Smartphones of 2025 continue to surprise. Apple and Samsung this year focused on radically slimming down their flagships, creating devices so thin and light that holding them in hand is a completely new experience.
Which phone is the thinnest in 2025 – iPhone 17 Air or Galaxy S25 Edge? Both are record-thin, but the iPhone 17 Air is slightly thinner (5.6 mm vs 5.8 mm in Galaxy S25 Edge). The difference is subtle, so when choosing, it’s better to focus on the operating system (iOS or Android), screen, and battery.
Below we present a detailed comparison of these models in terms of design, display, cameras, performance, battery, software, ecosystem, as well as prices and first opinions.
Key parameters – comparison table
What are the differences between Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Apple iPhone 17 Air?
Parameter | Apple iPhone 17 Air | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge |
---|---|---|
Dimensions and weight | 156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm, 165 g | 158.2 × 75.6 × 5.8 mm, 163 g |
Body materials | Titanium frame (Grade 5), Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and back – the most durable iPhone | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, rounded edges for reinforcement |
Display | 6.5″ OLED Super Retina XDR, 2736×1260 px (460 ppi), ProMotion 120 Hz, Always-On, up to 3000 nits | 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO, 3120×1440 px (513 ppi), 1–120 Hz, HDR10+, up to 2600 nits |
Rear cameras | 48 MP Fusion Main (ƒ/1.6, OIS) + 2× tele (optical quality crop); no ultra-wide | 200 MP main (ƒ/1.7, OIS) + 12 MP ultra-wide (ƒ/2.2, AF); no tele (crop from 200 MP) |
Front camera | 18 MP Center Stage (ƒ/1.9, AF) – automatic framing, Dual Capture in 4K | 12 MP (ƒ/2.2, AF), wide-angle selfies, recording up to 4K60, AI selfies |
Processor | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) – 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine with ray tracing | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) – 8 cores, Adreno 830 GPU, ray tracing, AI optimizations |
RAM | Estimated 6–8 GB (iOS is very optimized) | 12 GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe – no microSD | 256 GB / 512 GB UFS 4.0 – no microSD |
Battery | approx. 3300–3500 mAh, up to 27 h video | 3900 mAh, up to 24 h video |
Charging | 20 W wired (USB‑C PD), 15 W MagSafe, no reverse charging | 25 W wired, 15 W Qi2, Wireless PowerShare (reverse) |
Resistance | IP68 (6 m for 30 min), eSIM only | IP68 (1.5 m for 30 min), sealed construction |
Biometrics | Face ID (3D), Action button | In-screen fingerprint reader (ultrasonic), 2D face recognition |
System | iOS 19, updates for 5+ years | Android 15 + OneUI 7, updates for 7 years |
Ecosystem | Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad, Mac, iCloud, Apple Pay | Galaxy Watch, Buds, SmartThings, Samsung Pay, Link To Windows |
Price | 256 GB – 5299 PLN, 512 GB – 6299 PLN, 1 TB – 7299 PLN | 256 GB – 5399 PLN, 512 GB – 5899 PLN |
Availability | Pre-order: September 12, 2025, in stores: September 19, 2025 | Launch: May 12, 2025, sales from May 30, 2025 |
Price note: iPhone 17 Air is significantly more expensive – the 1 TB version costs as much as 7299 PLN. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge starts at 3999 PLN on promotions, which may attract those looking for top design at a lower price.
Design and slimness
iPhone 17 Air – ultra-thin elegance
Apple iPhone 17 Air is a true showcase of engineering capabilities. The smartphone is only 5.6 mm thick and weighs 165 g, which is a huge leap compared to previous generations (iPhone 16 had 7.8 mm and 170 g). The slimness was achieved by using a titanium frame (Grade 5) and new Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and back. Apple has eliminated the physical SIM slot in favor of eSIM, which further stiffened the construction. A characteristic element is the so-called “plateau” – a flat island on the back housing the camera, speaker, and some electronics, which allowed for slimming down the rest of the body and increasing the battery size. There are four elegant finishes available: space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue. MacRumors described the iPhone 17 Air as “impossibly thin and premium to the touch” ”(macrumors.com)
👉 Check out cases for iPhone 17 Air to protect such a slim body from day one.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – slimness with ergonomics
Galaxy S25 Edge is the thinnest phone in the history of the Galaxy S series – it is 5.8 mm thick and weighs 163 g. It uses a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, which combines scratch resistance with high light transmittance. Samsung opted for slightly rounded edges of the frame, which improves ergonomics and reduces the risk of breakage under stress. The back is minimalist, with two lenses in a slim module without a distinct island. The phone meets the IP68 standard (submersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes) and is available in Titanium Silver, Jetblack, and Icyblue colors. The Verge noted that “the device feels so light that you can forget you’re carrying it in your pocket” (theverge.com)
👉 Check out cases for Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Verdict – which design is better?
Both models impress with their slimness and modern design. iPhone 17 Air attracts with its more angular, minimalist design and the mirrored finish of the titanium frame – a great choice for those who value compactness and a precise look. Galaxy S25 Edge offers a larger screen, softer lines, and better ergonomics – making it more comfortable to hold, especially during prolonged use. The choice thus depends on preferences: maximum compactness and Apple style versus a larger, more “cinematic” format and comfort of use in Samsung’s execution.
Display – brightness and smoothness at the highest level
iPhone 17 Air – record brightness and ProMotion
The display of the iPhone 17 Air is a 6.5-inch OLED Super Retina XDR with a resolution of 2736×1260 px (~460 ppi). The aspect ratio is close to 19.5:9, and almost the entire front is filled with the display except for the Dynamic Island, which houses the camera and Face ID sensors. A novelty in this series is ProMotion 120 Hz, which is adaptive refresh known so far from Pro models. The LTPO matrix allows scaling of the refresh rate from 1 Hz (e.g., Always-On) to 120 Hz, ensuring smoothness and energy savings.
Brightness: typical – 1000 nits, HDR – 1600 nits, peak – up to 3000 nits. This is a record among iPhones, making the display readable even in full sunlight. Ceramic Shield 2 with an anti-reflective coating reduces glare. Support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, wide P3 color gamut, and True Tone ensures natural colors and a high contrast of 2,000,000:1.

👉 Check out hybrid glass for iPhone 17 Air – it will protect the screen without thickening the phone, ideal for such a thin construction.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – larger surface and QHD+
Galaxy S25 Edge has a larger, 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a QHD+ resolution (3120×1440 px, ~513 ppi). It also uses an LTPO matrix with adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz. The display supports HDR10+ and offers a Vision Booster feature, improving visibility in bright light. The peak brightness reaches around 2600 nits, making it one of the brightest panels from Samsung.
The front is completely flat, with symmetrical and very narrow bezels. Instead of a notch, we have a discreet hole for the selfie camera, providing a cleaner view when watching movies or playing games. Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 further reduces reflections and protects the screen.
👉 Check out tempered glass for Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Both displays are premium class. iPhone 17 Air stands out with record brightness and integration of Dynamic Island, while Galaxy S25 Edge offers a larger working area and higher resolution, which movie and game fans will appreciate. The choice depends on preferences: the brighter Apple screen or the more cinematic Samsung panel.
Cameras – quality versus versatility
iPhone 17 Air – simplicity and consistency of photos
Apple iPhone 17 Air focuses on minimalism – it has one rear 48 MP Fusion Main camera and an 18 MP Center Stage front camera. Despite having only one camera on the back, the 48 MP sensor is versatile: it combines pixels for 24 MP photos and allows for 2× optical quality zoom thanks to cropping from the matrix. The lack of a separate telephoto and ultra-wide lens is a compromise, but Apple focuses on consistency – every photo has the same color characteristics and sharpness. The f/1.6 lens and Photonic Engine provide excellent results at night, and the ProRAW mode allows for photography in full 48 MP resolution.
The 18 MP front camera is a significant step forward – Center Stage automatically tracks the face in the frame, and recording in 4K60 and the Dual Capture feature (front+back simultaneously) make the iPhone a great tool for vloggers.
👉 Check out camera glass for iPhone 17 Air, which protects the camera module without thickening the construction.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – versatility and AI
Galaxy S25 Edge has a dual rear camera: 200 MP main and 12 MP ultra-wide with autofocus. Thanks to the enormous resolution of the main sensor, it achieves 2× and 4× zoom through cropping while maintaining detail (AI Zoom up to 10×). The lack of a telephoto lens may limit quality at high zooms, but the wide angle and macro capability (AF in ultra-wide) provide more creative freedom. Samsung uses ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI algorithms that brighten night photos, improve skin tones, and automatically select the best shots in Best Face mode.
The 12 MP front camera records in 4K60 with HDR10+, and all cameras have autofocus – allowing for sharp selfies and macro shots even with the front camera. The Edge also supports 4K120 recording and LOG mode for advanced creators.
👉 Check out tempered glass for the camera of Galaxy S25 Edge – it protects the lenses and maintains full photo quality.

Which is better? It depends on the style of photography:
- iPhone 17 Air will be ideal for those who value simplicity, consistent colors, and excellent selfie/video quality. It’s a great choice for everyday “point and shoot.”
- Galaxy S25 Edge wins in terms of creativity – it offers a wide angle, better macro capabilities, higher resolution, and video modes for professionals.
For most users, both will provide flagship quality, but if portraits and vlogging are a priority – iPhone Air has the advantage. If, on the other hand, you want to experiment and enjoy wide angles – Galaxy S25 Edge is more versatile.
Performance and technical specifications – flagship power in a slim form
iPhone 17 Air – Apple A19 Pro and perfect optimization
The iPhone 17 Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro chip made with 3 nm lithography. It consists of a 6-core CPU (2 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) and a 5-core GPU, supported by a 16-core Neural Engine capable of performing up to 17 trillion operations per second. This translates to excellent benchmark results – the iPhone Air is about ~15–20% faster than its predecessor and outperforms most Android devices in single-threaded tests.
Apple uses fast NVMe storage (256 GB – 1 TB) and likely 6–8 GB LPDDR5 RAM, which combined with iOS 19 ensures instant app launches and immediate switching between them. An advantage is also hardware ray tracing and optimization for AAA games – titles like Resident Evil or Assassin’s Creed run at a steady 30–60 fps. The N1 chip and C1X modem take care of connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 6E/7, Bluetooth 5.3), and Apple boasts that this is “the most energy-efficient iPhone in history.”

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
The Galaxy S25 Edge features the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy – a special version of the 8 Gen 3 chip clocked higher than standard. It has 8 cores (1 super-efficient, 5 efficient, 2 power-saving) and an Adreno 830 GPU with ray tracing support. The chip supports the latest AI technologies and provides high multi-threaded performance, often surpassing A19 Pro in heavily parallel tasks. We have 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM available, allowing for keeping many apps in the background and running split-screen mode or floating windows.
The cooling system is based on a thin vapor chamber, allowing the phone to maintain high performance even during prolonged gaming. Snapdragon integrates the 5G X70 modem, Wi‑Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, so the Galaxy is ready for future standards. Samsung also heavily emphasizes AI features – ProVisual Engine, live translation, image generation, and integration with Google Gemini.

Comparison and conclusions
Both phones are extremely fast and offer flagship-worthy smoothness. iPhone 17 Air wins in single-threaded performance and optimization for iOS – the system runs quickly and smoothly even with less RAM. Galaxy S25 Edge provides more freedom – multitasking, multi-window, and 12 GB RAM make it better suited for multitasking and gaming at high settings. If you value long update support and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem – the iPhone will be a safer choice. However, if you care about system openness, more RAM, and advanced AI features – the Galaxy S25 Edge may prove to be more versatile.
Battery and charging – the compromise of slimness
iPhone 17 Air – surprisingly good for 5.6 mm
Apple does not disclose the battery capacity in mAh, but estimates suggest ~3300–3500 mAh. The manufacturer states the operating time – up to 27 hours of offline video playback, which is an excellent result for such a thin device. In everyday use, the iPhone Air lasts for 1 day of work, although intensive users (gaming, 4K video) may need a recharge in the evening. The energy efficiency of the A19 Pro chip and adaptive refresh rate of 1–120 Hz play a significant role.
Charging occurs via USB‑C (20 W PD) – 50% in 30 minutes – and wirelessly via MagSafe (15 W). Full charging takes about 75–90 minutes. Apple offers MagSafe Battery Pack accessories that can extend the operating time to about 40 hours, although this is an option for those willing to thicken the phone with an addition. The iPhone does not support reverse charging.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – slightly larger battery, more features
Galaxy S25 Edge has a 3900 mAh battery, which translates to about 24 hours of video playback. This is less than in the S25+ or Ultra models, but remember – the Edge is 2 mm thinner. A day of work is possible, but under heavy load (gaming, recording) a recharge will be necessary during the day.
Wired charging 25 W (USB‑C PD/PPS) provides 55% in 30 minutes. The phone supports Qi2 15 W and Wireless PowerShare – reverse charging of accessories (e.g., Buds, Watch). Full charging takes about 70 minutes. Samsung also offers numerous battery-saving modes: reducing resolution to 1080p, forcing 60 Hz, or AI Standby.
Conclusions
Both smartphones require daily charging – this is a compromise for the ultra-thin construction. iPhone 17 Air manages energy slightly better at rest and offers longer operating time under similar usage, while Galaxy S25 Edge compensates with additional features – reverse charging, full Qi2 compatibility, and greater control over power-saving modes. The choice depends on priorities: if every extra hour on a single charge matters – the iPhone will be better, if convenience of charging and the ability to quickly charge accessories – Samsung has the advantage.
Operating system and special features – iOS vs OneUI
iPhone 17 Air – Apple ecosystem in full
iPhone 17 Air runs on iOS 19, providing smoothness, security, and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. A novelty is Camera Control linked to the Action button – quick access to the camera and video recording. The front camera with Center Stage automatically tracks the user during video calls. iOS 19 emphasizes Apple Intelligence – AI features for voice dictation, app suggestions, and photo editing – processed locally with a focus on privacy.
Apple is developing integration with Vision Pro – the iPhone Air can record spatial video for viewing in 3D. The new UWB chip makes it easier to locate accessories (e.g., AirPods Pro 3). All standard Apple features are available: Handoff, AirDrop, iCloud, Apple Pay, CarPlay, automatic switching of AirPods. iOS offers long support (about 5–6 years of major updates). A downside remains the slower USB‑C 2.0 (480 Mbps), which limits the speed of wired transfers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – OneUI 7 and Galaxy AI
Galaxy S25 Edge runs on Android 15 with OneUI 7, providing access to customization, themes, and advanced settings. The biggest novelty is Galaxy AI – features like Now Brief (personalized daily summaries), Live Interpreter (live translation from the camera), and content generation in the photo editor. The phone supports Samsung DeX – desktop mode, also wirelessly.
The Edge works great with Galaxy devices (Watch, Buds, TV) and supports Link To Windows – SMS and apps from the phone on PC. The in-screen fingerprint reader is fast and convenient, and Knox Vault protects data. OneUI also offers greater freedom in file management (USB‑C OTG, downloading from the web, changing default apps).
Conclusions
iOS 19 wins in simplicity and integration – ideal for Apple users who want “just works” and tight cooperation between iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, and iPad. OneUI 7 offers more customization, multitasking, DeX, and advanced AI – a great option for those who like to tailor their phone to themselves and enjoy open Android. Both systems will provide long support, high security, and access to the largest app stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which phone is thinner – iPhone 17 Air or Galaxy S25 Edge?
Both models are ultra-thin, but iPhone 17 Air is 5.6 mm thick, while Galaxy S25 Edge is 5.8 mm. The difference is minimal, but in practice, the Air is a bit more “featherweight.”
2. Is the lack of ultra-wide in iPhone Air noticeable?
For most everyday users, it won’t be a problem, but those photographing landscapes or architecture may feel the lack of a wide angle. Reviewers from Tom’s Guide noted that sometimes “you have to physically step back or take a panorama” to capture the whole scene.
3. Does Galaxy S25 Edge have a telephoto lens?
No – instead, it uses a 200 MP sensor for digital zoom of 2×/4×. Up to about 3× the quality is very good, but above 5× the photos lose detail. The iPhone Air and Edge are thus comparable in terms of 2× zoom.
4. How is the battery in these ultra-thin phones?
Both models provide 1 day of work with typical use. iPhone Air achieves up to 27 hours of video playback, Edge about 24 hours. TechCrunch noted that the iPhone 17 (standard) has a 3-hour better result than the Air, which may matter for intensive users. The Verge rated the Edge 8/10 and noted that the battery life “is not as weak as feared.” (theverge.com)
5. Do iPhone 17 Air and Galaxy S25 Edge support fast charging?
Yes – iPhone Air charges wired at 20 W (50% in 30 minutes) and has MagSafe at 15 W, while Galaxy S25 Edge supports 25 W wired and Qi2 at 15 W. Samsung additionally has Wireless PowerShare reverse charging, which allows charging headphones or a watch on the back of the phone.
6. Which phone is better for vlogging?
iPhone 17 Air with its 18 MP front camera, Center Stage, and Dual Capture feature is great for vloggers. Galaxy S25 Edge offers more modes (4K120, LOG), so it will be better for advanced creators.
7. Which phone is lighter?
Galaxy S25 Edge weighs 163 g, while iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 g – the difference is minimal, but the Edge is slightly lighter and has more rounded edges, improving ergonomics.