Samsung launches the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge

The new device, hitting US shelves on May 30th for $1,099 (approximately R20,000 based on current exchange rates), boasts a mere 5.8-millimeter thickness and weighs a light 163 grams. This makes it roughly 30% thinner and 25% lighter than Samsung’s top-tier S25 Ultra.  

Despite its svelte profile, the S25 Edge retains premium features akin to the base S25, including a titanium frame, a high-resolution 200-megapixel rear camera, and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.  

Blake Gaiser, Samsung’s Head of Smartphone Product Management for the Americas, emphasized the dramatic reduction in weight and thickness, stating that customer feedback over recent years has highlighted the importance of comfortable hand feel and pocketability as phones have grown larger and heavier.

The launch of the S25 Edge precedes Apple’s anticipated slimmed-down iPhone 17 model by several months. While the iPhone 17 is expected to have a similar thickness to the S25 Edge, it is rumored to feature a single rear camera compared to the Edge’s dual-camera setup. Gaiser expressed strong confidence in the S25 Edge’s appeal to consumers.  

Samsung had previously teased the device in January without disclosing key specifications, pricing, or the release date. The S25 Edge features a 6.7-inch display, matching the S25 Plus, along with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB and 512GB. Its $1,099 price point positions it above the S25 Plus ($999) and below the S25 Ultra ($1,299). Samsung clarified that the pricing was intentional and not influenced by tariffs, as their US-bound devices are manufactured in South Korea, Vietnam, and India, not China.  

Achieving this ultra-thin design involved some trade-offs. The S25 Edge lacks the S25 Ultra’s larger 6.9-inch screen, S Pen stylus support, 1-terabyte storage option, and dedicated telephoto cameras for optical zoom.

While design is likely a primary driver for consumers interested in the S25 Edge, battery life remains a potential concern due to the reduced internal space. The device features a 3,900 mAh battery, slightly smaller than the base S25’s 4,000 mAh and significantly smaller than the S25 Ultra’s 5,000 mAh. However, Samsung claims all-day battery life, citing AI optimizations within the software that improve efficiency compared to the previous entry-level Galaxy S24.  

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The S25 Edge’s launch was initially slated for April but was reportedly delayed due to leadership changes within Samsung, following the sudden passing of Co-Chief Executive Officer Han Jong-Hee in March.  

The success of the S25 Edge is particularly important for Samsung as its semiconductor division has faced recent challenges. Strong sales of the broader Galaxy S25 series helped offset these declines in the first quarter. Company executives have stated their intention to drive growth through flagship smartphones amidst a complex global economic landscape.

The pursuit of thin smartphone designs was a key marketing strategy in the early days of smartphones, exemplified by devices like the iPhone 6. However, the industry subsequently prioritized battery life, camera improvements, and processing power. Samsung and Apple’s renewed focus on ultra-thin designs suggests a potential niche market for consumers prioritizing sleekness, even if it involves some feature trade-offs.

The Galaxy S25 Edge will be available in black, silver, and blue. In a departure from standard security measures for high-value devices, Samsung plans to use a special security adhesive instead of traditional retail-store security wires, allowing potential buyers to experience the phone’s in-hand feel and pocketability more freely.