According to reports, Samsung is planning an ultra-thin version of its upcoming Galaxy model to challenge Apple’s iPhone 17 Air
2025 could mark the era of the ultra-slim smartphones. If reported leaks are to be believed, Samsung are planning to launch an ultra-thin Galaxy S25 in direct competition to Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. With a thinner chassis and battery, Samsung’s flagship model will hope to be as thin as the upcoming Apple smartphone upgrade.
Regulatory paperwork for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has confirmed that such a thin model is real, and will be launched as early as July-August ’25, ahead of Apple’s traditional September launch.
Sleekness & Its Challenges
Reports claim that the Samsung S25 Edge will be just 5.85 mm thick while similar stories also claim that Apple might go even thinner, to around 5.5-5.6 mm thickness for the iPhone 17 and could weigh as less as 145 grams.
Samsung will make the use of advanced titanium frames and redesigned camera modules (the S25Ultra’s 200 MP sensor slimmed by ~18%) to achieve this level of thinness.
But this sleekness will pose other challenges for both tech giants: it will mean that batteries will get smaller, internal components will need to be reengineered and heat dissipation will become more challenging.
Internal Trade-offs for Sleekness
The slimness of the model will mean diminished parts and this will come at a major cost for both Samsung and Apple. Initial reports suggest that both upcoming devices will have reduced battery capacities.
Samsung’s S25 Edge will not continue the telephoto camera found on the base S25 line and will in stead carry a smaller 3,900 mAh battery in exchange for its sleek form. The iPhone 17 Air will also have a single-lens rear camera and compact 3,000 mAh battery. But Samsung has incorporated a host of other features to combat its slim physique. It will come with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Galaxy AI features, a solid titanium build as well as a 200 MP sensor.
Performance Perks & Display
Performance and display quality might be how Apple continue to keep the upper hand in the upcoming upgraded versions. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to use the A19 chipset but without Apple’s top-tier Pro variant.
There is also a chance that it will include Samsung’s premium M14 OLED panel – that has previously been used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9. This will ensure high brightness as well as colour fidelity.
Market Timing & Competitive Dynamics
The fact that Samsung will launch a month or two before the iPhone’s slated release gives it an edge in terms of capturing early market share. Samsung’s preparation of the S25 Edge commenced in August 2023, which suggests that instead of reacting to Apple’s updates, the decision to go sleek was premeditated based on consumer demand. If they can also retain the pricing range that they had for the S23 which was around $649(approximately ₹56,000).
If the upcoming version is priced similarly, they have a chance of capturing a majority of the market. Apple meanwhile despite their delayed launch will look to get the audience with their design innovation, battery longevity and use of exclusive display tech.
The Last Word
Samsung’s bold decision to launch before the iPhone might just help them tip the market. Apple meanwhile will counterpunch with their optimised battery life and the allure of the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, whichever brand manages to balance thinness, everyday endurance, performance and pricing will eventually come trumps in 2025. The race is heating up. Who dares wins!
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