Samsung has jumped ahead in the race for slimmer smartphones by launching the Galaxy S25 Edge. It's the thinnest flagship yet—just months before Apple is expected to debut its much-anticipated "iPhone Air."
A Surprise Launch to Stay Ahead
In an unusual move, Samsung officially revealed the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13, 2025, surprising many by releasing a new high-end device too soon after its January S25 series launch. The S25 Edge is just 5.8mm thick and weighs 163 grams, making it one of the slimmest smartphones ever made.
Priced from $1,099, the phone goes on sale May 30 in the U.S., with earlier availability in South Korea from May 23.
Samsung's move appears to be a strategic play to capture market interest ahead of Apple's September iPhone lineup, which reportedly includes a new, thinner iPhone model known as the “iPhone 17 Air.”
Built for the Modern User
Samsung emphasized that the S25 Edge was designed in response to consumer demand, particularly from younger users, for slimmer, more portable smartphones without sacrificing performance.
“The feedback was clear – users wanted something slimmer and easier to carry without sacrificing performance,” Samsung stated during the launch event in Seoul.
To achieve this ultra-thin profile, Samsung engineers reworked internal structures like the printed circuit board and thermal system, incorporating a redesigned vapor chamber for efficient cooling despite the narrow form factor.
All-day battery life with optimized power delivery
Samsung has also integrated its latest Galaxy AI suite, which includes Now Brief and Now Bar—tools that deliver AI-curated news, reminders, and real-time insights.
Besides, the phone boots with Android 15, bringing Google Gemini services like Gemini Live, which provides context-aware screen and camera assistance.
A Preemptive Strike on Apple?
Analysts view this launch as a calculated move to challenge Apple before it can build hype for its thinner iPhone model. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s so-called iPhone 17 Air could be about 6.2mm thick, still bulkier than the S25 Edge.
“It is hard to believe this is not a pre-emptive strike following speculation that Apple will have a thin iPhone in its next line-up,” said Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight, in an interview with CNBC.
“By releasing the product a few months ahead, Samsung could inflict some impact on Apple and attract consumers looking for thinner smartphones,” added Ryu Young-ho, senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.
Global Rollout and Market Impact
Samsung says the S25 Edge will be available in 30 countries, including key markets in Europe, China, and North America. This comes at a time when the company is trying to sustain sales momentum amid tariff uncertainties and growing competition from Chinese brands.
According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung led the global smartphone market in Q1 2025 with a 20% share, slightly ahead of Apple’s 19%.
Executive VP Moon Sung-hoon reassured consumers:
“We’re confident the S25 Edge can be used without concerns about overheating. We put everything into making this slim design possible.”
Conclusion
Samsung has clearly made a bold move by launching the Galaxy S25 Edge ahead of Apple’s rumored thin iPhone. With its sleek form, premium features, and built-in AI capabilities, it could shift the momentum of the flagship market for the second half of 2025.
Will Samsung’s early lead in the slim smartphone race pay off—or will Apple’s iPhone Air take the crown this fall? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more tech updates!