The latest addition to Samsung’s smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S25 Edge, has made its official debut. Introduced initially in January, this model is a more streamlined version of the S25 Plus, featuring a 6.7-inch OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, and advanced AI capabilities. However, this sleek design does come with trade-offs, specifically the absence of a telephoto lens and a more robust battery.
Weighing in at 163 grams (around 5.7 ounces), the Edge is only marginally heavier than the standard S25, which features a 6.2-inch display. At a thickness of 5.8mm, it ranks as one of the thinnest offerings from Samsung in years, though it is still slightly bulkier than the Tab S10 or Z Fold 6, which can accommodate larger batteries. For those who prefer conventional smartphones, the S25 Edge is among the slimmest options available in the market today.
Visuals may not do justice to the phone’s impressiveness, posing a challenge for Samsung in marketing the Edge; it seems conventional until handled. Users’ reactions often reveal their surprise upon feeling how slim the device is.
The “Edge” branding hints at a focus on its slimness, yet its lightness stands out too. This aspect addresses one of the primary concerns users have with larger smartphones, more significantly than a mere decrease in thickness. While placing a case on the device may negate its thin feel, it is expected to remain lightweight.
Samsung has not compromised on durability with the Edge, opting for a tough titanium frame akin to the S25 Ultra, and utilizing Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the display along with an IP68 rating for resistance against dust and water. This means the phone is designed to be robust.
However, potential buyers will face two significant compromises. The first concern lies with the camera system: it comprises only two rear lenses without any telephoto option. Interestingly, the primary 200-megapixel shooter utilizes the same sensor featured in the Ultra model, albeit in a more compact setup. This suggests performance may rival the Ultra, but without the same level of versatility.
The more pressing concern for many users will be the battery life. A smaller 3,900mAh cell is installed in the Edge, less than the 4,000mAh in the S25 and the 4,900mAh found in the Plus. Given the high-resolution display, the Edge is likely to have the least battery longevity among the S25 variants.
Samsung assures users that the device remains capable of lasting a full day, predicting 24 hours of continuous video playback. Nonetheless, this is considerably less than the S25’s 29 hours and the Plus’ 30 hours. A previous review of the standard S25 indicated adequate performance for a full day’s moderate use, suggesting that the Edge might similarly meet user expectations. Modern battery optimizations in chipsets have made smaller capacities manageable.
Despite the initial performance, batteries degrade over time, which raises concerns about the Edge’s longevity. Samsung has pledged to deliver seven years of OS and security updates consistent with other S25 models, but it’s reasonable to worry about battery reliability long before reaching that mark.
Despite its limitations, the S25 Edge is priced higher than the S25 Plus. Preorders are currently available with an expected release date of May 30th. The starting price is $1,099.99 for the 256GB model and $1,219.99 for the 512GB variant, positioning it between the Plus and Ultra in terms of pricing.
Ultimately, the Edge may not be the most practical phone choice available; it was never designed to be. Similar to Samsung’s foldable devices, this model emphasizes aesthetics over utility. While the design impressively maintains key features from the S25 lineup, the camera and battery performance present serious considerations. These are substantial trade-offs in exchange for compactness, but the true value of this device will become evident once extensive testing of its camera and battery is conducted.
This is certainly a device for which consumers should wait for comprehensive reviews before making a decision.
Photography by Dominic Preston / Technology News
