Apple and Samsung have released slim smartphones in 2025, the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge, prioritizing thin designs over some traditional features. These models offer larger displays and lighter builds but come with trade-offs in battery capacity and camera setups. A detailed comparison reveals how they stack up in price, size, performance, and more.
In 2025, Apple introduced the iPhone Air as a successor to the iPhone 16 Plus, positioning it as the largest non-Pro model with a screen bigger than the standard iPhone 17. Priced at $999, it starts with 256GB storage and features Apple's A19 Pro processor, suspected to include 8GB of RAM for AI capabilities, running iOS 26. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, at $1,100, complements the S25 and S25 Ultra lineup, equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB RAM, and options for 256GB or 512GB storage on Android 15.
Both phones emphasize slimness: the iPhone Air measures 5.64mm thick (excluding the camera bump) and weighs 165 grams, slimmer and lighter than the 7.9mm-thick, 177-gram iPhone 17. The Galaxy S25 Edge is 5.8mm thick and 163 grams, edging out the 7.2mm, 162-gram Galaxy S25 in thinness but not weight. Dimensions show the iPhone Air at 156.2mm tall and 74.7mm wide, while the S25 Edge is slightly larger at 158.2mm by 75.6mm.
Displays are highlights, with the iPhone Air's 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED at 2,736x1,260 resolution and 460 ppi, reaching 3,000 nits brightness. The S25 Edge's 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X offers 3,120x1,440 at 513 ppi and 2,600 nits, both with 120Hz adaptive refresh rates.
Camera systems differ notably. The iPhone Air has a single 48-megapixel wide rear camera (f/1.6) producing 24-megapixel fusion shots and 12-megapixel 2x crops, plus an innovative 18-megapixel front Center Stage camera that adjusts aspect ratios for group selfies. The S25 Edge counters with a 200-megapixel wide and 12-megapixel ultrawide rear setup, also offering 2x crops at 12 megapixels, but a standard 12-megapixel front camera.
Battery life raises concerns for slim designs. Apple claims all-day use and 27 hours of video for the iPhone Air, with a review by CNET's Abrar Al-Heeti showing 12 hours in intensive testing and 20% left after a typical day; a dedicated MagSafe add-on is available. The S25 Edge's 3,900-mAh battery supports 24 hours of video, and Al-Heeti praised it, noting, "You'll get less juice out of that slimmer build, but S25 Edge offers just enough battery life to make me happy… I'm enjoying the sleek form factor so much that I'm willing to make some compromises." Both charge to 50% in 30 minutes with 20-watt adapters.
Pricing has remained stable amid tariffs, though discounts appear on the pricier S25 Edge. These phones appeal to users seeking portability, but buyers must weigh feature reductions against the allure of a thinner profile.
