Samsung SDI: History of the Korean Giant

28.01.2026

Samsung SDI is a leading global innovator in lithium-ion technologies, specializing in the creation of high-capacity and powerful energy solutions. History and path

Author:
BTRY.ENERGY

Samsung SDI: History of the Korean Giant

General Information about Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. (Korean: 삼성SDI 주식회사) is one of the world’s leading companies engaged in the production of battery cells and electronic materials, and is part of the South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group.

The company was founded on January 20, 1970 under the name SAMSUNG-NEC Co., Ltd. Its headquarters are located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Initially, the company’s activities were focused on the production of electronic components, in particular cathode-ray tubes (CRT) for televisions.

Over time, Samsung SDI underwent significant transformation, shifting to the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), and portable electronics, becoming one of the key players in the global energy solutions market.

Samsung SDI Battery Cell Products

Samsung SDI manufactures a wide range of battery cells used in various industries. The company offers batteries in several main form factors:

cylindrical cells (most common formats are 18650 and 21700), used in portable electronics and power tools
prismatic cells, which are the primary choice for electric vehicles and large-scale ESS
new formats, such as cylindrical 46-series cells, developed for the needs of the electric vehicle market.

Popular Models of Cylindrical Batteries

Let us look in more detail at Samsung SDI’s cylindrical cells, which are divided into high-capacity and high-current types. Among the most popular models:

INR18650-30Q (18650, 3000 mAh) — provides an optimal balance of capacity and power.
INR21700-50E (21700, 5000 mAh) — low-current model with high capacity for long operation.
INR21700-40T (21700, 4000 mAh) — high-current model for applications requiring higher discharge currents.
INR21700-50S (21700, 5000 mAh) — high-current model offering increased capacity.

Use of Samsung SDI Products in the Context of the War in Ukraine

It is evident that Samsung SDI’s products, its line of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells of all formats 18650 and 21700, are widely used for the production of various energy solutions worldwide. These cells are used to manufacture complete battery packs, assemblies, etc., which power diverse portable electronics, power tools, e-bikes, and energy storage systems (ESS). Thanks to the company’s global trust and recognition, its products have become the standard for many manufacturers.

Now let us talk about the specific Samsung INR21700-50S battery in the context of the full-scale war in Ukraine. This lithium-ion battery from Samsung SDI has gained significant importance, becoming part of the logistics chain for supplying power to military and civilian equipment.

These cells are used as components for creating battery assemblies for FPV drones (for example, 6s2p and 6s3p), reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), heavy copters (such as 6s4p, 6s6p, 6s9p, etc.), and other portable equipment. We have already mentioned that these are high-current cells, but they have an important advantage — high energy density. This allows devices to operate longer, and the ability of the cells to deliver high current is essential for powerful motors used in cargo or high-speed FPV drones. Thus, Samsung SDI’s products, although commercial, have practically become an integral part of the logistics chain for supplying energy to necessary devices on the front line.