Samsung Officially Unveils the Galaxy S25 Edge: A Super-Slim Flagship with a Few Trade-Offs
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S25 Edge, a super-slim smartphone that prioritizes sleek design and lightweight construction over certain features typically found in flagship devices. The device, teased earlier this year, will be available later this month with a starting price of $1,099. The Galaxy S25 Edge aims to cater to users who value portability and aesthetics without completely sacrificing high-end performance.
This latest addition to the Galaxy S25 series distinguishes itself with its remarkably thin profile, measuring just 5.8mm. This makes it approximately 30% thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung’s top-tier offering. Despite its slimness, Samsung insists that the Galaxy S25 Edge is a flagship-caliber device, boasting a powerful processor, high-resolution display, and premium materials.
Design and Display
The Galaxy S25 Edge sports a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and responsiveness. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, known for its exceptional scratch resistance. The back of the device is clad in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the frame is constructed from titanium, contributing to both durability and a premium feel.
The phone is available in three color options: Jetblack, Icyblue, and Silver. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against the elements. The device’s weight is a mere 163g, making it 25% lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and only 1g heavier than the base Galaxy S25. This lightweight design significantly enhances its portability and ease of use.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, featuring a full 8-core configuration. This processor ensures smooth and responsive performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. An ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor is integrated for secure and convenient biometric authentication.
Camera System
The Galaxy S25 Edge features a triple-camera system. The primary camera is a 200MP sensor, identical to the one found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This high-resolution sensor captures detailed and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions. Accompanying the main camera is a 12MP ultrawide lens, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group shots. A 12MP front-facing camera is available for selfies and video calls. However, the Galaxy S25 Edge lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, a notable omission compared to other flagship smartphones.
Battery and Charging
One of the most significant trade-offs of the Galaxy S25 Edge’s slim design is its battery capacity. The device is equipped with a 3,900 mAh battery, which is relatively small by modern standards. It is even smaller than the battery in the base Galaxy S25, which has a smaller 6.2-inch display and a lower resolution.
Charging speeds are also limited to 25W, slower than the 45W charging supported by the Galaxy S25+ and Ultra. Wireless charging is still available. This slower charging speed may be a drawback for users accustomed to faster charging technologies. The smaller battery capacity and slower charging could impact the device’s overall usability for heavy users.
Software and Features
The Galaxy S25 Edge runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7 out of the box. This combination provides a user-friendly and feature-rich software experience. The device also incorporates all of Samsung and Google’s usual AI features, enhancing various aspects of the user experience, such as camera performance, battery management, and personalized recommendations.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,099 in the US for the 256GB variant. The 512GB model is priced at $1,219. Pre-orders are open today, and the devices are scheduled to ship later this month on May 30.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge presents a compelling option for users who prioritize a slim and lightweight design without compromising on flagship-level performance. Its powerful processor, high-resolution display, and premium materials make it a capable device for everyday tasks and entertainment. However, the smaller battery capacity, slower charging speeds, and lack of a telephoto lens are notable trade-offs that potential buyers should consider.
The Galaxy S25 Edge caters to a specific niche of users who value aesthetics and portability above all else. Its sleek design and lightweight construction make it a standout device in a market dominated by larger and heavier smartphones. Whether the trade-offs are acceptable will depend on individual priorities and usage patterns.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Edge represents a bold move by Samsung to cater to a specific segment of the market. It showcases the company’s willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of smartphone design. While it may not appeal to everyone, the Galaxy S25 Edge offers a unique and compelling alternative for those seeking a slim and stylish flagship smartphone.
