Experienced hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Marvel at its refined elegance, yet ponder its substantial cost.

Giving the Thinnest a Try: Our First Impressions of the Samsung S25 Edge

By Quentin Lorichon Tech Journalist

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With Samsung teasing the S25 Edge, a new iteration of their star smartphone, at the Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2025, we finally got a chance to handle it at an event organized by the brand in Paris. The new S25 Edge, known for its impressive thinness, features an original design with advantages and sacrifices. But is the thinness worth the means? Here are our first impressions.

A Design for the slim-obsessed

The absence of the third camera module (telephoto) in favor of a dual sensor seemed a bit hard to justify at first, especially for a premium device like the S25 Edge. However, Samsung justified this choice to maintain a thin and light design. Slipping it into a pocket, a bag, or holding it, the S25 Edge is a breeze, especially for one-handed use. Its thickness of 5.8mm and a weight of only 163g make it a delight to handle compared to its brother, the S25 Ultra, which measures 7.3mm in thickness and tips the scales at 190g.

The screen of the S25 Edge measures 6.7 inches, the same as the S25+, yet it proves lighter in the pocket and offers a more comfortable hold. The S25 Ultra, with its 6.9-inch screen and 8.2mm thickness, is clearly bulkier compared to the more delicate newcomer.

The slim promise comes at a cost

While Samsung boasts that the S25 Edge offers the technical characteristics of a high-end smartphone, two details call the thinness promise into question. The battery, with a capacity of only 3900 mAh, seems on the smaller side, especially when compared to the S25 Ultra's 5000 mAh. Samsung claims that the S25 Edge can last 24 hours in video playback, but we'll have to put that promise to the test in a future full review. For now, the standard S25 lasted 24 hours and 54 minutes in our video playback test, so we're a bit skeptical about the S25 Edge's performance.

Regarding the camera, Samsung compensates for the limited field of view (with fewer lenses comes fewer possible angles) by using the best wide-angle sensor (the main one) available today, a 200MP module found in the S25 Ultra. The photos we tested in optimal lighting conditions were well-detailed and sharp, but we'll have to test the camera fully in different lighting conditions to draw definitive conclusions. Interestingly, the S25 Edge uses a 12MP ultra-wide-angle, unlike its big sibling with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle. It remains to be seen how this change will affect the camera performance.

If the slim promise appeals to you, the S25 Edge is now available for pre-orders in two versions: 256GB and 512GB, priced at €1252 and €1372, respectively. The release date for the S25 Edge is set for May 30, 2025.

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Comparing the S25 Edge and S25 Ultra

When pitting the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge against the S25 Ultra, several key differences emerge. The main differences are in design (thickness and weight), battery, camera capabilities, and overall user experience:

Design

Thickness and Weight: The S25 Edge is significantly thinner and lighter compared to the S25 Ultra. The S25 Edge is 5.8 mm thick and weighs 163 grams, while the S25 Ultra is 8.2 mm thick and weighs 218 grams.
Frame Material: Both devices feature a titanium frame.
Display: The S25 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch display, while the S25 Edge boasts a 6.7-inch display. Both support a 1-120Hz refresh rate and offer Quad HD+ resolution, with peak brightness of about 2,600 nits.

Battery

Capacity and Charging: The S25 Ultra packs a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to the S25 Edge's 3,900 mAh. The Ultra supports faster 45W charging, while the Edge is limited to 25W charging. Both devices support 15W wireless charging.

Camera

Primary and Secondary Cameras: Both devices share a 200MP wide camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. However, the S25 Ultra includes a telephoto camera, which the S25 Edge lacks, offering better zoom capabilities and more flexibility in photography.
Selfie Camera: Both models have a 12MP selfie camera.

Performance and User Experience

Chipset: Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ensuring high performance and efficiency in tasks like multitasking and gaming.
Biometrics: Both models are expected to include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for secure biometric authentication.
Additional Features: The S25 Ultra supports the S-Pen, a feature absent in the S25 Edge, making the Ultra more appealing to users who prefer stylus input for productivity or creativity.

In conclusion, the S25 Ultra offers more comprehensive features, including a larger display, better camera capabilities, longer battery life, and S-Pen support, making it ideal for those who prioritize these aspects. On the other hand, the S25 Edge is thinner, lighter, and still offers excellent performance and display quality, making it suitable for users who value portability and a more premium feel. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding design, battery life, and camera functionality.

The label 'S25 Edge' can be placed on the sleek, lightweight smartphone, its thinness and weight being highlighted as a triumph of technology and design.
The label 'high-end gadget' could be applied to the S25 Edge, despite its thinner battery and compromised camera field of view, due to its advanced technology and premium features such as the 200MP wide camera sensor.