Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Ultra-Thin Design Steals the Show, But at What Cost?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is making waves with its incredibly slim design, prompting Honor to even take a playful jab at Samsung's design choices. But is this ultra-thin form factor worth the compromises it demands?

Samsung recently unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, touting it as their thinnest smartphone ever at just 5.8mm thick. Boasting a 200MP camera and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, all powered by a 3900mAh battery, the S25 Edge aims to impress. However, Honor was quick to point out that their foldable Magic V3 measures a mere 4.35mm when unfolded, while also packing a larger, 5150mAh battery.

Honor's marketing message is clear: "Why thin if you’re making compromises to get there?" This suggests that the Galaxy S25 Edge's slimness may come at the expense of other features. While camera specifications are reportedly similar between the two phones, the battery discrepancy is noteworthy.

It's crucial to remember that the Galaxy S25 Edge and Magic V3 are different types of devices. One is a conventional smartphone, while the other is a foldable. Comparing their thickness isn't a perfect analogy, as real-world performance and durability are equally important.

First Impressions: Love at First Touch

Early adopters are already captivated by the S25 Edge's sleekness. Abrar Al-Heeti from CNET notes, "In my first day with the Galaxy S25 Edge, I'm amazed at how quickly I got used to the idea of a slim, lightweight phone. Holding anything else already feels outdated." At just 163 grams, it feels remarkably light, making phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max seem like "behemoths."

The Battery Trade-Off

The most significant compromise for the ultra-thin design is battery capacity. The Galaxy S25 Edge packs a 3,900 mAh battery, less than the base S25 (4,000 mAh) and the S25 Plus (4,900 mAh). While it should last a full day with moderate use, heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger sooner. Al-Heeti adds, "So keep that charger handy at your nightstand."

Camera Performance: Still Impressive

Instead of three rear cameras, the S25 Edge features a 200-megapixel wide and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, along with a 12-megapixel selfie camera. Despite the reduction, initial impressions are positive. Images are vibrant and detailed, even in low-light conditions. The portrait mode and .6x zoom capabilities are also highly praised.

A Premium for Innovation

ZDNET's Kerry Wan points out that the Galaxy S25 Edge demands a premium for its innovative design. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much value consumers place on thinness versus battery life and other features. The Galaxy S25 Plus, with its larger battery and extra telephoto camera, might be a more compelling option for some.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is undoubtedly a head-turner with its ultra-thin design. It achieves a level of sleekness that makes other phones feel outdated. But with compromises in battery life and camera capabilities, potential buyers need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Is the Galaxy S25 Edge a glimpse into the future of smartphone design, or a fleeting trend that prioritizes form over function?

What are your thoughts on the ultra-thin phone trend? Would you sacrifice battery life for a slimmer design? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• Galaxy S25 Edge
• Honor
• Samsung

Related issues news

What is the S25 edge?

Galaxy S25 Edge is our slimmest and lightest S Series phone yet. You'll want to show off this sleek, super-slim design that slips easily into your pocket or bag without bulking things up.

How thin is the S25 edge?

The S25 Edge features a titanium frame and measures just 5.8mm in thickness, making it one of Samsung's thinnest smartphones to date.

How thick is the S25 edge?

According to Samsung, the S25 Edge is 5.8 millimeters (0.22 inches) thick.

When does the S25 Edge come out?

Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.

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