Galaxy S25 Edge: What did Samsung sacrifice for elegant design?

Galaxy S25 Edge: What did Samsung sacrifice for elegant design?

This time, Samsung is betting on design as a key differentiator in a market that is increasingly recycling its products with the Galaxy S25 Edge. (Reuters)

After weeks of anticipation, Samsung officially unveiled its new Galaxy S25 Edge during a virtual event. The Korean company is redefining the concept of slim design in smartphones, albeit with some compromises.

The phone, first hinted at in January, is essentially a slimmer version of the Galaxy S25 Plus. It retains the same large 6.7-inch OLED display, is powered by Samsung's own Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and features the AI ​​features that define this year's lineup.

This announcement is seen as a preemptive move by Samsung ahead of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is also expected to focus on slimness and design.

What does the Galaxy S25 Edge look like?

• Sleek and slim design, but you won't immediately notice it.

At just 5.8mm thick (not including the camera bump), the Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung's thinnest phone ever in a traditional smartphone and one of the thinnest currently available. It also weighs 163 grams, just one gram heavier than the regular S25, despite the difference in screen size.

Despite this stunning design, the phone's thinness isn't immediately apparent when looking at it, but rather becomes apparent when holding the device, according to The Verge. This could pose a marketing challenge for Samsung, as the phone looks like any other device until the user feels the difference in size and weight in the hand.

The difference is even more noticeable when compared to the Galaxy S25 Plus, which is 7.3 mm thick. While the Edge appears thinner than even some tablets like the Tab S10 or foldables like the Z Fold 6, it maintains the traditional smartphone look.

The phone is available in three elegant titanium-inspired colors: silver, black, and ultra-light blue. These options add a sophisticated touch to the phone's exterior design.

Despite the apparent elegance, users note that the slim profile may not be noticeable when a protective case is applied, although the device remains remarkably light.

• Durability: No compromise despite the slimness

Despite the ultra-slim design, Samsung hasn't compromised on durability. The phone features a titanium frame, the same material used in the S25 Ultra, giving it greater rigidity compared to the aluminum used in other models.

It also features the new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making it as strong as it is elegant.

• Only two lenses with obvious sacrifices

The Galaxy S25 Edge comes with only two rear cameras: a 200MP main camera with the same sensor as the S25 Ultra, and a 12MP ultrawide camera.

However, the lack of a telephoto lens represents a decline in optical versatility compared to the Ultra or even Plus versions. While the main camera promises promising performance, the loss of optical zoom will affect the shooting experience in some scenarios.

Powerful Performance in a Slim Body

The Galaxy S25 Edge's distinction isn't limited to its design alone; it also extends to what's hidden inside this slim body.

• Flagship Processor and Generous Memory

Despite its slim form, the phone is powered by Samsung's custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

It comes with 12GB of RAM, offering excellent performance for gaming, live streaming, and heavy tasks, without sacrificing size or weight.

• Smartly compact but limited battery

The S25 Edge has a 3,900mAh battery, the smallest among all S25 series models. The phone is estimated to provide 24 hours of continuous video playback, which is five hours less than the S25 and six hours less than the Plus.

Although Samsung claims the phone lasts a full day, critics point out that battery degradation over time may make it difficult to rely on the device for stable daily performance after a year or two, especially given Samsung's commitment to provide seven years of security updates and One UI 7 updates.

Galaxy S25 Edge Price

The phone is currently available for pre-order and will officially arrive on May 30. Pricing starts at $1,099.99 for the 256GB version, while the 512GB version reaches $1,219.99. This places the Galaxy S25 Edge in the middle between the S25 Ultra and S25 models. The Plus is priced similarly to the Plus, although its specifications are closer to those of the Plus, with some compromises in the camera and battery in exchange for a thinner and lighter design.

A striking design... but is it enough?

With all that has been revealed about the Galaxy S25 Edge, it seems Samsung is betting on design this time as a key differentiator in a market that is increasingly recycling its products. The striking thinness, light weight, and premium materials all give the phone an undeniably elegant feel, but this comes at the cost of tangible sacrifices in the camera and battery life.

The phone may suit a segment of users who care more about appearance and portability than comprehensive performance, but it's not the ideal choice for those looking for an advanced photography experience or a long-lasting battery.

The question remains: Is design alone enough to convince today's users, or does the market now demand a true balance between form, performance, and price? The answer will only become clear with reviews and real-world user experiences. Until then, the S25 Edge remains Samsung's bold attempt to refresh the familiar with a new, elegant look, but it won't necessarily be practical for everyone.