Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, measuring just 5.8mm, making it the thinnest smartphone of the decade. Despite being lightweight and featuring a 200MP camera, it has a smaller battery than the standard S25 and no telephoto lens. Priced high, it competes with models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offers better specs and features. The Edge might replace the Plus model next year, but at present, other competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and OnePlus 13 provide formidable alternatives with larger batteries and cameras. Discounts on older models may emerge soon after the launch.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, which is a mere 5.8mm thick, making it the slimmest smartphone released in recent years. In fact, no other phone introduced in the 2020s has been thinner than 6mm. However, this innovative design comes with a hefty price tag, so here’s a comprehensive price analysis. Is the Edge the phone you’ve been holding out for, or is Samsung merely promoting a gimmick that won’t gain traction?
If you’re inclined to lean toward the positive, you’ll be pleased to know that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge offers more than just its slim profile – it’s incredibly lightweight as well. It tips the scales at just one gram more than the standard Galaxy S25, which has a smaller screen (6.7” versus 6.2”). Additionally, it features a remarkable 200MP sensor in the main camera, a feature previously exclusive to Ultra models.
Of course, there are some trade-offs, such as a reduced battery capacity – it has less power than the basic S25 (3,900mAh compared to 4,000mAh). Charging speeds are also slower (25W wired, 15W wireless). It lacks a telephoto camera, relying solely on the 200MP sensor for zooming capabilities. Finally, it comes at a premium cost, even with the complimentary storage upgrade.
As expected, deals for older models tend to decrease a week or two after the release of a new model. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced higher than the Edge, but it should return to more reasonable pricing soon. The Ultra is bulkier (8.2mm, 218g compared to 5.8mm, 163g) but offers a larger display (6.9”) and a bigger battery (5,000mAh) with quicker charging speeds (45W).
The 200MP camera is not the only option for zooming; it also includes a 10MP 3x (67mm) medium telephoto lens and a 50MP 5x (111mm) long telephoto lens. Furthermore, it is equipped with a 50MP ultra-wide camera, whereas the Edge is limited to a basic 12MP camera reminiscent of the standard and plus models.
There are rumors circulating that the Edge will succeed the Plus model in the Galaxy S lineup next year. However, this year, the Galaxy S25+ is somewhat more affordable, even without discounts. If you’re considering an S25+, it might be wise to wait a week or two. Though larger (7.3mm, 190g compared to 5.8mm, 163g) and featuring the same screen size, its battery is larger (4,900mAh) and supports faster 45W wired charging. Instead of the Edge’s 200MP camera, it includes a 50MP main camera and a 10MP 3x (67mm) telephoto.
While the S25 Edge is notably thin, it still measures 75.6mm in width. In comparison, the standard Samsung Galaxy S25 is 70.5mm wide and weighs the same. Which phone do you consider to be “smaller”? If you favor the S25, you’ll find it offers nearly identical hardware to the S25+, except for the 6.2” screen and the 4,000mAh battery, which is roughly the same capacity as the Edge’s.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is another competitor that stands against the Ultra rather than the Edge. It measures 8.5mm in thickness and weighs 221g, featuring a 6.8” display and a 5,060mAh battery (37W wired / 23W wireless charging). Its camera system includes a 50MP main, a 48MP 5x (113mm) telephoto, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens.
The OnePlus 13 is similarly sized to the Ultra but boasts a 6.82” display and a 6,000mAh battery – surpassing Samsung’s offerings of 5,000mAh. It supports rapid charging at 80W wired and 50W wireless. Its camera lineup consists of a 50MP main, accompanied by a 50MP 3x (73mm) and a 50MP ultra-wide, all while being priced over €300 less than the Edge.
The Poco F7 Ultra is currently at MSRP, while its sibling, the Poco F7 Pro, is discounted by up to €120 and worth considering. Although it doesn’t directly compete with the Edge (measuring 8.1mm thick and weighing 206g), it is an affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 device featuring a 6.67” 1440p+ 12-bit display and a significant 6,000mAh battery with 90W charging capabilities. However, its 50+8MP camera setup isn’t particularly impressive.
The Realme GT 6 is priced €90 cheaper, though it sacrifices some performance with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Its standout feature is a fantastic 6.78” LTPO display (1264p+), complemented by a 5,500mAh battery supporting 120W charging. Its camera system includes a 50MP 2x (47mm) telephoto alongside the 50MP main and an 8MP ultra-wide. Its IP65 rating indicates lower water resistance compared to the F7 Pro’s IP68.
In the same price tier as the GT 6, the Xiaomi 14T utilizes the Dimensity 8300 Ultra, which slightly lags behind the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Its camera setup mirrors that of the GT 6, featuring a 50MP main (1/1.56” vs. 1/1.4”) and a 50MP telephoto (50mm vs. 47mm), along with a higher-quality ultra-wide (12MP vs. 8MP). Additionally, its 5,000mAh battery supports only 67W wired charging.
The Xiaomi 14T Pro upgrades to a Dimensity 9300+, featuring a 5,000mAh battery that offers both 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The 6.67” 1220p+ OLED display provides 12-bit colors and a 144Hz refresh rate, which remains consistent. Its camera setup improves slightly over the 14T, incorporating a larger 50MP sensor (1/1.31”) and a longer 2.6x lens for the 50MP telephoto (60mm). For a more detailed comparison between the 14T and 14T Pro, click here.
Lastly, the Google Pixel 9a currently has a good discount on the 128GB variant, though not as much for the 256GB model. Moreover, Prime Student members can enjoy an additional €30 off the discount. If you trade in an old phone, you’ll also receive a bonus of €100.
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