Super Thin: Beyond the Basics of Style and Function

Upon learning that Samsung was reviving the Edge brand as a new ultra-thin addition to the S25 family, my immediate reaction was one of skepticism: Why pursue such extreme thinness? It seemed that mobile manufacturers had moved past this obsession nearly ten years ago. The relentless pursuit of minimal thickness often led to compromises such as diminished battery life, excessive heat generation, and restricted features. So, what’s the rationale behind this trend’s resurgence?

On one hand, much like in fashion, trends from the past can resurface and become fashionable again. Moreover, the transition to 5G technology— necessitating increased power, intricate modems, and larger antennas—has catalyzed a reduction in the size of modern components, which essentially clears the path for thinner devices to make a comeback. However, a realization struck me: while the Galaxy S25 Edge‘s thinness is indeed its most notable feature, it alone cannot justify the launch of an entirely new device. Instead, I perceive this smartphone as part of a broader strategy by Samsung to enhance the appeal of its flagship mobile lineup’s middle child. Viewed from this perspective, I genuinely believe that it largely achieves its goal of being an attractive offering.

Discover the Stunning Design of the Galaxy S25 Edge

However, let me clarify that despite my concerns regarding the practicality of thinner phones, the S25 Edge is undeniably a masterpiece of design. With a thickness of only 5.8mm (0.23 inches), it presents an astonishingly sleek profile. Perhaps even more commendable is Samsung’s achievement in maintaining durability despite the slim design. Like the S25 Ultra, the Edge is built with a robust titanium frame and boasts an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water. Additionally, the phone features an even more resilient Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 panel protecting its display. Notably, the Edge’s screen has a glossy finish rather than the matte texture found on the Ultra, as Samsung claims that an anti-reflective coating would have added to its thickness. This adherence to a strict design philosophy is commendable, and in terms of feel and aesthetics, the S25 Edge is truly captivating.

While the S25 Edge shares several features with the S25 Ultra, such as its frame and primary camera, in terms of overall dimensions, it resembles a refreshed version of the S25+. The device showcases the same 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant and colorful visuals just as before. Notably, it weighs slightly less at 163 grams (5.75 ounces) compared to the S25+ (190g or 6.7 oz), enhancing its portability.

Unleashing Exceptional Performance with the Galaxy S25 Edge

Similar to the rest of the S25 lineup, the S25 Edge is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM and available storage options of either 256GB or 512GB. Despite its compact size, Samsung ingeniously integrated a vapor chamber within the device to mitigate throttling and overheating. Consequently, even during intensive tasks such as gaming, multitasking, or any demanding application, the back of the phone remained only slightly warm, delivering consistent and robust performance.

Exploring the Impressive Camera Capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Edge

The S25 Edge departs significantly from the basic configuration of the S25+ by incorporating the 200MP main sensor from the S25 Ultra, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide camera. However, it does not feature a dedicated zoom lens. Initially, I found this omission disappointing, as I believe a smartphone in this price range should ideally include a telephoto lens. Nevertheless, the vast number of pixels captured by the Edge’s primary sensor offers considerable flexibility for cropping without compromising image quality. Users should remember to set the camera to capture in full 200MP mode instead of the default 12MP setting for optimal results. Another minor update is that the Edge boasts a slightly wider 12MP selfie camera than the S25+ and Ultra, allowing for more inclusivity in group photos, though this is a relatively minor distinction.

In practical use, the S25 Edge consistently produces stunning photographs. Images are vibrant, and details are sharp, although Samsung’s characteristic tendency towards slightly oversaturated colors and warmer tones remains evident. For this review, instead of comparing it with competitors like the Pixel or iPhone, I chose to pit the Edge against the Motorola Razr Ultra. Both devices are targeting consumers who prefer a sleek and fashionable phone, yet they each embody distinct approaches.

What stood out immediately is that foldable phones, such as the Razr, still lag behind traditional smartphones in terms of camera performance, even with models as slim as the Edge. In nearly every photograph, Samsung’s device delivered brighter, sharper, and better-exposed images compared to Motorola’s offering. Therefore, for those who prioritize compactness without sacrificing image quality, the S25 Edge emerges as the superior choice.

Understanding the Battery Life of the Galaxy S25 Edge

The most significant compromise associated with crafting such a slim phone is the reduced space available for the battery. Consequently, the S25 Edge is equipped with the smallest battery in the lineup, rated at 3,900 mAh, which is 100mAh less than the base S25 model. This limitation resulted in a test duration of merely 25 hours and 59 minutes on our local video rundown assessment. While this isn’t terrible, it falls short by three and a half hours compared to the S25 Ultra (29:27) and underperforms by two hours compared to the standard S25. For those who prioritize longevity in battery performance, this is a crucial point to consider.

Fortunately, the S25 Edge maintains compatibility with wireless charging at a respectable rate of 15 watts, although its wired charging speeds are merely average at 25 watts. However, since the phone is only “Qi2 ready,” users wishing to utilize magnetic wireless accessories will need to purchase a case or an adhesive mount that includes a magnet, as the device itself lacks this feature.

Final Thoughts on the Galaxy S25 Edge

The S25 Edge is a polarizing device. I remain perplexed by the ongoing trend of prioritizing thinner smartphones, especially for those who, like most users, immediately encase their devices in protective covers (even considering Samsung’s new ultra-slim option). The marginal reduction of 1.5mm compared to the standard S25 does not significantly alter user experience, particularly when the trade-off includes decreased battery life.

However, when positioned as a compelling alternative to the standard S25+, the narrative shifts significantly. The previous iteration of Samsung’s middle child was priced noticeably higher than a base S25, yet it lacked the premium features such as a high-resolution main camera or a titanium frame, both of which are included with the S25 Ultra. In reality, the S25+’s most appealing attribute was its adequately sized 6.7-inch screen.

This is where the Galaxy S25 Edge steps in. It combines all these premium features within an exquisitely thin and well-crafted chassis, all for the same starting price of $1,100 as the S25+. While Samsung made sacrifices in battery capacity and omitted a dedicated zoom lens, these are not outright dealbreakers. With the Edge, Samsung effectively presents a stylish identity that stands distinctively within its flagship mobile family.