Samsung Electronics record profit Q3 despite smartphone struggles

Samsung Electronics  posted record quarterly operating and net profits as solid demand for its memory chips cushioned the fallout from slowing smartphone sales -- but warned of tougher times ahead.

The South Korean tech giant -- the world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips -- has recovered from a series of setbacks, including a humiliating recall and the jailing of its de facto chief, to post a series of record-breaking numbers.

The profits have been driven by its mighty semiconductor unit, which provides chips for its own devices as well as competitors including Apple.