Samsung Electronics unveiled its slimmest flagship smartphone yet, the S25 Edge, on Tuesday, highlighting enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This launch aims to capture the growing demand for more portable smartphones, particularly among consumers in their 20s and 30s.
“The feedback was clear – users wanted something slimmer and easier to carry without sacrificing performance,” Samsung said. To achieve this, the company made adjustments to the internal components, including the printed circuit board and thermal systems, reducing the device’s thickness.
Analysts believe the timing of the release is a strategic move to preempt Apple, which is expected to launch a thinner iPhone later this year. “By launching ahead of Apple, Samsung could attract consumers who prefer slimmer devices,” said Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.
The S25 Edge will be available in South Korea on May 23, followed by a U.S. release on May 30. It will also be launched in approximately 30 countries, including China and several European nations. The phone starts at $1,099, featuring a 6.7-inch screen and a body that’s just 5.8 millimeters thick, making it slightly larger than the basic S25 model, but only marginally heavier.
The S25 Edge comes equipped with Samsung’s latest multimodal AI, allowing users to interact with the device using both voice and vision. The phone’s camera can be used to ask real-time questions, making it more interactive.
Samsung has not disclosed where the device is being produced. During the launch, the company addressed concerns about the potential impact of the phone’s slim design on its performance and heat management.
“Some may worry that a thinner phone compromises performance or struggles with heat management,” said Moon Sung-hoon, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “We’ve developed a thinner vapor chamber to ensure the device stays cool. We’re confident the S25 Edge will operate without overheating issues.”
In the first quarter of 2025, Samsung overtook Apple to become the world’s leading smartphone vendor, capturing 20% of the global market compared to Apple’s 19%, according to data from Counterpoint Research. However, Samsung has warned that second-quarter shipments could be affected if economic conditions weaken demand.
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