Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – A Thin Statement, But at What Cost?

Samsung's Galaxy S25 series made its debut earlier this year, but the brand held back one model for a dramatic entrance: the Galaxy S25 Edge. Positioned somewhere between the S25+ and the Ultra, this ultra-thin device aims to attract attention not with flashy new features, but with a design so slim it feels almost impossible. At just 5.8mm thick and weighing only 163 grams, the Galaxy S25 Edge is undeniably sleek. But what do you have to give up to get a phone this thin? --- ## Design and Build The defining trait of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its design. It’s razor-thin, incredibly lightweight, and constructed with a titanium frame — the same material used on the S25 Ultra. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor, though it lacks the Ultra’s anti-reflective coating. In the hand, the phone feels like a modern slab of tech art. The camera bump has been reimagined into a floating island design, and the flat sides lend it a premium iPhone-esque aesthetic. It’s also available in three colors: Black, Silver, and Blue Silver. While most phones are getting thicker to accommodate larger batteries and camera modules, Samsung went in the opposite direction. That decision has clear upsides and trade-offs. --- ## Display Samsung has equipped the S25 Edge with a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display running at 120Hz. It’s the same panel used in the Galaxy S25+, and it delivers excellent color accuracy, sharpness, and smooth scrolling. Brightness levels are high enough for outdoor use, though the absence of the Ultra's anti-reflective coating means it’s a bit more prone to glare in bright conditions. Still, the display quality is flagship-tier and easily one of the best features of the device. --- ## Performance Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy — the same high-performance chip used across the S25 lineup. Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Edge runs Samsung’s One UI 6.1 smoothly and handles multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven features with ease. There are no slowdowns, thermal throttling was minimal in early hands-on time, and the performance feels indistinguishable from the larger Ultra. --- ## Camera System One of the most interesting choices Samsung made here was bringing the 200MP main camera from the S25 Ultra to the Edge. That’s a significant upgrade over the standard and Plus models. Here’s what the camera setup looks like: - 200MP main sensor (f/1.7, OIS) - 12MP ultrawide (123° FOV) - 12MP front-facing camera There’s no telephoto lens, which will be a deal-breaker for some. However, the 200MP sensor allows for solid digital zoom and impressive detail retention. Photos are vibrant and sharp in daylight, and low-light performance remains solid thanks to Samsung’s image processing. It’s not the best smartphone camera system out there, but for a phone this thin, it’s far better than expected. --- ## Battery Life and Charging This is where the compromises become more noticeable. The Galaxy S25 Edge packs a 3,900mAh battery — a full 1,000mAh less than the S25+. Charging tops out at 25W wired and 15W wireless. There’s no reverse wireless charging, either. In early testing, the phone lasted through a typical 8–10 hour day with moderate usage, but heavy users should expect to recharge in the afternoon. That thin profile comes at a price, and it’s clearly felt in battery endurance. --- ## Software and Features Running Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, the Galaxy S25 Edge delivers the same smart features and AI enhancements as its siblings: - Generative photo editing - Live call translation - AI-enhanced search and summarization - Samsung Knox security - Seven years of OS and security updates Samsung didn’t strip down the software just because the hardware is thinner — and that’s commendable. --- ## Specifications Table | Feature | Specification | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Display | 6.7" QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | | Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | | RAM | 12GB | | Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | | Rear Cameras | 200MP main + 12MP ultrawide | | Front Camera | 12MP | | Battery | 3,900mAh | | Charging | 25W wired / 15W wireless | | Build | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor | | SIM Support | Nano SIM + eSIM | | Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G | | OS & Updates | Android 14, 7 years of support | | Starting Price | $1,099.99 | --- ## Who Should Buy the Galaxy S25 Edge? This phone isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay. It’s for people who: - Prefer a sleek, lightweight phone with premium feel - Want a great camera without the bulk of an Ultra - Use their phone moderately and don’t mind mid-day charging - Prioritize design and comfort over battery longevity or telephoto zoom If battery life or telephoto photography are your top priorities, the S25 Ultra or even the S25+ are better options. But if you're someone who wants a flagship experience in a minimalist body — the S25 Edge hits a niche no other phone currently does. --- ## Verdict Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is a unique device that puts industrial design at the forefront. It’s not trying to be everything for everyone — and that might be its strongest feature. You’re trading battery life and optical zoom for elegance and weightlessness. And for some users, that’s more than worth it. The Edge isn’t the best Galaxy phone of the year. But it is, arguably, the most interesting one. If you're tempted by the idea of a thinner flagship without making too many sacrifices, the Galaxy S25 Edge deserves a closer look. --- Available now from Samsung: [Buy the Galaxy S25 Edge →](https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s25-edge/buy/galaxy-s25-edge-512gb-unlocked-sku-sm-s937uzsexaa/) --- ### Image Gallery