LG Chem supplies batteries to new Galaxy A series

LG Chem will once more be supplying to Samsung Electronics, this time to the latest in the Galaxy A series lineup, according to industry sources on Oct. 30. This is the third time this year that Samsung has opted for LG-made batteries for its smartphones.

The sources said that the newest model appears to be the Galaxy A 90, which is not 5G-enabled. LG Chem has already begun mass-producing the battery cells from its plant in Nanjing, China.

Packaging will be done by ITM Semiconductor – at its Vietnamese operations. ITM Semiconductor produces both POC(Protection One Chip) and PMP(Protection Module Package).
Until now, LG Chem batteries were used in mostly mid to low-tier smartphones from Samsung. It was only this year that Samsung started to use them for its pricier models, such as the Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy Note 10, by deviating from its main supplier Samsung SDI.

Going ODM is part of the reason why Samsung Electronics’ mobile division has been diversifying its battery supply lines. Currently, Chinese makers such as ATL and BYD are also suppliers that have manufactured for the Galaxy A10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 70 models.

For the Galaxy A90 5G model that was recently unveiled in Korea, former Youngbo Engineering supplied the battery packaging, while ATL provided the cells.

Industry watchers believe the latest deal between Samsung and LG shows that the former is willing to join hands with rivals, as long as the price is right. Adding to this speculation is the fact that ITM Semiconductor is a supplier receiving partnership support from Samsung SDI.

The Elec is South Korea’s No.1 tech news platform.