With the Galaxy S25 Edge Released, It’s Apple’s Turn to Outshine the “Air” Series

Since Samsung’s Unpacked event earlier this year, the Korean tech giant has been teasing the Galaxy S25 Edge its slimmest phone to date. After several delays, the highly anticipated device is finally here. But the S25 Edge isn’t the only slim smartphone making waves this year; Apple is also rumored to unveil the iPhone 17 Air in the coming months.

This raises the question: has Samsung gained the upper hand, or can Apple still deliver a knockout with the iPhone 17 Air? More importantly, should you go for the Galaxy S25 Edge now, or hold out for Apple’s upcoming release?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: What’s All the Buzz About?

With the arrival of the S25 Edge, we finally have official specs to dive into. Samsung clearly took their New Year’s resolution more seriously than I did, slimming the phone down by 1.36mm compared to the standard S25 and nearly 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16. This sleek design gives the device more of a statement-piece vibe than just a typical smartphone.

But it’s not just about looks. Samsung has equipped the S25 Edge with a large 6.7-inch 2K 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display. Unlike previous Galaxy models carrying the “Edge” name, this one features a flat screen. Despite its incredibly slim profile, the spacious display accommodates a 3,900mAh battery along with powerful internal components.

It’s powered by the same robust Snapdragon 8 Elite processor found across the S25 lineup, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. At first glance, it seems like a no-compromise device with a slim profile but there’s a catch. The S25 Edge lacks a telephoto camera, featuring just two rear cameras: a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens.

Playing Devil’s advocate, the main camera should cover most of your zoom needs without significant quality loss. To balance durability and lightness, Samsung used a titanium frame, keeping the phone sturdy while weighing just 163 grams. It also comes with an IP68 rating for water resistance. This well-rounded package is easy to carry but not so easy on your wallet, as the S25 Edge is priced at $1,099 for the 256GB model.

Apple’s Response: Everything We Know About the iPhone 17 Air

Apple hasn’t officially revealed details yet, but leaks and its naming patterns indicate the iPhone 17 Air will launch this fall alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 series. Rumored to be even thinner than the S25 Edge possibly around 5.5mm the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a lighter titanium frame, slimmer bezels, and the newest A19 chip.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a roughly 6.6-inch display with Dynamic Island and ProMotion technology, similar to the Pro models. This size aligns with rumors that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the “Plus” model this year. Although the exact battery capacity remains unknown, reports suggest Apple will use a high-density silicon-carbon battery. Leaked dummy units have also confirmed that MagSafe will be included on the iPhone 17 Air.

Additionally, like Samsung, Apple is expected to make some tradeoffs in the camera department, equipping the iPhone 17 Air with a single 48MP rear camera. It’s unclear why Apple is leaning toward single-lens setups in 2025—first with the iPhone 16e, and now possibly with the Air. Another feature carried over from the 16e is Apple’s in-house C1 modem, which has already proven to be reliable in everyday use.

Can the iPhone 17 Air Take On the Galaxy S25 Edge?

To clear up any confusion, we’ve put together a comparison table summarizing everything we know so far about the two phones. Take a look:

With all the details laid out, both phones are shaping up to be closely matched contenders. They each offer a large, high-refresh-rate display, a sleek new design, and somewhat modest camera setups. Ultimately, the decision may come down to ecosystem preferences, battery life, and pricing. While the ecosystem is subjective, if Apple manages to fit a larger battery and price the iPhone 17 Air competitively, it could very well gain the upper hand over Samsung.

So, who’s winning the slim phone showdown? For now, the spotlight belongs to Samsung. The Galaxy S25 Edge is here, it’s sleek, and it’s making waves. Apple, on the other hand, is still keeping us guessing. But don’t count them out if the iPhone 17 Air delivers the signature Apple polish, seamless integration, and strong battery life, the balance could shift quickly.

In the end, the true winner won’t just be the thinnest phone it’ll be the one that strikes the best balance between standout design, top-tier performance, solid battery life, and a competitive price tag. What matters most to you? Is ultra-slim your top priority, or do other features take the lead? Share your thoughts in the comments!