The Great Smartphone Slim-Down: Are Thinner Phones Worth Shorter Battery Life?

The quest for the perfect smartphone is a never-ending saga. Now, Samsung and Apple are betting you'll trade battery life for a slimmer design. But is a barely perceptible reduction in thickness worth the compromise? The debate is raging.

Samsung recently unveiled its Galaxy S25 Edge, a $1,100-and-up device that boasts a thinner and lighter profile compared to its counterparts. The catch? A less powerful battery. Samsung assures users that the S25 Edge can still last a full day with "typical use." But could this be a sign of things to come?

Rumors are swirling that Apple is gearing up to launch an even skinnier iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 17 "Air," this fall. According to reports, this ultra-thin device might also struggle to make it through a full day without needing a charge. To compensate, Apple is rumored to be developing a case with a built-in battery backup. This news is according to tech news publication the Information.

But what do consumers actually want? Polling data suggests that battery life remains a top priority for smartphone users. So, why the push for slimness?

Samsung acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the demand for thinner phones. Blake Gaiser, head of smartphone product management at Samsung Electronics America, stated that the S25 Edge is being produced in limited quantities as a test to gauge consumer interest in what he calls a "Goldilocks device"– a phone that strikes a balance between premium features and accessibility.

The S25 Edge measures in at 5.8 millimeters thick (excluding the protruding camera lenses), while the standard S25 is 7.2 millimeters, and the iPhone 16 is 7.8 millimeters. While the difference might seem negligible on paper, Samsung claims that the new model's size and weight "makes a huge difference in your hand." Some early reviewers echo this sentiment. Eric Zeman of PCMag, for example, argues that the trade-off is "a fair trade."

However, the true motivation behind this trend might be a desperate attempt to revive flagging smartphone sales. With incremental updates and increasing device longevity, manufacturers are searching for novel ways to entice consumers to upgrade. "Trying out skinny phones, even if you don't embrace them, could also give Apple and Samsung a chance to test wild technologies that you might like, like phones that fold open to reveal more screen real estate."

Adding to the debate, technology journalist Myriam Joire points out that Chinese brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus utilize battery technology derived from electric cars to achieve both slim designs and impressive battery life. Suggesting Apple and Samsung "are not innovating anymore because they have no competition" in North America.

So the question remains: Are we entering a new era of sleek, battery-compromised smartphones, or will consumers prioritize endurance over aesthetics? The answer will likely shape the future of mobile device design.

What are your thoughts? Would you sacrifice battery life for a thinner phone? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• Apple
• Galaxy S25 Edge
• 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 thick is the S25 edge?

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

When will the S25 Edge launch?

Verizon preorders start May 13 in Titanium Silver, Icyblue and Jetblack, with 256GB or 512GB storage starting at $30.55/month for 36 months (0% APR; $1,099.99 retail). Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available on May 30.

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