Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Review: Ultra-Thin Design Impresses But Battery Life Disappoints

Samsung's boldest design experiment in recent years has arrived in the form of the Galaxy S25 Edge, a device that pushes the boundaries of smartphone engineering with its remarkably thin 5.8mm profile. This ultra-slim flagship represents Samsung's answer to the growing demand for lighter, more portable devices, but early testing reveals a classic trade-off between form and function that may determine its market success.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Key Specifications

Engineering Marvel Meets Daily Reality

The Galaxy S25 Edge immediately stands out as an engineering achievement, weighing just 163 grams despite housing a 6.8-inch display. Samsung drew inspiration from its Z Fold series when designing this device, creating what essentially feels like half of a foldable phone while maintaining structural integrity. The titanium frame construction ensures durability without adding unnecessary bulk, making every other smartphone feel outdated by comparison.

Users consistently report that the lightweight design transforms everyday interactions with the device. Simple tasks like holding the phone while standing on public transport or using it in bed become noticeably more comfortable. The reduced weight also affects accessory compatibility, with magnetic cases staying more securely attached to mounts due to the decreased gravitational pull.

Durability Exceeds Expectations Despite Thin Profile

Concerns about structural integrity proved largely unfounded when the device underwent rigorous testing. YouTube durability expert JerryRigEverything subjected the S25 Edge to his standard battery of tests, including scratch resistance, heat exposure, and extreme bending pressure. The results surprised many skeptics who expected the thin design to compromise structural strength.

The scratch test revealed typical Gorilla Glass performance, with scratches appearing at level 6 and deeper grooves at level 7. More impressively, the bend test demonstrated that Samsung's titanium chassis can withstand significant force without catastrophic failure. While extreme pressure did cause minor flexing and slight back panel separation that could affect water resistance, no structural damage occurred to the device's core components.

Durability Test Results (JerryRigEverything)

• Scratch Test: Level 6 scratches, deeper grooves at level 7 (typical smartphone performance)
• Heat Test: Display remained intact under direct flame exposure
• Bend Test: Minor flexing and slight back panel separation under extreme pressure, but no structural damage
• Overall Assessment: Titanium frame provides adequate protection despite ultra-thin design

Performance Delivers Despite Thermal Challenges

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with 12GB of RAM provides flagship-level performance for demanding tasks. Real-world testing involving simultaneous AI processing, music streaming, messaging, and LTE data usage demonstrated the device's capability to handle complex multitasking scenarios without significant hiccups.

However, the thin profile creates thermal management challenges that become apparent during intensive use. The area around the camera module frequently becomes warm to the touch, suggesting that Samsung's cooling system struggles with the limited internal space. Power users may find the device reaching uncomfortable temperatures more quickly than thicker alternatives.

Camera System Balances Compromise with Quality

Samsung equipped the S25 Edge with a 200MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide camera, notably omitting the telephoto lens found on the standard S25 model. This decision initially raised concerns about photographic versatility, but practical testing revealed that the high-resolution main sensor's 2x optical-level crop provides adequate zoom capabilities for most users.

Image quality matches Samsung's typical high standards, with some testers noting that the S25 Edge actually produces less oversaturated colors compared to other Samsung flagships. The camera system delivers reliable performance across various lighting conditions, though it lacks the anti-glare screen technology found on the S25 Ultra, making outdoor photography more challenging in bright sunlight.

Battery Life Emerges as Critical Weakness

The most significant compromise in Samsung's ultra-thin design becomes apparent through daily battery performance. The 3,900mAh capacity falls short of even the smallest S25 model's 4,000mAh battery, creating a problematic equation when paired with the large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and power-hungry Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

Extended testing consistently showed the device dropping to 10-20% battery by late afternoon under typical usage patterns. Even after multiple charging cycles allowed the device to learn user habits, all-day battery life remained elusive. Users frequently needed to reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz and enable power-saving mode to extend usage time, undermining the premium experience.

The charging limitations compound this issue, with the device capped at 25W wired charging compared to the 45W capability of the S25 Plus. This slower charging speed makes it more difficult to quickly top up the battery during brief breaks in usage.

Battery Capacity Comparison

Market Position and Value Proposition

Priced at USD $1,099, the Galaxy S25 Edge occupies a unique position in Samsung's lineup, offering a premium experience with notable trade-offs. The device succeeds in delivering a futuristic form factor that immediately impresses users, particularly those transitioning from heavier devices. However, the battery life limitations represent a fundamental usability concern that affects daily practicality.

The timing of this release also positions Samsung ahead of Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to feature an even thinner 5.5mm profile. This competitive advantage may prove valuable in the premium smartphone market, where design innovation often drives purchasing decisions as much as technical specifications.