Since 2020, Samsung Electronics has played a pioneering role in advancing next-generation communication technologies through active participation in international standardization efforts. This includes the publication of its 6G white papers and securing of key positions in major organizations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). At the May 2024 3GPP elections, Samsung secured additional leadership positions, reaffirming its distinct standing at the forefront of the industry.

To shine a light on this progress, Samsung Newsroom is launching an interview series with the leaders of the company’s communications business, which will introduce the current state of next-generation communications technology research and global standardization efforts. In part one of the Communications Leadership Interview series, the Newsroom sat down with Jin-Kyu Han, Vice President of the Tech Standards Research Team at Samsung Research, to discuss the current landscape and future outlook of 6G standardization, as well as Samsung’s strategies and vision.

▲ Jin-Kyu Han, Vice President of the Tech Standards Research Team at Samsung Research

International Standards for Seamless Communication Across Borders

Today, using our own smartphones to access roaming services while traveling abroad is something we often take for granted. This is a convenience that has only become truly seamless through the invisible promise of international standards — born from the collaboration of countless companies and experts around the world.

“Common protocols are essential for products and services from different companies to work together seamlessly,” explained Han. “In the mobile communications industry, where a diverse range of players — including smartphone manufacturers, network equipment vendors, telecom operators and semiconductor companies — are involved, standardization is an indispensable element. It plays a key role in uniting the world into a single market.”

Standardization serves as the backbone that drives the global communications industry toward a unified direction. “At technological inflection points like the transition to 6G, the importance of industry-wide discussions and consensus on standards becomes even greater,” Han emphasized.

Global Collaboration Driving 6G Standardization

How does global standardization actually function? Unlike initiatives driven by a single entity, global telecommunications standardization is built on a clear, step-by-step framework of collaboration. Two key players in this process are the International Telecommunication Union (ITU[1]) and the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP[2]).

“The ITU sets the direction for each new generation of communication technology, and based on that blueprint, the 3GPP works with global companies to define the technical details and carry out the standardization process,” explained Han.

▲ Overview of ITU and 3GPP

Global 6G standardization has now entered its launch phase. Following preliminary discussions on 6G technology directions that began in 2021, ITU-R officially announced the recommended framework for 6G standardization in November 2023. With the goal of finalizing 6G technical specifications by 2030, 3GPP plans to develop and propose a range of candidate technologies.

“3GPP took its first step toward 6G standardization by hosting a workshop in Korea this March,” explained Han. “6G study items were approved during its plenary meeting in June, and starting in the second half of this year, detailed technical discussions will begin within its Working Groups (WGs).”

▲ Key milestones and objectives of the ITU and 3GPP by year

The standardization of 6G is a shared journey in which the world works together toward a common goal. As standardization efforts gain momentum, companies worldwide are moving quickly to position their technologies within this framework, ensuring interoperability while developing solutions that meet market demands.

Samsung’s 6G Leadership: Driving Consensus Amid Fierce Competition

Countries and companies around the world are participating in discussions on next-generation communications standardization, each taking on specific roles.  This process demands forward-looking leadership capable of both steering technological development and harmonizing diverse viewpoints—a role where Samsung Electronics has emerged as a central figure, simultaneously advancing innovation while building industry consensus.

Standardization is a continuous process marked by fierce competition among countless global stakeholders that aim to secure a lead in standards by having their own technologies incorporated. In this complex landscape, Samsung has consistently been elected to leadership positions within groups, earning recognition for its neutrality, credibility and coordination capabilities

“Samsung chaired the ITU-R’s 6G Vision Group, helping to establish the initial global vision for 6G and contributing to the design of its early roadmap,” explained Han. “We’re also leading discussions within 3GPP by serving as chairs and vice-chairs across various technical groups, steering the direction of standardization.”

Currently, Samsung Electronics holds a total of eight chair and vice-chair positions across 3GPP’s key Technical Specification Groups (TSGs). Han added, “In particular, the Radio Access Network (RAN) and System Architecture (SA) WG2 groups, where Samsung serves as chair, are central to shaping the structure and direction of 6G technologies. These groups are at the core of industry-wide technical discussions and the fact that Samsung chairs them is a testament to our influence.”

Samsung is also laying a solid technological foundation for standardization discussions through its pioneering research activities across various core 6G technologies. Since standardization only holds real value when it is backed by concrete technologies and practical feasibility, Samsung’s technological competitiveness contributes to making these discussions more effective.

“3GPP chairs are responsible for guiding discussions according to the timeline, while mediating and resolving various conflicts that arise during the standardization process,” Han explained. “Holding a significant number of chair positions is a clear sign that the mobile communications industry recognizes our technological capabilities and leadership.”

Key Focus Areas for Next-Generation 6G Research

As technical discussions within 3GPP begin in earnest this year, Samsung is concentrating its research on the core technologies necessary for 6G commercialization. At the heart of these discussions are three key phrases: AI integration, enhanced energy efficiency, and strengthened security.

“6G should deliver user-perceivable improvements, not just faster speeds or higher quality,” noted Han. “By applying AI technologies to network operations, we can automate complex processes while simultaneously reducing operational costs and improving service quality.”

“From the increasingly critical perspective of security and privacy, Samsung is also focusing on building safer communication systems while increasing system flexibility to easily and rapidly incorporate new services,” he added.

As we approach the 6G era — where technologies and services will connect seamlessly across national borders — international cooperation and coordination are more important than ever. In this evolving landscape, Samsung Electronics continues to play a leading role in shaping the global conversation on next-generation connectivity.

In part two of this series, Samsung Newsroom will explore the 6G standardization roadmap, key focus technologies and Samsung’s role as chair of the 3GPP TSG RAN, providing a closer look at the forefront of next-generation communications discussions.

[1] Short for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations specialized agency dedicated to advancing information and communication technologies (ICT) and networks. Its work includes allocating radio frequencies, establishing technical standards, and supporting developing countries, while playing a vital role in fostering international cooperation in the global ICT sector.

[2] Short for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, an international collaborative initiative established to develop standards for mobile communication technologies. It primarily develops globally applicable specifications for mobile communication systems, including radio access networks, services and systems, core networks, and mobile devices.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is set to redefine mobile AI experiences at Mobile World Congress 2025, taking place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona on March 3-6. Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) and Networks businesses will present their latest AI innovations, including the next evolution of Galaxy AI[1] and its software-centric networks.

Samsung’s vision to deliver a true AI companion through advanced mobile AI innovation will be on full display at MWC, from the Galaxy S25 series to the new Galaxy A series and its first XR headset, Project Moohan. This includes an exclusive look at Galaxy S25 Edge, the slimmest Galaxy S series device ever, which advances Samsung’s legacy of pioneering cutting-edge hardware innovation. Visitors will also be able to explore how AI is shaping the future of health and home life, setting a new standard for intelligent, connected living. These transformative AI advancements are backed by Samsung’s core promise of uncompromising security and privacy at every level for its users.

Experiencing the Full Potential of Galaxy S25

Leading the paradigm shift of mobile AI phones, the new Galaxy S25 series transforms the way people get things done, create, and play. Beyond its AI advancements, the Galaxy S25 series also brings its state-of-the-art camera capabilities and performance to the forefront, with hands-on experiences demonstrating the power and speed that form the foundation of every Galaxy device.

In a space highlighting how Galaxy S25 acts as an indispensable AI companion helping to get tasks done more seamlessly, visitors will get to see and experience:

• Seamless experience across apps[2]: See how tasks like finding a restaurant at Google Maps and sharing details via Messages become effortless with a single voice command with Gemini – now available on Samsung, Google, and select third-party apps.
• Circle to Search[3] with Google: Search your phone screen in more helpful and contextual ways like recognizing URLs and visiting a website with a single gesture.
• Gemini Live[4]: Use natural conversation for brainstorming, learning, and rehearsing with real-time responses and support for images, files, and YouTube videos.
• Now Brief[5]: Check out the personalized content snapshot based on tailored insights, as well as proactive recommendations through Now Bar[6].

The experience continues with Galaxy S25’s advanced camera technology and introduces new ways to create, including:

• Drawing Assist[7]: Users can take content creation to the next level with intelligent sketch refinement and enhancement.
• Gallery Search[8]: Natural language-based search makes it easier than ever to find memories in situations.
• Filters: Unique portrait effects and explore new filter options, add a personal touch to photos taken in portrait mode.

The last zone, featuring new ways to play, will give visitors a closer look at:

• Snapdragon^® 8 Elite for Galaxy: The customized chipset in collaboration with Qualcomm pushes its performance to the limit, ensuring high-speed gameplay, enhanced responsiveness and high-quality visuals for even the most demanding titles.

Alongside the Galaxy S25 series, visitors can see Samsung’s ultimate hardware innovation featuring the most ultra-slim design yet on Galaxy S25 Edge.

With its commitment to democratizing the mobile AI experiences, Samsung will unveil the new Galaxy A series, — including the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G and A26 5G — which integrates Awesome Intelligence, making latest powerful Galaxy AI technology accessible to even more users. The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools including the fan-favorite Object Eraser. Expanding Samsung’s AI-driven innovations, the new A series delivers reliable performance and long-term value, supported by six OS upgrades and six years of security updates for an ever-evolving, always-secure experience that lasts.

Elevating Everyday Life With AI

Visitors at MWC 2025 will also have the chance to explore how Samsung is enhancing everyday life at home and bringing new levels of control and insight into users’ health journey with intelligent, connected experiences.

In a zone all about new ways to stay healthy, the types of AI-driven daily health insights at Galaxy S25 users’ fingertips will be on display, including Energy Score, Wellness Tips, and Sleep Insights. These features offer detailed and personalized health experiences that provide a holistic view of the user’s health status all tailored to individual health data and interests. With examples showing seamless integration with connected apps like SmartThings and Samsung Food, users can see how Samsung is working to build an end-to-end healthcare experience that simplifies wellness for everyone.

The booth will also bring to life new AI-powered capabilities that allow users to safely and conveniently manage the home through device-to-device connectivity. Protected by Knox Matrix security, Home AI scenarios will showcase smart living with easy device setup and control enabled by the SmartThings platform.

Cutting Edge Innovation Built on a Strong Galaxy Foundation

Security is at the core of Samsung’s AI advancements, ensuring every experience is built on user control, transparency, and robust protection. In a zone for the Galaxy Foundation, helpful information about the Personal Data Engine[9]—which ensures personalized data generated on device is protected from access by apps other than Galaxy AI and further secured by Knox Vault[10]— will be available.

Samsung will unveil its first Android XR headset, Project Moohan, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-powered extended reality. By integrating multimodal AI with advanced XR capabilities, this ground-breaking device marks a significant step toward more context-aware and personalized experiences that enhance everyday life in incredibly immersive ways.

Visitors can explore these AI innovations first-hand at Samsung’s Galaxy Experience Booth in Fira Gran Via Hall 3.

Realizing an End-to-End Software Network, Where AI Unleashes Its Full Potential

Along with innovative mobile technologies, Samsung will present how it is advancing next-generation networks with AI at a private booth. As a global leader in virtualized and open networks, Samsung offers end-to-end software-based solutions to operators, empowering them to optimize their foundations to apply AI in every layer of their networks.

Key highlights of the booth include Samsung’s versatile virtualized RAN (vRAN) solution, its latest 5G radios and Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS), an, intelligent network automation solution. Diverse enterprise 5G use cases will be on display as well.

Samsung will also showcase its continued efforts in elevating software-based networks by leveraging its robust partner ecosystem, which spans servers, processors (CPUs, GPUs), cloud platforms, transport and more. Furthermore, visitors at the booth will see how Samsung CognitiV NOS can bring greater benefits to telecom operators across lifecycle management of its network from installation, operation to optimization. As a set of diverse AI-powered applications, this automation solution works as a key enabler to boosting performance, increasing the energy efficiency of the network in a more intelligent manner.

One of the most eye-catching sections of the booth is the private 5G network zone. Samsung recently collaborated with Hyundai to complete the end-to-end Reduced Capability (RedCap) trial over a private 5G network. Using Samsung’s advanced private 5G solutions, the companies proved the potential of next-generation industrial private 5G connectivity by improving the battery life and energy efficiency of 5G IoT devices.

This private booth[11] will be located in Fira Gran Via Hall 2.

For more news and updates on Samsung’s innovations, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Samsung account login may be required to use certain Galaxy AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model, and phone carrier. Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage.

[2] Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[3] Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[4] Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Only available to users 18 years or older. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[5] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, or apps. Some features may require a network connection.

[6] Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.

[7] Drawing assist feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[8] Service availability may vary by language, region or carrier. Currently supported languages include Korean, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[9] The Personal Data Engine functions under the condition that the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analyzed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off. Personal Data Engine recognizes select languages and certain accents/dialects, including but not limited to Arabic, (Simplified) Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Personal Data Engine currently analyzes Samsung native applications.

[10] Security features or hardware/software architecture of Samsung Knox Vault on Samsung Galaxy A series smartphones may differ from those on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices including S series, Z series, S FE series smartphones and Tab S series tablets launched from 2021 onwards. Availability of Samsung Knox Vault may vary depending on the device model.

[11] Invitation Only.

To power immersive mobile experiences in 5G, Samsung has introduced advanced 5G solutions that include new baseband units and radios. Among these 5G radios, Massive Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) radios are one of the most attractive options for mobile operators looking to deploy or enhance their 5G networks. The massive MIMO radio is a breakthrough solution that is equipped with a lot of antennas for better coverage and more capacity than a radio. As 5G networks continue to expand around the world using mid-band spectrum, 5G Massive MIMO radios with hundreds of antennas are commonly deployed in the market to help handle the growth in mobile data traffic.

To develop these powerful 5G Massive MIMO radios, numerous tests must be conducted to inspect the products for performance and reliability. One of the tests is conducted at a special facility called an anechoic chamber. Samsung Electronics has several anechoic chambers that are used to analyze and test the antenna performance of its radios. Recently, the company opened a large anechoic chamber at its Digital City campus in Suwon, Korea in order to enhance its ability to introduce more advanced and compelling 5G solutions to its customers.

The newly added non-reflective chamber in Samsung’s Digital City is the size of a basketball court. Beneath the reflector, the engineer looks as small as an insect!

Samsung’s anechoic chambers are also able to cover a wide range of spectrum across low, mid and high-bands. This is especially useful in evaluating 5G radio performance since 5G spans various spectrum bands. Specifically, Samsung’s facilities have the ability to test mmWave antennas, which power high-capacity 5G mobile services. The mmWave spectrum is not used in 4G technology but is crucial to supporting immersive 5G use cases due to its wide-bandwidth.

By enabling tests to be conducted using a range of spectrum, the data sets collected in this way will help Samsung’s engineers verify and analyze a very high number of radio patterns. Based on the findings, engineers are able to refine and improve 5G radio performance to deliver best-in-class solutions for mobile services.

“We are extending our capabilities by developing powerful 5G solutions with the newly added anechoic chamber,” said Seunghwan Yoon, Vice President and Head of the RF Lab at Samsung Electronics’ Networks Business. “With vigorous quality control and verification processes, we look forward to bringing the full benefits of cutting-edge 5G solutions to more users for immersive mobile experiences.”

Better, More Powerful and Reliable 5G Solutions

The establishment of anechoic chambers is part of Samsung’s ongoing efforts to provide superior, reliable 5G solutions that deliver ultra-fast connectivity to users. These chambers help Samsung develop innovative antenna systems tailored to advanced 5G solutions in a wide array of spectrum bands. By leveraging a range of tools and facilities like anechoic chambers, Samsung looks forward to delivering leading-edge 5G solutions that offer consumers and enterprises around the globe new and immersive mobile experiences.

amsung