Smartphone manufacturers are increasingly focusing on ultra-thin designs for their latest models, with many upcoming flagship devices embracing a slimmer body. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to join this trend, launching alongside competitors like the iPhone 17 Air and offerings from brands such as Honor and Tecno. While these thin designs improve portability and aesthetics, they could also bring a major drawback — reduced battery capacity.
According to The Tech Outlook, two battery listings for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge indicate a rated capacity of 3,786mAh. Even if the typical battery capacity reaches 3,900mAh, as some reports suggest, battery life will remain a concern for potential buyers.
For comparison, the standard Galaxy S25 is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S25 Plus features a much larger 4,900mAh cell. This potential downgrade in the S25 Edge raises concerns, considering the phone is rumoured to have a 6.7-inch display, similar to the S25 Plus, which traditionally requires more power.
A smaller battery isn't necessarily a deal-breaker if charging speeds compensate for the lower capacity. You will just have to whip out the charger sooner, and more often, than earlier. However, there may be a problem here too as reports indicate that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may only support 25W wired charging, similar to the standard Galaxy S25.
In contrast, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra models are expected to offer 45W fast charging, giving them a significant advantage in terms of power replenishment.
Without faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge could struggle to appeal to users who demand long-lasting performance from their devices.
That said, the regular Galaxy S25 has already proven to have a substantial battery life, lasting over 15 hours in web browsing tests. While the S25 Edge's battery efficiency remains unknown, it will need to manage power consumption carefully to avoid disappointing users.
Market for ultra-thin phones
While ultra-thin designs and lighter weight may appeal to some consumers, they might not be the best fit for those who prioritise battery power. People who rely on their devices throughout the day may find the trade-off between design and functionality too steep.
Samsung is probably planning to launch the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in May 2025, according to a report in Korean publication Financial News. If this timeline holds, the device could hit the market ahead of competitors, giving Samsung an early advantage.
Whether consumers embrace this ultra-thin smartphone remains to be seen, but the leaked details of Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge suggest it may not be the best option for those who need longer battery life. But this also raises the question, would they be looking for that only? Perhaps the ultra-thin design is exactly what they are primarily targetting and the rest is of secondary importance.
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