SEOUL, South Korea (WE) — Samsung Electronics will debut a radically redesigned smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Edge, at an online launch event on Tuesday, May 13, marking the company’s boldest attempt yet to challenge Apple in the race toward ultra-slim device design.
The “Galaxy S25: Beyond Slim Unpacked” event will stream live at 9 a.m. KST on Samsung’s website and YouTube channel, and is expected to spotlight the brand’s thinnest and lightest premium smartphone ever made.
What Makes the Galaxy S25 Edge Unique?
The Galaxy S25 Edge is reportedly just 5.8 millimeters thick, making it the slimmest device in the Galaxy lineup and among the slimmest smartphones ever released globally. It will sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, similar in size to the Galaxy S25 Plus, but weigh only 163 grams, aligning more with the compact S25 Standard.
The phone introduces a new form factor to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series — the first structural change since the Galaxy S20 launch in 2020. Unlike its predecessors, the S25 Edge will focus on design minimalism and ergonomic comfort, aiming to meet increasing consumer demand for sleek, pocketable devices.
Will Design Compromise Durability?
To offset concerns about structural rigidity often associated with ultra-slim phones, Samsung has opted for a titanium alloy frame with a ceramic back panel — a notable upgrade from the standard aluminum and glass materials used in prior models.
Analysts believe this combination could be a turning point. “Ceramic is heavier but extremely durable,” said Wayne Lam, Senior Director at TechInsights. “Pairing it with titanium could be the key to making slim phones both sturdy and premium.”
What’s Under the Hood?
Despite its thin frame, the S25 Edge will pack impressive internal specs. It will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and come with 128GB of RAM, aligning it with the rest of the Galaxy S25 family.
However, reports suggest the Edge will take performance hits in two areas: battery life and camera capability. Samsung is expected to include a smaller battery to maintain its sleek form, and it may forgo some of the advanced optical hardware featured in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Where Will the Galaxy S25 Edge Launch First?
Samsung has confirmed the S25 Edge will debut in South Korea and China, markets where slim, fashion-forward smartphones are especially popular. A global release, including availability in the United States, Europe, and Japan, is expected later this spring.
The company is likely hoping the Edge will gain traction ahead of Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to launch in September at just 5.5mm thick.
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How Will This Impact the Battle with Apple?
With both Samsung and Apple embracing ultra-slim designs, a new frontier has emerged in the long-standing smartphone rivalry. Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 Air, reportedly shipping with a dedicated battery case, reflects similar compromises in battery performance in exchange for slimness.
“Thickness is becoming the next big battlefield,” said Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight. “Consumers want thinner devices — but they’re not willing to sacrifice too much in return.”
Are Chinese Brands a Growing Threat?
The pressure on Samsung and Apple is mounting from fast-moving Chinese competitors. Companies like Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO have already released sub-6.5mm smartphones in early 2025, including the Xiaomi Civi 4 Ultra and OPPO Find X7 Lite.
These devices are gaining market share quickly in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where consumers prioritize sleek aesthetics and affordability.
“China’s OEMs are forcing Samsung and Apple to move faster,” said Nicole Peng, VP of Mobility at Canalys. “Design is no longer an afterthought — it’s now a competitive edge.”
What Accessories and Software Will Support the S25 Edge?
Samsung plans to introduce a tailored ecosystem alongside the S25 Edge. New accessories may include ultra-thin protective cases, a compact wireless charger, and a slim-fit power bank designed for portability.
On the software front, the device will run One UI 7, likely optimized for a thinner screen bezel and improved one-handed usability. Features may include gesture-based navigation, AI-driven brightness controls, and adaptive haptics tailored to the Edge’s lighter build.
How Will Samsung Address Battery Concerns?
With a smaller battery expected, Samsung may lean on software efficiency improvements and power-saving modes. However, concerns remain among consumers and analysts alike.
“These devices will suffer most from battery limitations,” said Ranjit Atwal, senior director at Gartner.
“It’s the trade-off everyone will be watching.”
Speculation is mounting that Samsung could eventually release a dedicated battery case, mirroring Apple’s anticipated strategy.
What About the Price?
Though Samsung has yet to confirm the price, industry estimates place the Galaxy S25 Edge in the $999 to $1,049 range. That pricing positions it between the Galaxy S25 Standard ($899) and the S25 Ultra ($1,199), targeting premium users seeking something new but more compact.
Samsung will open pre-orders immediately after the May 13 event, and it will begin shipments in late May for Asia and early June globally.
What’s Next for Ultra-Slim Smartphones?
The Galaxy S25 Edge may represent more than a product release — it could be a turning point in smartphone design. With form factor now driving differentiation in a saturated market, brands are betting that thinness — not just camera megapixels or AI features — will define the next era of premium smartphones.
“If the Edge performs well, it could shift the design paradigm industry-wide,” said Daniel Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities. “It’s a high-stakes move that could pay off if consumers buy into the new aesthetic.”
