Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Review: Surpassed My Expectations with Impressive Features
Samsung Launches Galaxy S25 Edge: An Ultra-Thin Flagship Smartphone
After numerous leaks and teasers, Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, the latest addition to its esteemed lineup. The phone's standout feature is its record-setting thickness, making it one of the thinnest smartphones ever produced.
Measuring in at 5.8mm thick, the Galaxy S25 Edge surpasses its predecessors in slimness. This ultrathin design makes it the slimmest smartphone currently available, preceding the anticipated release of Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Air.
The Galaxy S25 Edge incorporates significant components from the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra to create a device that feels both familiar and unique.
During a brief hands-on session in New York City earlier today, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the Galaxy S25 Edge. This section offers a first impression of Samsung's new thin-and-mighty smartphone.
The Galaxy S25 Edge's thinness will not appeal to everyone. It lacks the full camera prowess of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and its battery capacity is smaller than that of the rest of the lineup. However, these sacrifices contribute to its ultra-thin profile and lightweight build.
Weighing just 163 grams, the Galaxy S25 Edge is 2.4mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and 1.4-1.5mm thinner than both the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus. Compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro (8.3mm thick, 199 grams) and the Pixel 9 Pro (8.5mm, 199 grams), the Galaxy S25 Edge is undeniably thinner and lighter.
Despite its large display and mighty main camera, the Galaxy S25 Edge still manages to deliver a user-friendly experience that is lighter and more portable than its counterparts.
The Galaxy S25 Edge features a titanium frame, paired with Gorilla Glass protection on either side. It boasts Gorilla Glass Victus shielding on the rear and Corning's new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, offering similar protection to the Gorilla Glass Ceramic used on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Aesthetically, the Galaxy S25 Edge differs subtly from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with softer edges that are more comfortable to hold. This design change, combined with its sleek build, contributes to a more ergonomic feel compared to its siblings.
The Galaxy S25 Edge aims to provide the best features of the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup within a compact, light device. It pairs the 6.7-inch display from the Galaxy S25 Plus with the same 200MP primary camera found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The display benefits from the same 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and vision booster, ensuring vibrant visuals under various lighting conditions.
The 200MP camera proves a significant addition, solidifying the Galaxy S25 Edge as a flagship device, despite its potentially higher price. The camera offers the same capabilities and features as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although it may lack the telephoto lens, making it somewhat less serviceable at longer focal lengths.
The Galaxy S25 Edge's thin profile necessitates a smaller battery, resulting in the smallest battery size in the Galaxy S25 lineup. It features a 3,900 mAh battery paired with 25W wired charging, offering similar charging capabilities to the base Galaxy S25. Despite boasting less battery capacity than its siblings, Samsung claims that the Galaxy S25 Edge delivers all-day battery life, though testing will be necessary to confirm this under moderate to heavy usage scenarios.
Despite possible challenges with battery life, I was impressed by the Galaxy S25 Edge during my brief encounter. The thin profile significantly impacts the device's feel in the hand, making it a more premium, user-friendly experience than expected.
If you have been hesitant to purchase a Galaxy S25 series phone due to concerns about weight or size, the Galaxy S25 Edge is worth considering. Its thin profile necessitates certain compromises, but look beyond these, and you'll find a phone that feels fantastic in the hand.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is now open for preorder, with its official release schedule for May 30. It comes in three colors: Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Icy Blue, and Titanium Silver. The 256GB storage variant retails for $1,099.99.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's considerable weight had previously been a point of contention for some, but the Galaxy S25 Edge showcases Samsung's ability to offer both portability and flagship performance. Its sleek design, advanced camera hardware, and long software support should make it an attractive option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a more compact device without sacrificing essential features and performance.
The Galaxy S25 Edge's ultrathin design and lightweight build make it an attractive option for those who value portability, as it significantly surpasses the slimness of its predecessors and even rivals the rumored iPhone 17 Air. This smartphone, with its 200MP primary camera and 6.7-inch display, strikes a balance between flagship technology and compact gadgets.
Despite its thin profile, the Galaxy S25 Edge's battery capacity is smaller than that of the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup, but Samsung claims it still offers all-day battery life. This is a trade-off that potential buyers should consider, as they weigh the advantages of portability against the potential challenges with battery life.