In the high-stakes world of consumer tech, innovation often hinges on millimeters. That’s precisely where the latest battle between Samsung and Apple is unfolding. Samsung has officially taken the lead in the ultrathin smartphone race with the early unveiling of its Galaxy S25 Edge, a device designed to push boundaries in design and functionality.
Set to hit shelves on May 30, this release comes just months before Apple’s rumored super-slim device, unofficially dubbed the iPhone Air. The question is: Does thinner mean better?
Financial strategist Jane Davis from Maverix Global unpacks the real implications of this shift in design priorities, examining whether this is simply aesthetics or a sign of larger shifts in tech strategy.
Samsung’s Thin Gambit: A Closer Look at the Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung’s newly revealed Galaxy S25 Edge enters the market with a distinct design focus: thinness without compromise. At just 5.8 millimeters (0.22 inches) thick, the S25 Edge undercuts its biggest competitors, including:
- Apple’s iPhone Pro/Pro Max – both 0.32 inches thick
- Samsung’s own S25+ and S25 Ultra – at 0.28 and 0.32 inches, respectively
Apple is expected to respond with a slimmer iPhone later this year, rumored to measure around 6.2 millimeters (0.24 inches)—still noticeably thicker than Samsung’s new flagship.
Beyond the numbers, the impact is tactile. Early testers report the S25 Edge feels significantly lighter and more agile in the hand, weighing only 5.7 ounces, compared to 7 ounces for the iPhone 16 Pro and 7.9 ounces for the Pro Max. The difference isn’t just visual—it’s experiential.
Performance Beneath the Surface
Design aside, the S25 Edge doesn’t skimp on internals. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the same silicon driving the rest of the Galaxy S25 series. This is paired with:
- 12GB of RAM
- Storage options of 256GB or 512GB
These specs place it firmly in the premium tier, even if Samsung made one notable trade-off: the camera array.
Unlike the S25+ and S25 Ultra, which boast triple-camera setups, the S25 Edge sticks to a dual-lens configuration:
- A 200MP main camera
- A 12MP ultrawide camera with autofocus
What’s missing is a dedicated telephoto lens, though Samsung claims its AI system delivers “optical-like” 2x and even 10x zoom through computational enhancements. Whether this software-led workaround holds up under pressure will be a key consideration for users who value optical fidelity over digital approximations.
Battery and Software: Will the Slim Design Hold Up?
The biggest concern with thinner phones typically centers around battery performance. But Samsung insists the S25 Edge holds its own. It features:
- All-day battery life, supported by proprietary cooling and power management systems
- Integration with Galaxy AI tools, including Now Brief and Now Bar, which use on-device intelligence for reminders, real-time updates, and transit suggestions
As for software, the S25 Edge runs Android 15, giving users access to Google’s Gemini services. Gemini Live can interpret what users see through their phone’s camera or on-screen, adding another layer of real-time utility.
In essence, Samsung is betting on a smart, light, and fast phone that doesn’t cut corners, at least not where most users would notice.
Apple’s Upcoming Challenge: iPhone Air on the Horizon
Apple, not one to be left behind in the design race, is widely expected to debut its own ultrathin model—the iPhone Air—later this year. According to early industry reports, this model may be around 6.2 millimeters thick, making it the thinnest iPhone yet. However, that’s still slightly bulkier than Samsung’s S25 Edge.
From a strategic perspective, the timing is crucial. Samsung has preempted Apple with its launch window, hoping to attract early adopters and design-focused users before the iPhone Air gets its moment.
That said, Apple’s ecosystem lock-in, deep customer loyalty, and hardware-software integration often give it more room to wait and refine rather than rush to compete on specs alone.
Thinner, But Not Without Compromises
It’s clear that the drive toward slimmer smartphones is back in full swing. But what does it really mean for users?
- Pros: Lighter form factors, easier handling, sleek aesthetics, and portability
- Cons: Potential trade-offs in camera versatility, battery size, or durability
Samsung’s approach with the S25 Edge suggests a prioritization of AI-enhanced performance and hardware efficiency over sheer feature quantity. It’s a calculated move—slimmed down not just in body but in product philosophy.
Meanwhile, consumers are left to ask: Is a few millimeters of thinness worth losing a camera lens or some battery capacity?
Conclusion: Slimming Down or Streamlining Strategy?
The Galaxy S25 Edge represents more than a sleek redesign—it signals a shift in how smartphone manufacturers balance aesthetics with functionality. With ultrathin builds, powerful processors, and AI-powered software, the new battleground may not just be about who offers more, but who can do more with less.
This launch doesn’t just preview where Samsung is headed—it forces a reexamination of what consumers value most in premium mobile tech. Apple’s response in the coming months will be telling. Will they match Samsung’s minimalism, or counter with a device rich in features, regardless of size?
Either way, this year’s smartphone narrative is shaping up to be one of engineering elegance versus technical muscle, and the next chapter is just around the corner.
