Hands-on: I spent time with the Galaxy S25 Edge, and it's the phone for Samsung fans who often criticize Samsung devices

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is designed for fans who find existing models too bulky, featuring a thinner design and powerful camera.

: The Galaxy S25 Edge provides a solution for Samsung enthusiasts who often find the brand's flagship models cumbersome. This model offers an ultra-thin design at just 5.8mm thickness, without compromising on performance, featuring a 200MP camera and a resilient titanium build. Despite its reduced battery capacity and the absence of a zoom camera, it is priced at $1,099, more than its predecessors, but aims to attract users with its sleek design and enhanced grip. The introduction of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, alongside a commitment to software updates through OneUI 7 on Android 15, enhances its appeal for tech enthusiasts.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a bold response to long-standing complaints from Samsung fans about bulky, heavy smartphones. Measuring just 5.8mm thick and weighing 163g, it's the thinnest Galaxy S phone ever made. Despite its slim profile, it retains a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and 12GB of RAM. The design is reinforced with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, giving it a surprisingly solid feel for such a lightweight device.

However, this thinness comes with trade-offs. The S25 Edge omits a telephoto lens, offering only a dual-camera setup with a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The battery capacity is also reduced to 3,900mAh, which may concern power users. Samsung claims it can deliver up to 24 hours of video playback, but long-term battery performance remains to be seen.

The S25 Edge is priced at $1,099.99 for the 256GB model and $1,219.99 for the 512GB version. Pre-order promotions include a free storage upgrade and trade-in deals offering up to $800 off. The phone is available in three colors: Titanium JetBlack, Titanium Silver, and Titanium IcyBlue.

Samsung's focus with the S25 Edge is on delivering a sleek, lightweight device without significantly compromising on performance. The inclusion of features like Qi2 wireless charging and advanced AI capabilities demonstrates this balance. However, the reduced battery size and lack of a telephoto lens may deter some users.

In summary, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a niche product aimed at users who prioritize design and portability over certain high-end features. It's a compelling option for those seeking a premium, ultra-thin smartphone, but potential buyers should weigh the trade-offs carefully.

Sources: The Verge, TechRadar, Wired, The Shortcut, Tom's Guide, Business Insider, The Sun

TechnologyMobileSmartphone