Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Is Out and Looks Gorgeous, but the Race to Thinness Has a Problem

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is finally here after months of teasing at Unpacked, and after watching MKBHD's hands-on impressions, I can't help but feel conflicted. Samsung's thinnest-ever smartphone-just 5.8mm thick and weighing only 163g-is undoubtedly a marvel of engineering. It sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and the same 200MP primary sensor found in its larger siblings.

Samsung clearly wanted to make a statement with design. And they did-but at what cost?

Engineering Marvel or Practical Compromise?

There's no denying that the S25 Edge is a visual delight. Its titanium frame, Ceramic Glass 2, and IP68 waterproofing are impressive for such a thin device. Samsung claims that the chassis is not only ultra-thin but also durable enough for everyday use. The brand really leaned into the narrative of cutting-edge design, showcasing the engineering brilliance that made this thinness possible.

As MKBHD put it, "It looks incredible... it's sleek, modern, and probably the best-looking S25 in the lineup." That's a big statement coming from someone who has handled practically every flagship phone on the market. But once you get past the aesthetics, some very real concerns start to emerge.

3900mAh in 2025?

The S25 Edge is powered by a 3900mAh battery, which is not just small-it's the smallest in the entire S25 lineup. For perspective, the standard S25 has a 4000mAh cell, and the S25 Plus bumps that up to 4900mAh. Given the 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and the suite of AI features, it's not hard to imagine this battery struggling to keep up.

In fact, this is where I think Samsung missed a huge opportunity. We're in 2025, and Silicon Carbon batteries are quickly becoming the gold standard for mobile devices. Brands like Realme, Xiaomi, Vivo, and OnePlus have been flaunting 6000mAh and even 7000mAh cells while maintaining sleek designs.

Realme recently showed off a 10000mAh concept phone that is just 8.5mm thin. It's thicker than the S25 Edge, yes, but it also offers more than double the battery life.

The technology is out there-Silicon Carbon batteries allow for thinner profiles without sacrificing capacity. It's puzzling that Samsung didn't take this opportunity to push battery technology forward, especially when the S25 Edge is being marketed as a cutting-edge device.

Rumors suggest that the S26 series will finally make the leap to Silicon Carbon, which is encouraging, but it feels like that leap should have happened here.

Cutting Corners Where it Matters

To achieve that ultra-thin profile, some sacrifices were made-namely, the telephoto lens. The S25 Edge comes with just two rear cameras: a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide. While that 200MP shooter is undeniably impressive, the lack of any zoom capabilities is felt. For a device priced at $1099, it's fair to expect more versatility from the camera setup.

Moreover, the 25W wired charging also feels a bit dated. While it's standard across the S25 lineup, it's slow by today's standards, where 65W and even 100W charging are commonplace. Considering the smaller battery, faster charging could have at least alleviated some of that battery anxiety, but it seems Samsung decided against it.

Competing Against the iPhone 17 Air

The S25 Edge isn't just a statement piece in Samsung's lineup-it's also up against the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which is said to be just as thin and light. While the comparison is inevitable, my concerns remain the same. The race for thinness seems to be coming at the expense of practical battery life. A phone that thin with sub-4000mAh battery life feels like a step backward.

That said, Samsung does deserve credit for maintaining an ultrawide lens, IP68 waterproofing, and even a physical SIM card slot in such a small form factor.

Who is This Really For?

The real question is: who is the target audience for the S25 Edge? Maybe there is a segment of users who prioritize form over function, who would rather have a phone that slips effortlessly into their pocket and looks stunning without a case.

But for me, I'd rather have the confidence of a large battery in my pocket. I'd rather have the flexibility of a telephoto lens and faster charging. Thinness is great, but not when it comes at the cost of everyday usability.

I can't help but feel that the S25 Edge could have been so much more if Samsung had chosen to push battery tech forward instead of just the design envelope.

As we wait for the S26 series and its rumored Silicon Carbon upgrades, the S25 Edge remains a gorgeous piece of tech that may have traded too much practicality for its aesthetics.