The introduction of AI in our lives has sparked a debate about whether hardware advancements are losing their significance. However, smartphone manufacturers are stepping out of the AI bubble to bring innovative features to the table. Samsung, in an effort to gain an early advantage over Apple, has unveiled the world’s thinnest phone—the Galaxy S25 Edge. In this post, we’ll delve into its specifications, compare it with other devices, and discuss the potential trade-offs for consumers eager to own this cutting-edge device.
The Slim Phone Wars Begin with the Galaxy S25 Edge
Let’s kick things off with what sets the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge apart: its stunning design. At a mere 5.84 mm thick and weighing just 163 grams, this phone is crafted with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, a robust titanium frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 at the back, granting it an impressive IP68 rating. The device showcases a stunning 6.7-inch QHD+ 2X AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peaks at an eye-popping 2600 nits brightness.
When it comes to performance, the Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (benchmarks), specifically the strongest 8-core variant, accompanied by 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and formidable UFS 4.0 storage. It houses a 3900 mAh battery capable of charging at 25W. While wireless charging is available, the precise wattage has not been revealed by Samsung.
The camera system includes a 200MP wide f/1.7 main sensor with a substantial 1/1.56″ sensor size, complemented by a 12MP ultrawide f/2.2 secondary sensor. For selfies, there’s also a 12MP f/2.2 front camera.
Connectivity includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port for Samsung DeX display out features, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB support, and an efficient Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor.
What Makes the Galaxy S25 Edge Stand Out?
The standout feature of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its record-breaking 5.84 mm thickness, which makes it the slimmest phone globally. This slender design makes it exceptionally portable and convenient to carry around. Although the market for slim devices is niche, the Galaxy S25 Edge hits the sweet spot for anyone seeking a sleek device.
While modern Android smartphones have become slender thanks to advancements like Silicon Carbon batteries, most still hover around 8-8.5 mm. A slight difference of 2 mm may not seem substantial, but it drastically alters the in-hand feel, akin to moving from a 6.7-inch screen to a 6.3-inch one. That’s why slimness matters in today’s tech landscape.
The recently launched iQOO 13 measures 8.13 mm, while the OnePlus 13T is 8.2 mm thick. OPPO’s foldable Find N5 is 8.8 mm when folded and a mere 4.21 mm when opened, which presents a different challenge altogether. Excitingly, there are rumors that the upcoming Z Fold 7 from Samsung may outshine the Find N5, with an anticipated thickness of 3.9 mm when unfolded. This trend positions 2025 as a potential year for slim phone dominance, particularly in the Samsung lineup.
The Galaxy S25 Edge’s 5.84 mm thickness is a significant achievement for Samsung, and it could hold the title of the slimmest flagship smartphone for quite some time—until the anticipated arrival of Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. Many consumers associate slim devices with a premium feel and superior portability; if these attributes resonate with you, this phone may be just what you’re looking for.
Moreover, the S25 Edge could pave the way for a new wave of slim smartphones in the Android ecosystem. With Apple potentially innovating a thinner iPhone 17 Air at 5.5 mm, other Android brands may feel compelled to follow suit, giving consumers more choices beyond the typical AI features we’ve grown accustomed to.
Being Thinnest Has Its Trade-offs
However, let’s be real: a 3900 mAh battery may not provide the best screen-on time, and this could be a major downside for users. It raises the question—should Samsung have taken more time to explore Silicon Carbon battery technology before rolling out this device?
While we’ve seen concepts like Tecno’s Slim Spark at MWC, which boasts a thickness of 5.75 mm and an impressive 5200 mAh battery, Samsung prioritized getting ahead of Apple’s release. It seems they succeeded, but at what cost?
Another limitation of this design is the lack of space for a telephoto sensor, leading to a less versatile camera experience. There’s also important scrutiny regarding the structural integrity of such a slim device, which could concern potential buyers.
Despite its limitations—like a smaller battery and a more basic camera system—the Galaxy S25 Edge stands out as the slimmest flagship smartphone currently available. Although it isn’t without flaws, it may inspire other manufacturers to strive for a balance between form and function in future devices.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is now open for pre-orders on Samsung’s official site, available in two storage options: 256 GB + 12 GB for $1,099 (approximately €1,049) and 512 GB + 12 GB for $1,219 (approximately €1,149), although it’s on special offer for $1,099 for a limited time. Choose from striking colors: Titanium Icy Blue, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Jet Black. Don’t miss your opportunity to grab one by May 30.
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