The era of the fat flagship phone may be ending—both Apple and Samsung are racing to produce smartphones thinner than a pencil. Apple and Samsung are preparing to launch ultra-thin flagship phones—the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge—that prioritize sleek design over battery size and camera bumps. These devices, expected in 2025, aim to redefine what a premium phone looks like.
For years, smartphone thickness has hovered around 7–8mm. Apple’s iPhone 6 was 6.9mm; Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge was 7.0mm. Now both companies are pushing below 6mm, inspired by the success of thin tablets and laptops and consumer demand for lighter devices that slip easily into pockets. The timing coincides with advances in display and battery technology, allowing manufacturers to trim millimeters without sacrificing structural integrity.
The iPhone Air, rumored to be part of the iPhone 17 lineup, could measure as thin as 5.5mm to 6mm. It may feature a single rear camera and a smaller battery to accommodate the slim profile. The Galaxy S25 Edge, a variant of the S25 series, could be even thinner at around 5.4mm, possibly omitting the S Pen and using a 200-megapixel primary sensor with a slimmed-down zoom lens. Both devices are expected to launch in the second half of 2025, with Apple traditionally unveiling in September and Samsung at its Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2025. Leaks suggest the iPhone Air will use a lightweight titanium frame, while Samsung may employ a new glass-ceramic composite for durability.
The thinness race forces trade-offs. A thinner phone means a smaller battery, which could impact all-day battery life. Camera systems are also compromised: larger sensors and optical zoom modules require bulk. Observers note that while thinness differentiates flagship models, it may alienate power users who prioritize performance and longevity over aesthetics. The iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge comparison highlights a fundamental challenge—how to deliver cutting-edge features in a wafer-thin chassis. Analysts warn that early adopters may need to compromise on features like telephoto lenses or fast charging.
The battle of the thinnest will likely continue into 2026, with Chinese competitors like Oppo and Xiaomi also entering the sub-6mm category. The iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge will set the benchmark, but only if they can balance style with substance. Both companies are betting that consumers value design above all else—a bet that could reshape the flagship market. Expect pre-orders to open in September for Apple and January for Samsung, with retail prices starting above $1,000. The thin phone war is just beginning.
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Battle of the Thin Phones: iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge
Use either of Samsung or Apple thin flagships and you'll wonder how you ever tolerated a thick phone. Here's how these two compare.
Jeff Carlson
CNET
3 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Air is expected to be around 6mm thick, potentially becoming the thinnest iPhone ever, according to leaks.
- Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge could measure as thin as 5.4mm, likely sacrificing the S Pen to achieve the slim profile.
- Both devices may feature smaller batteries than their predecessors—rumored capacities of 3,500mAh for the iPhone Air and 4,000mAh for the Galaxy S25 Edge.
- Apple is rumored to unveil the iPhone Air in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
- Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is tipped to sport a 200MP primary camera and launch in early 2025 at Galaxy Unpacked.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone Air is an upcoming ultra-thin flagship smartphone from Apple, expected to be part of the iPhone 17 lineup. It is rumored to be around 5.5 to 6mm thick and may feature a single rear camera and a titanium frame.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is rumored to launch in early 2025, likely at the Galaxy Unpacked event in January or February. Pre-orders may open shortly after the announcement.
Leaks suggest the Galaxy S25 Edge could measure around 5.4mm thick, making it one of the thinnest phones from Samsung. To achieve this, Samsung may remove the S Pen and use a slimmer camera module.
Ultra-thin phones typically have smaller batteries, which can reduce battery life. Camera systems may also be simplified, often losing optical zoom or using smaller sensors. Durability can be a concern, though materials like titanium help.
Both are still in rumor stage. The iPhone Air may appeal to Apple ecosystem users who want a light, minimalist device. The Galaxy S25 Edge might offer a higher-resolution camera and Android flexibility. The best choice depends on platform preference and feature priorities.
Yes, both are expected to support 5G connectivity. The iPhone Air will likely include Apple's own modem or Qualcomm's latest, while the Galaxy S25 Edge will use Samsung's Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon chips with integrated 5G.
Original source
www.cnet.com
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