Samsung’s S25 Edge is a thin phone with two big tradeoffs
{
"title": "Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: The Pursuit of Thinness Comes at a Cost",
"content": "## Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: The Pursuit of Thinness Comes at a Cost\n\nSamsung has officially entered the ultra-thin smartphone arena with the Galaxy S25 Edge. First teased earlier this year, this device represents a bold step towards achieving a sleek and lightweight design. However, in the quest for ultimate thinness, some compromises had to be made. Is the S25 Edge a revolutionary device or a case of style over substance? Let's dive in.\n\n### A Slimmed-Down S25 Plus\n\nThe Galaxy S25 Edge can be best described as a slimmer version of the S25 Plus. It shares many of the same core components, including the vibrant 6.7-inch OLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and the suite of AI-powered features that have become a hallmark of the S25 series. This means you're getting a premium experience in terms of performance and display quality, but with a significantly reduced profile.\n\n### The Allure of Thinness\n\nThe most striking feature of the S25 Edge is undoubtedly its thinness. Measuring a mere 5.8mm (excluding the camera bump), it's one of the slimmest smartphones on the market. Weighing in at just 163g, it's only a gram heavier than the standard S25, which features a smaller 6.2-inch screen. This makes the S25 Edge incredibly comfortable to hold and carry, easily slipping into pockets and bags without adding unnecessary bulk.\n\nWhile Samsung's Tab S10 tablets and the Z Fold 6 foldable might achieve similar or even slightly thinner profiles by distributing their components across a larger surface area, the S25 Edge offers this level of slimness in a traditional smartphone form factor. For users who prioritize a compact and lightweight device, the S25 Edge is a compelling option. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against competitors like the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which is also expected to prioritize a super-slim design.\n\n### The Trade-Offs: Telephoto Lens and Battery Life\n\nHowever, the pursuit of thinness comes at a price. To achieve its incredibly slim profile, Samsung had to make some compromises in key areas. The most notable sacrifices are the exclusion of a telephoto lens and a smaller battery capacity.\n\n* **Telephoto Lens:** The absence of a telephoto lens means that users will have to rely on digital zoom for distant subjects. While digital zoom has improved significantly in recent years, it still can't match the image quality and versatility of a dedicated telephoto lens. This is a significant drawback for users who frequently capture zoomed-in photos.\n* **Battery Life:** Squeezing high-end components into such a thin frame inevitably impacts battery capacity. While Samsung hasn't released official battery specifications, it's safe to assume that the S25 Edge will offer less battery life than the S25 Plus. This could be a concern for power users who demand all-day battery life.\n\n### More Than Just Thin: The In-Hand Experience\n\nWhile the specifications paint a picture of the S25 Edge, the true impact of its design is best appreciated in person. The phone's thinness and lightweight construction create a unique in-hand feel that is both premium and comfortable. As the original article notes, photos don't quite capture the \"ooooh\" moment people have when they first pick it up.\n\nThe "Edge" name suggests that Samsung is focusing on the phone's thinness as its primary selling point. However, the weight and the overall feel in the hand are just as important. The S25 Edge feels like a premium device, a testament to Samsung's engineering prowess. Whether that's enough to overcome the compromises remains to be seen.\n\n### Who is the Galaxy S25 Edge For?\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is not for everyone. It's targeted at users who prioritize a slim and lightweight design above all else. If you're someone who values portability and aesthetics and are willing to make some sacrifices in terms of camera versatility and battery life, then the S25 Edge might be the perfect phone for you.\n\nHowever, if you're a photography enthusiast who relies on a telephoto lens or a power user who demands all-day battery life, you might be better off with the S25 or S25 Plus. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual priorities and preferences.\n\n### Final Thoughts\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a bold and innovative device that pushes the boundaries of smartphone design. It's a testament to Samsung's commitment to innovation and its willingness to experiment with new form factors. While the compromises in camera and battery performance are significant, the S25 Edge offers a unique and compelling experience for users who prioritize thinness and portability. Whether it's a success will depend on how well Samsung can market its unique appeal and whether consumers are willing to embrace its trade-offs.\n",
"tags": [
"Android",
"Google",
"Mobile",
"Samsung",
"Tech"
],
"meta_description": "Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is a super-thin phone with a stunning design. But the slim profile comes at a cost: a missing telephoto lens and reduced battery."
}
Source: The Verge