Updated: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Written by Elliyas Ahmed
Galaxy S25 Edge Launch: Samsung Unveils Its Thinnest Smartphone Yet
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S25 Edge, its slimmest flagship smartphone to date. The launch comes just months before Apple is expected to introduce a thinner iPhone model, sparking comparisons and market speculation.
A Slim Profile with Flagship Specs
Samsung revealed that the Galaxy S25 Edge measures only 5.8mm thick (0.22 inches), making it thinner than both Apple’s and its own existing models. For context:
iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: 0.32 inches
Galaxy S25+: 0.28 inches
Galaxy S25 Ultra: 0.32 inches
Despite its size, the phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X display, two rear cameras, and a solid internal build. It weighs 163 grams (5.7 ounces), noticeably lighter than many current flagships.
Preorder and Launch Dates
Samsung has opened preorders for the Galaxy S25 Edge at $1,099. The rollout will begin in South Korea on May 23, followed by a U.S. launch on May 30. The company plans to release the device in about 30 countries, including major markets in Europe and China.
AI Features Take the Lead
One of the standout features is Samsung’s AI system integrated into the S25 Edge. It includes:
Multimodal AI: Interacts with users using both camera and voice
Real-time assistance: Use the camera to ask questions
Voice and vision sync: Combines input for smoother responses
Samsung says these AI tools are built into the device and do not rely heavily on the cloud, allowing for faster response times.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Making a thinner device posed technical challenges, especially around heat management and internal layout. Samsung made structural changes to the printed circuit board and thermal system.
According to Moon Sung-hoon, Executive VP at Samsung Electronics:
“Some may worry that a thinner phone compromises performance or struggles with heat management. We managed to engineer a thinner vapor chamber to fit the slim design. We’re confident the S25 Edge can be used without concerns about overheating.”
Market Strategy Behind the Timing
The S25 Edge’s launch comes only four months after the main S25 series was announced in January. This timing is unusual for Samsung, which typically focuses on foldable phones during the mid-year cycle.
Analysts believe the timing is strategic:
“By releasing the product a few months ahead, Samsung could inflict some impact on Apple and attract consumers looking for thinner smartphones,” said Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.
The move also aims to sustain sales momentum from the strong-performing S25 series, which helped Samsung lead global smartphone shipments in Q1 2025.
Samsung vs. Apple: The Thin Race
Apple is rumored to be working on a new, thinner iPhone, potentially named the iPhone Air. Reports suggest the device will be around 6.2mm thick, still slightly thicker than the S25 Edge.
This thin-phone competition reflects broader industry trends, as consumers show growing interest in lightweight, compact devices with full-feature performance.
Consumer Demand Shifting Toward Portability
According to Samsung, user feedback indicated a clear preference for slimmer, more portable devices. The S25 Edge was developed in response, particularly targeting users in their 20s and 30s.
This demographic often prioritizes mobility, design, and integration of AI, all of which the S25 Edge is positioned to offer.
Performance Hardware Inside
The Galaxy S25 Edge isn’t just thin — it runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the same chip found in the rest of the S25 lineup. Other core specs include:
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB or 512GB
Battery: Expected to support full-day use (exact capacity not yet disclosed)
Despite its compact size, performance benchmarks are expected to match other high-end Galaxy devices.
Early Hands-On Impressions
Several reviewers who previewed the device ahead of launch reported a noticeable difference in feel and comfort. The S25 Edge feels significantly thinner and lighter than most premium phones.
Even a few millimeters, they noted, created a clear distinction when comparing it to devices like the iPhone 16 Pro or the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Revenue and Market Impact
Samsung recently reported a strong Q1, driven by the success of the S25 series. The S25 Edge is seen as a move to extend that momentum. However, Samsung has warned that Q2 could be more volatile due to seasonal trends and tariff risks.
Daniel Araujo, VP at Samsung’s mobile division, commented:
“Smartphone demand is expected to decrease in the second quarter. The S25 Edge could help sustain flagship-centric sales.”
Trade and Policy Considerations
Tariff policies remain a key concern for smartphone makers. The U.S. had recently paused reciprocal tariffs, providing temporary relief for companies like Samsung and Apple.
Samsung appears to be using this window to push a key product to global markets, hoping to lock in buyers before any potential trade disruptions later in the year.
A Shift in Product Release Strategy
Historically, Samsung spaced out its major releases. The Galaxy S lineup would launch in January or February, with foldables following mid-year.
By unveiling the S25 Edge in May, Samsung signals a more agile, responsive product strategy. This could be in response to faster innovation cycles and consumer expectations shifting more rapidly.
A Closer Look: S25 Edge Key Specifications
Feature
Specification
Display
6.7″ AMOLED 2X
Thickness
5.8mm
Weight
163g
Rear Cameras
Dual
Processor
Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM
12GB
Storage Options
256GB / 512GB
AI Features
Multimodal (camera + voice)
Battery
Full-day (exact mAh not confirmed)
Price
Starts at $1,099
Release Dates
May 23 (South Korea), May 30 (U.S.)
Will Consumers Adopt Slimmer Phones?
Thinner smartphones often raise concerns about durability, heat, and battery life. But Samsung’s engineering effort with the S25 Edge — especially the redesigned vapor chamber and reduced internal layers — may help overcome those doubts.
The actual market response will become clear in the coming weeks as early adopters and reviewers share real-world usage insights.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S25 Edge is not just another variant in the Galaxy lineup. It’s a calculated release meant to capture a specific market segment: users who want a premium smartphone that doesn’t feel bulky.
Whether Samsung’s bet pays off will depend on:
Consumer response in early launch markets
Timing of Apple’s upcoming iPhone Air
Ongoing geopolitical and trade developments
As thinner devices become more viable, the S25 Edge could represent the beginning of a new standard in smartphone design — not just for Samsung but for the industry as a whole.
