iPhone Air vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Who Made the Slimmer Flagship Better?
In 2025, the smartphone wars have entered a new chapter. For years, brands have competed on cameras, performance, and AI features, but this year, a new battleground has emerged — slimness.
Both Apple and Samsung have unveiled their thinnest smartphones ever: the iPhone Air and the Galaxy S25 Edge. These two devices represent a design philosophy shift: going ultra-slim without (hopefully) compromising too much on features. But the big question remains — who made the slim phone better?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the design, performance, cameras, battery, and real-world usability of these two super-thin flagships. Let’s see if Apple or Samsung truly wins the slim smartphone showdown.
The Slim Factor: iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge
The iPhone Air comes in at just 5.6 mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced — and one of the slimmest smartphones on the market, period. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, meanwhile, measures 5.8 mm, slightly thicker but still astonishingly slim for a flagship device.
Both companies have sacrificed traditional design norms to achieve these numbers. Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely, relying exclusively on eSIM. Samsung slimmed down internal components while still retaining more traditional features like multiple cameras and large battery capacity.
So yes, Apple technically wins the crown for the thinnest phone. But slimness is only part of the story — usability matters just as much.
Design and Build Quality
iPhone Air
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Frame: Titanium build with Ceramic Shield on the front and back.
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Look: Minimalist, futuristic design. The “camera plateau” at the rear adds a unique identity.
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Weight: Around 165 g, light in the hand and extremely easy to carry.
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Feel: Sleek and premium, though some users may find it a little too slippery without a case.
Galaxy S25 Edge
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Frame: Also titanium, paired with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front.
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Look: Edgy design, with slightly curved edges that enhance grip.
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Weight: Around 163 g, which is actually lighter than the iPhone Air despite being thicker.
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Feel: Feels robust yet slim, offering a good balance between sleekness and durability.
👉 Verdict: Tie. Apple wins on futuristic minimalism, Samsung on practicality and ergonomics.
Display Showdown
iPhone Air
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Size: 6.5-inch OLED.
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Refresh Rate: 120 Hz ProMotion.
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Experience: Sharp, smooth, and immersive. Apple’s display tuning ensures great color accuracy.
Galaxy S25 Edge
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Size: 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
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Resolution: QHD+ with adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz.
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Experience: Slightly larger, higher resolution, and great for gaming or binge-watching.
👉 Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge wins on sheer screen real estate and resolution.
Camera Performance
iPhone Air
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Rear Camera: Single 48 MP wide sensor.
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Front Camera: 18 MP with Center Stage for video calls.
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Trade-offs: Apple had to compromise on multiple rear lenses to keep the phone ultra-thin.
Galaxy S25 Edge
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Rear Cameras: Dual setup — 200 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide.
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Front Camera: 12 MP, reliable but less fancy features compared to Apple’s front camera software.
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Trade-offs: Despite its slim profile, Samsung retained a versatile dual-camera setup.
👉 Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge wins — more versatility for photographers, though Apple still shines in software processing.
Battery Life and Charging
This is where ultra-thin phones often struggle, as there’s less space for large batteries.
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iPhone Air: Apple promises “all-day battery life,” but it’s clear the battery capacity is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro series. The slimness comes at a cost, though Apple’s A-series chip efficiency helps compensate.
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Galaxy S25 Edge: Samsung managed to pack in a slightly larger battery despite the slim design. Real-world testing shows it can last longer under heavy use. Fast charging and wireless charging are included.
👉 Verdict: Samsung wins, though Apple’s efficiency means casual users won’t be too disappointed.
Performance and Software
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iPhone Air: Runs on Apple’s A18 Bionic chip, optimized for efficiency and AI tasks. iOS 19 brings better widgets, AI integration, and smooth performance.
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Galaxy S25 Edge: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (or Exynos 2500 in some regions), it’s a powerhouse with multitasking capabilities. Runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7.
👉 Verdict: Tie. Both phones deliver top-tier performance. Choice depends on whether you prefer iOS or Android.
Features and Trade-offs
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iPhone Air:
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Galaxy S25 Edge:
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Still has multiple cameras despite slim profile.
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Larger display and battery.
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Slightly thicker but arguably more balanced.
👉 Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge edges out Apple for being more feature-complete despite being nearly as thin.
Who Should Buy Which?
Final Verdict: Who Made the Slim Phone Better?
The answer depends on how you define “better.”
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Apple iPhone Air is the clear winner in terms of sheer slimness and design philosophy. At 5.6 mm, it’s an engineering marvel. But it comes with sacrifices: fewer cameras, smaller battery, and eSIM-only limitations.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, on the other hand, is just a hair thicker at 5.8 mm but manages to keep the essentials of a flagship intact — big display, dual cameras, bigger battery, and still extremely slim by any standard.
So, if you want the slimmest phone ever, Apple takes the crown. But if you want the slim phone that’s also practical for daily use, Samsung may have done the better job.
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