Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Officially Launched: A Slim Flagship with Tradeoffs

Samsung has finally pulled back the curtain on the much-anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge, a super-slim smartphone that prioritizes sleek design while maintaining flagship-tier performance. Announced today, the Galaxy S25 Edge is set to hit shelves on May 30, 2025, with pre-orders now live starting at $1,099. At just 5.8mm thick and weighing a mere 163g, this device is Samsung’s answer to the demand for lightweight, premium smartphones. However, its compact form comes with notable compromises, particularly in battery life and camera versatility. Let’s dive into the details of this striking new addition to the Galaxy S25 lineup.

A Design Marvel: Thin, Light, and Premium

The Galaxy S25 Edge is a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess, shaving down the chassis to a remarkable 5.8mm—about 30% thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Despite its slim profile, it doesn’t skimp on durability. The phone features a titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, ensuring it’s as tough as it is elegant. With an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the Edge is built to withstand the elements.

Weighing just 163g, the Edge is 25% lighter than the S25 Ultra and only 1g heavier than the base Galaxy S25, despite boasting a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display. This 120Hz panel delivers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, making it a visual treat. Available in three sophisticated colors—Jetblack, Icyblue, and Silver—the Edge is as much a fashion statement as it is a tech powerhouse.

However, the slim design isn’t without its quirks. The phone’s thinness is less noticeable when encased, and its larger camera bump slightly offsets the sleek aesthetic. Still, the lightweight feel is a standout, addressing a common complaint about bulky flagship phones.

Flagship Power in a Compact Package

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge is no slouch. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (the full 8-core version), paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. This ensures top-tier performance for everything from gaming to multitasking. Running Android 15 with One UI 7 out of the box, the Edge comes loaded with Samsung and Google’s latest AI features, enhancing productivity and user experience. Samsung also commits to seven years of OS and security updates, promising longevity.

The display is complemented by an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, adding convenience and security. Wireless charging is supported, though wired charging is capped at a modest 25W, lagging behind the 45W speeds of the S25+ and Ultra.

Camera Compromises: High Quality, Less Versatility

The Galaxy S25 Edge’s camera system is a mixed bag. It borrows the 200MP main sensor from the S25 Ultra, promising exceptional detail and low-light performance. A 12MP ultrawide lens rounds out the rear setup, while a 12MP front camera handles selfies. However, the absence of a telephoto lens is a significant omission, reducing the phone’s zoom capabilities compared to its S25 siblings. This makes the Edge less versatile for photography enthusiasts who rely on optical zoom for distant shots.

Battery: The Biggest Tradeoff

The most polarizing aspect of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its 3,900mAh battery, the smallest in the S25 lineup. For comparison, the base S25 has a 4,000mAh cell, while the S25+ boasts 4,900mAh. Powering a large 6.7-inch QHD+ display with such a modest battery raises concerns about endurance, especially over time as battery degradation sets in. Samsung claims the Edge can deliver 24 hours of video playback, but that’s notably less than the S25’s 29 hours or the S25+’s 30 hours.

While optimizations in the Snapdragon 8 Elite and One UI 7 may stretch the battery for a full day of moderate use, heavy users or those planning to keep the phone for years might find the smaller cell limiting. This is a clear trade-off for the phone’s slim design, and potential buyers should weigh this carefully.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy S25 Edge commands a premium, starting at $1,099 for the 256GB model and $1,219 for the 512GB variant. This positions it between the S25+ and the S25 Ultra in Samsung’s pricing hierarchy, despite its compromises. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping slated for May 30, 2025. You can secure yours through Samsung’s official channels or major retailers.

Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Edge?

The Galaxy S25 Edge is a bold move by Samsung, blending flagship performance with a featherlight, ultra-thin design. Its stunning display, powerful chipset, and premium build make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize portability and style. However, the lack of a telephoto lens and the small battery are significant sacrifices, especially at this price point.

For users who value a lightweight phone and don’t mind the camera and battery tradeoffs, the Edge is a unique offering in a sea of bulky flagships. But if zoom photography or all-day battery life is non-negotiable, the S25+ or Ultra might be better bets. As reviews roll in, particularly on battery performance and real-world camera quality, the Edge’s value proposition will become clearer.

Galaxy S25 Edge Specs Chart

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a niche device, catering to those who crave a premium, lightweight flagship without the bulk. While it nails the design and performance, the battery and camera compromises make it a less practical choice for some. For now, the Galaxy S25 Edge stands as a bold experiment in Samsung’s flagship lineup—one that’s sure to turn heads.