The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has quickly become one of the year’s most significant smartphone releases. This new ultra-slim device aims to encapsulate the premium features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25 Plus, and the standard Galaxy S25 into a remarkably thinner and lighter package. Samsung’s initial tease of this device at the Galaxy S25 launch in January clearly signaled an ambition to preempt Apple, which has long been rumored to introduce its own thinnest iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air, later this year. Having spent considerable time with the Galaxy S25 Edge, I can now offer insights into what Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air needs to deliver to effectively compete in this burgeoning market for ultra-thin smartphones.
Galaxy S25 Edge: What Samsung Got Right with its Ultra-Slim Design
My week with the Galaxy S25 Edge has revealed it to be an extraordinary piece of engineering. It’s easy to dismiss it as merely a “slim phone,” but the S25 Edge is much more. Despite its svelte profile and reduced weight, it exudes the same premium quality as its larger Galaxy S25 counterparts and impressively houses the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This ensures that performance isn’t sacrificed for aesthetics, a crucial balance for high-end devices.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge displaying GPS navigation, highlighting its everyday usability despite its thin design.
The most significant perceived hurdle for the Galaxy S25 Edge was its battery. At 3,900 mAh, the capacity is smaller than even the base Galaxy S25, naturally raising concerns about endurance. However, these concerns are largely unfounded. While battery life will inevitably vary with usage patterns, I’ve consistently found the Galaxy S25 Edge capable of lasting approximately 28 hours on a full charge, with around seven hours of screen-on time. Considering its diminutive size, this battery performance has been a pleasant surprise.
Another standout feature of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its main camera. Boasting a 200MP sensor, it matches the resolution of the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, its overall capability is not quite on par. The secondary camera is a straightforward 12MP ultra-wide lens, and the slim design necessitates the omission of a telephoto lens. It’s precisely in this camera department that Apple has a significant opportunity to surpass Samsung.
iPhone 17 Air: Key Areas Apple Must Address to Outshine Samsung
After thoroughly using the Galaxy S25 Edge, several areas emerge where I believe Apple can, and should, aim to improve with the iPhone 17 Air. First and foremost is the camera system. While the Galaxy S25 Edge’s main camera is high-resolution, the overall array feels somewhat compromised and lacks the versatility many users expect.
User holding the sleek Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, demonstrating its slim profile and premium feel.
Apple could make substantial gains by incorporating the main and ultrawide cameras from the iPhone 16 Pro into the iPhone 17 Air. Although the iPhone 16 Pro’s main camera has a lower resolution at 48MP, its strength lies in consistency and image processing. An advanced ultra-wide camera would also allow Apple to maintain its claim of supporting multiple focal lengths, offering a more comprehensive and satisfying photography experience compared to the S25 Edge.
Close-up of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's ultra-thin side profile, emphasizing its advanced engineering.
Next is battery life, an arena where Apple possesses a distinct advantage due to its vertical integration. By meticulously optimizing the software (iOS) and hardware stack, particularly with the rumored A19 processor, Apple could potentially achieve superior battery endurance. The Galaxy S25 Edge’s battery life is commendable for its class, but there’s certainly room for Apple to innovate and outperform.
Finally, a robust ecosystem of accessories is crucial. Given the Galaxy S25 Edge’s novelty and recent (or impending) release, the availability of cases and other accessories is currently limited. While this is expected to improve, Apple typically benefits from a far broader and more readily available range of third-party accessories upon launch. I do hope, however, that an iPhone equivalent to the excellent Kindsuit leather case for the Galaxy S25 Edge also materializes.
iPhone 17 Air Rumors: A Glimpse into Apple’s Potential Slim Contender
Based on current rumors, the iPhone 17 Air might, in some aspects, fall short of my hopes. It’s anticipated to feature a 48MP main camera, likely the same sensor found in the iPhone 16 series, but critically, it might not include a secondary dedicated lens like an ultra-wide. Similar to how the iPhone 16e is rumored to function, this could mean relying on an in-sensor crop to deliver a 2x “optical” zoom effect. While the iPhone 16e’s camera is expected to be more capable than one might initially assume, it’s unlikely to match the versatility of the Galaxy S25 Edge’s camera system, let alone surpass it if Apple doesn’t include a true second lens.
Rear view of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge showcasing its camera module and minimalist design.
The battery capacity for the iPhone 17 Air remains uncertain, but the latest whispers suggest a 2,800 mAh cell. This would be approximately 20% smaller than the standard iPhone 16’s battery and a significant 40% smaller than that of the iPhone 16 Plus, which the Air is rumored to replace in the lineup. It’s important to note that direct mAh comparisons between Android and iOS devices can be misleading, as iOS often achieves comparable battery life with smaller capacities due to software optimization. However, a battery this much smaller than the current iPhone 16 makes it challenging to envision the iPhone 17 Air surpassing the Galaxy S25 Edge in terms of raw endurance.
Detailed side view of the remarkably thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge compared to its overall size.
In terms of physical dimensions, the Galaxy S25 Edge measures a mere 5.8mm thick. However, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to push the boundaries of slimness even further, potentially measuring just 5.4mm. This would undoubtedly make it one of the thinnest smartphones ever produced and noticeably slimmer than the iPhone 16 series, which is over two millimeters thicker.
Then there’s the crucial aspect of price. Both the iPhone 17 Air and Galaxy S25 Edge are likely to share one common trait: cutting-edge thinness doesn’t come cheap. The Galaxy S25 Edge is priced at $1,100, making it $100 more expensive than the Galaxy S25 Plus and $200 cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to command a similar premium, although reports conflict on whether it will be more or less expensive than other models in Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup. There are also unconfirmed rumors that the iPhone 17 Air might see a delayed launch, possibly several months after the rest of the iPhone 17 series. [internal_links]
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge lying flat, highlighting its slim design and premium aesthetic.
The Dawn of Ultra-Thin: Apple’s Next Frontier
Apple is widely anticipated to unveil the new iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17 Air, in September. Regardless of the exact launch date or final specifications, one thing is abundantly clear: “thin” is decidedly “in.” The iPhone 17 Air is poised to establish a new benchmark in smartphone design, one that will undoubtedly spur competitors to match or exceed. If ultra-slim phones aren’t to your taste, the coming years might require looking away. However, having experienced the impressive engineering of the Galaxy S25 Edge, I eagerly await Apple’s response and what innovations the iPhone 17 Air will bring to this exciting new frontier.
