The Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s latest experiment in smartphone design, boasting an astonishing 5.8 mm thickness that feels more like holding a thin card than a high-end device. Priced at $1,249, it slots between the Galaxy S25 Plus and the S25 Ultra, creating an entirely new tier in the lineup. Early impressions from U.S. tech press have been loud and clear: this phone turns heads — at least visually.
Despite its razor-thin profile, Samsung promises no sacrifice on build quality. The company clings to its premium materials, reusing the robust titanium frame seen on the S25 Ultra and upgrading to Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on both front and back. The result? A device that feels impossibly light yet surprisingly sturdy, setting the stage for some interesting trade-offs.
A Bold Design with Premium Build
Grab the S25 Edge, and you’ll immediately sense what all the fuss is about. At just 163 grams, it practically floats in your palm. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) summed it up perfectly: the phone looks normal until you pick it up, then jaws drop. That first-touch experience is pure magic, blending art and engineering into a single gesture.
But this beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Samsung’s use of titanium and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 keeps the phone resilient. Reviewers from The Verge confirmed there’s no softness here — the S25 Edge doesn’t feel more fragile than its thicker siblings. In fact, many testers praised how it withstands everyday bumps and drops better than they expected. If you’re chasing style without recklessness, this device delivers.
Questionable Trade-Offs on Performance
Of course, you can’t get something for nothing. By shaving off millimeters, Samsung trimmed the battery from 4,900 mAh on the S25 Plus to 3,900 mAh on the Edge. On paper, it sounds concerning, and CNET didn’t mince words: “Note the biggest sacrifice here is battery capacity.” That smaller battery could leave power users scrambling for a charger before day’s end.
Photography also takes a hit. The S25 Edge ditches the telephoto lens, relying on just two rear sensors. ZDNET pointed out that you might end up debating between the Edge and the S25 Plus more than between the Edge and Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air. After all, for a lower price you get an extra lens and a bigger battery — convincing reasons to think twice.
Marketing Strategy: Filling a New Niche
Samsung isn’t just throwing darts at a wall hoping something sticks. Mrwhosetheboss argues the S25 Edge is aimed squarely at style-conscious customers who don’t need every feature under the sun. If you’re not a camera obsessive or a power-user glued to your battery meter, the slim form factor might be enough to justify the price tag.
This move falls in line with a budding trend toward ultra-thin phones, with Apple rumored to follow suit. CNET highlighted that Samsung could be the pioneer of this category rather than a copycat. If thinness becomes the next big selling point, the S25 Edge could ultimately set the tone for future designs across the industry.
User Reactions: Mixed Feelings
The reaction among U.S. reviewers is split. Some, like The Verge, caution that the compromises in battery life and camera flexibility are steep “for a little extra slimness.” Others, including ZDNET, appreciate Samsung’s gamble on a lightweight, streamlined device designed for the mainstream audience.
MKBHD chimed in with his own balanced take: he liked the Edge’s handling but didn’t miss the missing telephoto lens or larger battery as much as he thought he would. That sums up the sentiment — if you fit the profile, you’ll love it. If you don’t, you’ll want to stick with the Plus or Ultra.
Battery Life Concerns: Is 3,900 mAh Enough?
While beauty wins initial praise, battery life remains the elephant in the room. MKBHD warned, “3900 mAh felt generous years ago, but today it’s borderline alarming with bright displays and powerful processors.” As screen time and app usage skyrocket, running low before bedtime could become routine for heavy users.
Mrwhosetheboss takes a long-term view, predicting buyer’s remorse down the line when the battery degrades and the honeymoon phase wears off. If you’ve ever regretted a fashion purchase after the thrill fades, you might find yourself lamenting the trade-off between sleek design and daily practicality here too.
The Protection Dilemma: To Case or Not
One of the quirkiest debates around the S25 Edge is whether to use a protective case. As Mrwhosetheboss puts it, buying a rugged case undermines the whole point of an ultra-thin phone. Yet going bare increases the risk of cracks and scratches, leaving you torn between style and safety.
The Verge also noted that once you slap on a thick case, the Edge’s main selling point vanishes — though at least you still get the lightweight feel. For some, that middle ground might be an acceptable compromise; for others, it defeats the purpose entirely.
Defending Innovation: The Fashion Statement
Despite the debates, many reviewers applaud Samsung’s courage to push boundaries. Mrwhosetheboss argued that choosing a phone for its cool factor over pure functionality isn’t that different from picking clothes or cars. If design matters to you as much as specs, the S25 Edge is a breath of fresh air in a market of lookalike slabs.
CNET echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Edge “could be a shot of excitement” in a sea of incremental upgrades. At the end of the day, Samsung has crafted a phone that’s meant to be seen, touched, and admired — and that alone might be enough for a particular crowd ready to pay extra for standout style.
