8) are Samsung-designed
Final assembly occurs at Samsung's regional factories
For Samsung TV picture settings optimization on QLED models, quantum dot technology enables excellent color performance when properly calibrated.
Conclusion: What Samsung TV Manufacturing Means for Buyers
Samsung TVs come from a sophisticated global operation that combines Korean engineering, multi-national manufacturing, and a complex display panel supply chain.
Here's what matters for your buying decision:
Focus on model specifications, not manufacturing location. A Samsung S95F OLED will deliver the same exceptional picture quality whether assembled in Vietnam or Mexico. Country of origin doesn't predict performance or reliability.
Understand what you're actually buying. Samsung's premium OLED televisions (S95F, S90F, S99H) use Samsung-made QD-OLED panels. Everything else - Neo QLED, QLED, Crystal UHD - uses LCD panels from Chinese suppliers. This isn't a quality concern, but it's worth knowing.
Samsung's market leadership isn't accidental. Nineteen consecutive years as the world's largest TV manufacturer reflects genuine strengths in product development, marketing, and global operations. The company's investment in QD-OLED technology demonstrates ongoing commitment to display innovation.
The competition is intensifying. Chinese manufacturers TCL and Hisense offer increasingly compelling products at lower prices. Samsung maintains premium positioning, but value-conscious buyers should compare options across brands.
When you're ready to set up your new television, our Samsung TV setup guide walks through the complete process. And for maximizing your picture quality, proper Samsung TV picture settings configuration makes a bigger difference than any manufacturing location ever could.
This article was researched and written in February 2026 using official Samsung announcements, industry analyst data from Omdia, DSCC, and TrendForce, and verified manufacturing information. For the most current specifications and announcements, visit Samsung's official newsroom at news.samsung.com.

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