The world of electronics is constantly evolving, and companies often adjust their product lines to stay competitive. If you’re considering buying a printer from Samsung, you might be wondering if they still manufacture printers. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Samsung printers and determine whether the company still produces printers.
A Brief History of Samsung Printers
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., commonly known as Samsung, was founded in 1938 in South Korea. Over the years, the company expanded its operations to various sectors, including electronics, construction, and hospitality. In the 1970s and 1980s, Samsung began to venture into the electronics industry, producing everything from televisions to smartphones.
In the 1990s, Samsung entered the printer market, introducing its first printers, including the Samsung ML-6000 and ML-1200. These early printers were monochrome laser printers, primarily targeting small businesses and home users. Throughout the 2000s, Samsung continued to expand its printer lineup, releasing color laser printers, inkjet printers, and even large-format printers.
Samsung’s Printer Business Acquired by HP
In 2017, Samsung announced that it would exit the printer business. As part of this strategy, the company sold its printer division to HP Inc. (formerly Hewlett-Packard Company) for approximately $1.05 billion. The acquisition marked HP’s largest purchase in recent history.
Despite the acquisition, Samsung retained some ownership of the printer business, allowing HP to continue producing printers with the Samsung brand for a limited time. HP absorbed Samsung’s printer manufacturing capabilities, expanding its production capacity and product portfolio.
Does Samsung Still Make Printers?
While Samsung does not directly manufacture printers anymore, the company still provides support and maintenance services for its existing printer models. If you own a Samsung printer, you can still visit their official website for troubleshooting, driver updates, and repair services.
However, it’s essential to note that Samsung is no longer developing new printer models or distributing printers under its brand name. Any recent Samsung-branded printers available in the market are likely the remaining inventory from the time of the acquisition or refurbished/used printers.
HP’s Role in Samsung Printers
Since the acquisition, HP has taken over the production and distribution of Samsung-branded printers. These printers are essentially HP printers with Samsung branding. If you’re looking for a new printer, you may still find “Samsung” printers available, but they are, in fact, HP products.
HP offers a range of printers that cater to different needs and preferences. Their product lineup includes laser printers, inkjet printers, 3D printers, and even large-format printers. While HP printers may not be identical to Samsung’s original models, they offer competitive performance and features.
What This Means for Consumers
The transition of Samsung’s printer business to HP may have caused some confusion among consumers. However, this shift does not necessarily impact the quality or performance of Samsung printers. In fact, HP’s acquisition has allowed them to expand their product portfolio and adapt to the changing needs of the market.
If you’re considering purchasing a printer, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. You can either opt for an existing Samsung printer model (from the remaining inventory or refurbished) or choose a new HP printer that meets your requirements.
Alternatives to Samsung Printers
If you’re in the market for a new printer, you may want to explore alternative options from other manufacturers. Some popular printer brands include:
- Canon
- Epson
- Brother
- Lexmark
- HP
These brands offer a diverse range of printers that cater to different needs and budgets.
Choosing the Right Printer
When selecting a printer, consider the following factors:
- Printing speed and quality
- Ink or toner costs
- Compatibility with your operating system
- Paper handling capacity
- Connectivity options (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet)
You may also want to think about the environmental impact of your printer and look for energy-efficient options.
Comparing Printer Brands
Here’s a rough outline of some popular printer brands and their respective strengths:
| Brand | Strengths |
| — | — |
| HP | Wide product range, high-performance lasers |
| Canon | High-quality photo printing, robust warranty options |
| Epson | Eco-friendly options, compact designs |
| Brother | Affordable prices, user-friendly interfaces |
This table is not exhaustive but highlights some of the notable advantages of popular printer brands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Samsung no longer produces printers under its brand name, HP’s acquisition has allowed the company to expand its product lineup and cater to the evolving needs of the market. If you’re considering purchasing a printer, explore your options carefully, weighing factors such as performance, costs, and environmental impact.
As the electronics industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative printer solutions in the future.
Does Samsung still produce printers?
Samsung used to produce a wide range of printers, including laser, inkjet, and multifunction printers. However, in 2016, the company made a significant shift in its strategy and decided to sell its printer business to HP Inc. This deal marked the end of Samsung’s printer production.
As a result, Samsung no longer produces printers under its own brand name. However, the technology and intellectual property developed by Samsung’s printer business were transferred to HP Inc. as part of the deal. HP Inc. has since continued to produce printers using Samsung’s technology, but under the HP brand name.
What type of printers did Samsung produce?
Samsung produced a wide range of printers, including laser printers, inkjet printers, multifunction printers, and mobile printers. Their products catered to both consumer and business markets, offering options for home office use, small businesses, and large enterprises. Samsung’s printers were known for their quality, reliability, and advanced features such as wireless connectivity and mobile printing.
Some of the popular printer models from Samsung included the Xpress series, the MLT series, and the CLT series. These printers were widely used for various applications, including printing documents, photos, and labels. Samsung also produced specialty printers, such as label printers and mobile printers designed for specific industries like healthcare and logistics.
What happened to Samsung’s printer business?
As mentioned earlier, Samsung’s printer business was sold to HP Inc. in 2016. The deal was part of Samsung’s strategy to focus on its core businesses and streamline its operations. HP Inc. acquired Samsung’s printer business, including its intellectual property, technology, and manufacturing facilities.
The deal marked the end of Samsung’s printer production, and HP Inc. became responsible for producing printers using Samsung’s technology. HP Inc. has since continued to produce printers under its own brand name, incorporating Samsung’s technology into its products. The acquisition has helped HP Inc. expand its market share in the printer industry.
Can I still buy Samsung printers?
Although Samsung no longer produces printers, you can still find some Samsung printers available for sale from various retailers and online marketplaces. This is because Samsung had a large inventory of printers when the business was sold to HP Inc., and some of these printers are still being sold off.
However, it’s essential to note that the availability of Samsung printers will eventually dwindle as the existing inventory is sold off. You may also be able to find refurbished or used Samsung printers for sale, but be sure to purchase from a reputable seller to ensure the printer is in working condition and comes with a valid warranty.
What about maintenance and support for existing Samsung printers?
If you already own a Samsung printer, you can still get maintenance and support for it. HP Inc. has taken over the responsibility of providing support and services for Samsung printers. You can contact HP Inc.’s customer support team for any issues or concerns related to your Samsung printer.
HP Inc. also provides driver updates, firmware updates, and troubleshooting guides for Samsung printers on its website. You can visit the HP Inc. website and search for your printer model to find the relevant resources and support information. Additionally, you can also purchase replacement parts and consumables, such as ink cartridges and toner, from HP Inc. or authorized retailers.
What alternatives to Samsung printers are available?
There are many alternatives to Samsung printers available in the market. HP Inc., as mentioned earlier, has continued to produce printers using Samsung’s technology, but under its own brand name. Other major printer manufacturers include Canon, Epson, Brother, and Lexmark, among others.
These manufacturers offer a wide range of printers, including laser printers, inkjet printers, multifunction printers, and specialty printers. When selecting an alternative to a Samsung printer, consider your specific printing needs, such as print quality, paper capacity, and connectivity options. It’s also essential to read reviews and compare features to find the best printer for your requirements.
Will Samsung re-enter the printer market?
There has been no official announcement from Samsung about re-entering the printer market. The company has focused on its core businesses, such as smartphones, home appliances, and semiconductors, since selling its printer business to HP Inc.
However, Samsung has continued to innovate in printing technology, and it’s possible that the company may explore new opportunities in the printing industry in the future. For now, it’s unlikely that Samsung will re-enter the printer market, but the company may consider strategic partnerships or collaborations with other manufacturers to leverage its printing technology.