CUPERTINO, CA & SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA—The annual battle for smartphone supremacy has shifted its focus from folding screens to razor-thin profiles. This year, the ultra-slim category is defined by two stunning flagships: the Apple iPhone Air and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
Both phones are engineering marvels that sacrifice some bulk for unparalleled elegance, but they target very different users. Here is a deep dive into which thin phone fits your needs best.
The Design Showdown: Thinnest and Lightest
Both devices set new records for thinness in their respective lineups, but the iPhone Air is technically the slimmest:
| Feature | Apple iPhone Air | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge |
| Thickness | 5.6 mm (Thinnest iPhone ever) | 5.8 mm (Thinnest Galaxy S phone ever) |
| Weight | 165 grams | 163 grams (Slightly Lighter) |
| Frame | Polished Titanium | Titanium |
| Front Protection | Ceramic Shield 2 | Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 |
| Display Size | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.7-inch Quad-HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2736 pixels | 1440 x 3120 pixels (Higher Resolution) |
Verdict: The iPhone Air is technically the slimmest, but the Galaxy S25 Edge offers a larger, higher-resolution screen (QHD+) in a package that is slightly lighter.
Performance and Power (A19 Pro vs. Snapdragon)
Both devices pack cutting-edge chips, delivering flagship performance, but their approach to power management differs due to the slim profiles:
| Feature | Apple iPhone Air | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge |
| Processor | A19 Pro Chip (Hexa-core) | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (Octa-core) |
| Base RAM | 8GB or 12GB (Reports vary) | 12GB |
| Operating System | iOS 26 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Software Support | Standard 5+ years of OS updates | 7 years of OS and security updates |
Verdict: The A19 Pro provides superior raw, optimized single-core performance and ecosystem fluidity. However, the Galaxy S25 Edge ships with a higher base RAM (12GB) and offers an industry-leading seven years of guaranteed software support, beating Apple’s typical commitment.
The Camera and Battery Trade-Offs
The extreme thinness of both devices required major compromises, particularly in battery capacity and the complexity of the camera arrays:
| Feature | Apple iPhone Air | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge |
| Rear Cameras | Single 48MP Fusion Camera | Dual Camera: 200MP Main + 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage Camera | 12MP |
| Rear Camera Count | One (fusion system enables 2x telephoto) | Two (Wide + Ultra-Wide) |
| Battery Capacity | Approx. 3,149 mAh (Efficient A19 Pro) | 3,900 mAh (Smaller for 6.7-inch screen) |
| Wired Charging | 20W (Slow for the price) | 25W (Faster than iPhone, still slow) |
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Edge wins on versatility and raw photo resolution, offering the 200MP sensor and a physical ultra-wide lens. The iPhone Air focuses on video quality and consistent processing. The iPhone Air is likely to win on battery longevity due to its smaller screen and hyper-efficient A19 Pro chip.
Conclusion: Which Phone is Right for You?
- Buy the iPhone Air if: You prioritize extreme thinness, ecosystem integration, best-in-class video processing, and a higher peak screen brightness (3,000 nits) for outdoor use. The A19 Pro chip and long-term OS reliability are the main selling points.
- Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge if: You want a larger, higher-resolution display (6.7-inch QHD+), a more versatile camera system (200MP + Ultra-Wide), and a guaranteed seven years of software support. The trade-off is slightly less overall battery efficiency.
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Disclaimer
The specifications, pricing (iPhone Air starts at approx. $999; S25 Edge starts at approx. $1,099), and dimensions are based on launch data and official reports from Apple and Samsung as of October 2025. Prices and features are subject to change. Always verify all specifications on the official manufacturer websites.
Official Website Links:
- Apple iPhone Air: https://www.apple.com/iphone-air/ (Check for local pricing and availability)
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s25-edge/buy/ (Check for local pricing and trade-in deals)
- Best Buy (Authorized Retailer): https://www.bestbuy.com/
- Amazon (Authorized Retailer): https://www.amazon.com/
