Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review: A slimmer future for the Galaxy series?
Samsung's Galaxy S line has long been about balancing cutting-edge innovation with broad appeal, and now, there's a new twist. Enter the Galaxy S25 Edge, a phone that aims to reduce both weight and thickness without compromising its flagship identity. It's thinner than ever before, just 5.8mm, but does this sleek new shape come with too many trade-offs?
Design and build
The S25 series is all about top specs, but the S25 Edge is more about the form factor. At 5.8mm thin and weighing 163g, it feels almost impossibly light for a device with a 6.7-inch screen. You really have to hold it to appreciate its diminutive form, which is one of the most pocket-friendly flagships — a rarity in today's world of heavy, camera-laden devices. That said, the camera bump appears more substantial than others due to the thinness of the rest of the body.
Samsung uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and wraps it in a sharp-edged titanium frame, giving the phone a sturdy, premium feel despite its ultra-slim profile. The glass and metal construction doesn't just look good, it feels well-balanced in hand, too. It's also IP68 certified, providing proper protection against water and dust.
However, there's a practical trade-off here: thin phones mean less internal space, and that inevitably leads to compromises.
Display
Samsung rarely misses when it comes to screens, and the S25 Edge is no exception. The 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED panel offers sharp detail, vibrant colours, and support for HDR10+ (though still no Dolby Vision).
The bezels are minimal, and the phone uses a new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 to protect the display. This is also an LTPO panel, meaning it can dynamically scale from 120Hz all the way down to 1Hz depending on what you're doing, which helps conserve power.
Maximum brightness is excellent, but not class-leading, with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, but I found it highly visible even under direct sunlight.
If you're a media lover or binge-watch YouTube and Netflix, this display won't disappoint.
Performance and software
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy powers the S25 Edge, just like its S25 and S25 Ultra siblings. This is an overclocked chip that performs brilliantly in short bursts, handling every task I threw at it, including gaming, multitasking, and AI features, with no stutters or hiccups.
That said, the thermal management isn't great. The ultra-thin design appears to restrict heat dissipation, and during longer gaming sessions or stress tests, performance throttling occurs quickly. Casual users may not notice this much, but power users should be aware of it.
The S25 Edge runs One UI 7 over Android 15, with Samsung's full suite of Galaxy AI tools onboard. A neat new addition is the visual AI engine, point your camera at an object, ask a question, and it responds in real-time. It's smart, intuitive, and hints at where on-device AI is heading.
Samsung also promises a generous seven years of OS and security updates, matching Google's Pixel line and giving this phone real longevity.
Features and Audio
The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is stunningly fast and reliable, and a noticeable leap forward from optical readers. Storage options are 256GB or 512GB, but there's no microSD expansion, which is a surprise for a modern flagship.
The stereo speakers are decent but not outstanding, which isn't surprising given the thin chassis required to house them. They're noticeably quieter and deliver less bass compared to the S25 Ultra, making it clear that the slimmer profile has had an impact. They're perfectly fine for podcasts and casual YouTube viewing.
Battery life and charging
The most significant sacrifice comes in the form of battery size. At 3,900mAh, the cell is considerably smaller than the S25+ (4,900mAh), and unsurprisingly, it affects real-world usage.
Charging is capped at 25W for wired connections, with 15W wireless charging also supported. As is common these days, there's no charger included in the box. A full charge takes just over an hour, which is not the slowest, but considering the battery size, I had hoped for faster refuelling. That said, I was able to get a full day's use on a single charge, although heavier use may require a top-up before bedtime.
Cameras
The 200MP main sensor, shared with the S25 Ultra, captures excellent daylight shots that are full of detail, great dynamic range, and natural colours. Portraits look great, and the 2x digital crop yields decent pseudo-telephoto results, although it's worth noting that there is no dedicated zoom lens.
Low-light performance without night mode is mediocre. Shots tend to be soft and noisy, and highlights sometimes blow out. Enabling night mode significantly improves the image quality, boosting sharpness, reducing noise, and enhancing contrast.
The ultrawide camera performs well in daylight and features autofocus, making it versatile for both close-ups and group shots. Night performance also benefits from the night mode, though don't expect miracles.
Selfies taken with the 12MP front camera (the same as other S25 models) are excellent, offering sharp, natural-looking images with a great dynamic range. It also shoots 4K video, just like the ultrawide, while the main sensor can capture up to 8K footage.
Video stabilisation is fantastic, and low-light video from the main cam is surprisingly clean, with rich contrast and well-preserved details.
Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Edge is a design-first flagship that impresses with its feather-light build and slim frame. It retains core Samsung strengths, display, main camera, and software, but compromises on thermal performance, battery life, and zoom capabilities. If style and slimness matter most to you, it's a winner. Otherwise, the S25+ is the safer bet.
From €1,270 Samsung/url]
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Millions of TV owners getting irresistible sports freebie – exact brand of television you'll need to claim footie perk
MILLIONS of football fans across the UK can now score big without even owning a games console. Advertisement 2 Gamers will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to get in on the action Credit: Getty The offer is rolling out via Samsung Gaming Hub, which is available on newer Samsung TVs and smart monitors. That means fans from London to Leeds can dive into the virtual pitch using nothing more than their telly, a controller, and a Game Pass subscription. Gamers will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to get in on the action, but there's a huge bonus for those who haven't signed up before. Samsung is offering two months completely free. Just head to the Samsung Promotions app on your TV, tap the Xbox promotion banner, or scan the Advertisement Read more on Technology Once inside the game, fans can take control of over 19,000 real-life players, representing more than 700 clubs from across 30 leagues. Whether you fancy running a team in career mode, teaming up with mates in 5v5 Rush, or managing every aspect of your club with the new FC IQ system, the options are endless. It's the most immersive version of the game yet, and thanks to Samsung's deal with Microsoft and Electronic Arts, it's all available instantly via the cloud – no downloads, discs or consoles required. It also means you can go from watching the big match live on TV to jumping straight into one of your own, all on the same screen. Advertisement Most read in Tech Samsung's Gaming Hub is also home to other major streaming platforms including Hun Lee, executive vice president of Samsung's Visual Display Business, said: 'We are delighted to bring EA SPORTS FC 25 to Samsung TVs and monitors through cloud gaming on Samsung Gaming Hub. Virgin Media Launches Two Free Rakuten TV Channels As the world's leading TV manufacturer, one of our goals is to immerse soccer fans around the world in the exciting game of soccer, whether they are playing the game or watching a match live on a Samsung TV.' The promotion is expected to drive a wave of interest from casual fans and hardcore gamers alike, especially with the current buzz surrounding the EA FC franchise. Advertisement Just last week, He's also just been unveiled as the cover star for the EA FC 25 Ultimate Edition, appearing alongside football legends David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Gianluigi Buffon. With the Euros in full swing and football fever gripping the nation, Samsung's latest perk is perfectly timed. If you've got a compatible Samsung screen at home, this is your moment to take to the pitch without spending a penny more. All you need is the telly, a controller, and a few taps to get started. Advertisement 2 The offer is rolling out via Samsung Gaming Hub, which is available on newer Samsung TVs and smart monitors Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
First folding iPhone with huge screen that flips like Motorola Razr ‘incoming' – but predicted price is shockingly high
APPLE'S first-ever folding iPhone may be just one year away – with a stunningly high price tag. That's the prediction from a top industry expert who says that the Californian tech giant is nearly ready to show off the flip-in-half gadget. 4 A foldable iPhone could look a lot like the Google Pixel Fold Credit: Google 4 Foldable phones – like this Google device – let you have a giant screen while keeping the device pocket-friendly Folding phones aren't exactly a new idea: millions toted the clamshell Motorola Razr back in the noughties. In recent years, gadget titans have used folding designs as a way to fit bigger screens to pocket-sized devices. Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung's Galaxy Fold series have tablet-sized screens, but flip in half to a more manageable size. Now long-time industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reckons Apple is ready to join the fray next year with a folding Read more on iPhone "Recent market rumours suggest Apple has placed an order for 15 to 20 million "Based on checks across multiple components, this volume likely reflects cumulative demand over the products 2-3 year lifecycle, rather than 2026 alone." He said that he expects the foldable iPhone "to enter mass production" in the second half of 2026. And would ship several million units a year, including in 2027 and 2028. Most read in Phones & Gadgets This echoes an earlier report by The Information that said the foldable iPhone could land as soon as 2026, and that it has an internal codename of "the V68". And earlier this year, it was reported that it would be the first foldable smartphone to Apple interview with Greg Joz Joswiak on new artificial intelligence, screening, hold assist, carplay, liquid glass and ios updates The screen itself is reportedly being built by Samsung Display, which has provided Apple with iPhone screens for years. Earlier this year, Kuo predicted that the handset would have a 7.-inch screen on the inside and a 5.5-inch display on the outside. And it would reportedly retail at between $2,000 and $2,500 – that's more like £1,500 to £1,850, but based on current Apple gadget pricing, you'd expect to see £2,000 to £2,500 as UK mark-ups include tax. If the handset is due out in 2026, we'd expect it to launch in September alongside the expected iPhone 18. However, Apple hasn't confirmed any plans to launch a foldable iPhone. In fact, the company hasn't even detailed plans for its iPhone 17, which we're expecting to arrive in a matter of months. 4 The largest screen on an Apple mobile right now is the 6.9-inch panel on last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max Credit: Apple But Apple is playing catch-up when it comes to foldable phones. The first true foldable launched back in late 2018 with Chinese start-up Royole's Flexpai. Foldable phones became more of a mainstream topic with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019. And since then, Huawei, Motorola, Google, and Vivo have all built their own DO WE NEED A FOLDABLE IPHONE? Here's what The Sun's tech editor How badly do you want a foldable phone? Unless you're a tech geek, you probably never even think about it. I am a tech geek – and I hardly give it thought. Of course, foldable phones are a good idea if perfectly executed. After all, there's nothing wrong with wanting a phone that can have both a regular screen and giant one too – but still fit in your pocket. The problem is that there are so many trade-offs. You'll have to deal with a big old crease down the middle of the screen. And foldable phones so often end up very thick, or long, or both. That's not to mention the price of foldable phones, which often cost hundreds more than their regular counterparts. Wallets are strained under the growing cost of life, not to mention tech and subscriptions – so new gadgets needs to feel very useful to justify forking out extra. So until a company can resolve at least some of these problems with foldable phones, they'll struggle to reach the mainstream in the way that regular phones have. Apple is often brilliant at making things catch on, even if it's not always first across the line. And if Apple can solve at least the creasing issue – and maybe the thickness problem too – then it could make foldable phones more desirable. Maybe I'll finally be converted. For now, I'm sticking with tapping my flat slab of metal and glass. The idea is that smartphone designs currently limit the size of a screen. Ultimately, you end up creating a tablet if you go much farther than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (with a 6.9-inch panel). But mobile devices are great for watching telly and playing games, so having a good screen is important. So by creating a foldable phone, you can offer a big screen – while still keeping the device pocketable. 4 The original Motorola Razr V3 dates all the way back to 2004 – three years before the iPhone launched Credit: Motorola IPHONE SCREEN SIZES – A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME Here's how iPhone screen sizes have changed over the years – as measured in inches diagonally from corner to corner... iPhone (2007) – 3.5 inches iPhone 3G (2008) – 3.5 inches iPhone 3GS (2009) – 3.5 inches iPhone 4 (2010) – 3.5 inches iPhone 4S (2011) – 3.5 inches iPhone 5 (2012) – 4 inches iPhone 5S (2013) – 4 inches iPhone 5C (2013) – 4 inches iPhone 6 (2014) – 4.7 inches iPhone 6+ (2014) – 5.5 inches iPhone 6S (2015) – 4.7 inches iPhone 6S+ (2015) – 5.5 inches iPhone SE (2016) – 4 inches iPhone 7 (2016) – 4.7 inches iPhone 7+ (2016) – 5.5 inches iPhone 8 (2017) – 4.7 inches iPhone 8+ (2017) – 5.5 inches iPhone X (2017) – 5.8 inches iPhone XS (2018) – 5.8 inches iPhone XR (2018) – 6.1 inches iPhone XS Max (2018) – 6.5 inches iPhone 11 (2019) – 6.1 inches iPhone 11 Pro (2019) – 5.8 inches iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) – 6.5 inches iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020) – 4.7 inches iPhone 12 Mini (2020) – 5.4 inches iPhone 12 (2020) – 6.1 inches iPhone 12 Pro (2020) – 6.1 inches iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) – 6.7 inches iPhone 13 Mini (2021) – 5.4 inches iPhone 13 (2021) – 6.1 inches iPhone 13 Pro (2021) – 6.1 inches iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021) – 6.7 inches iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022) – 4.7 inches iPhone 14 (2022) – 6.1 inches iPhone 14 Plus (2022) – 6.7 inches iPhone 14 Pro (2022) – 6.1 inches iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) – 6.7 inches iPhone 15 (2023) – 6.1 inches iPhone 15 Plus (2023) – 6.7 inches iPhone 15 Pro (2023) – 6.1 inches iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023) – 6.7 inches iPhone 16 (2024) – 6.1 inches iPhone 16 Plus (2024) – 6.7 inches iPhone 16 Pro (2024) – 6.3 inches iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024) – 6.9 inches iPhone 16e (2025) – 6.1 inches Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
The Journal
a day ago
- The Journal
EU court adviser backs record €4.1 billion fine on Google for anti-competitive practices
GOOGLE SUFFERED A legal blow at the European Court of Justice today when the body's adviser recommended upholding a record fine imposed on the company for anti-competitive practices. The US tech giant has been trying to overturn on appeal a €4.3 billion fine imposed by the European Commission in 2018, which was later reduced to €4.1 billion. But in its opinion, Juliane Kokott, advocate general at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), said 'the legal arguments put forward by Google are ineffective', the court later said in a statement. Although not binding, such advice carries weight and is often followed by EU judges in their rulings. The commission, the EU's antitrust regulator, had accused Google of abusing the popularity of its Android operating system to restrict competition. It alleged Google pressured phone makers using Android to pre-install its search engine and Google Chrome browser – essentially shutting out rivals. The findings were upheld in 2022 by the European Union's second-highest court, which slightly reduced the fine. The levy remains the EU's biggest ever. Arguing that the commission's case was unfounded and that the sanction penalised innovation, Google appealed to the EU's top court. Advertisement The company had also pushed the case that the EU was unfairly blind to Apple, which gives preference to its own services, such as Safari on iPhones. Today's advice will guide the EUCJ in its decision. The court has the final say on the matter. 'Google held a dominant position in several markets of the Android-ecosystem and thus benefited from network effects that enabled it to ensure that users used Google Search,' the court said, detailing Kokott's opinion. 'As a result, Google obtained access to data that enabled it in turn to improve its service. No hypothetical as-efficient competitor could have found itself in such a situation,' the statement read. As part of a major push to target big tech abuses, the EU slapped Google with fines worth a total of €8.2 billion between 2017 and 2019 over antitrust violations. This set off a series of long-running legal battles. Brussels has since armed itself with a more powerful legal weapon known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), to rein in tech giants. Rather than regulators discovering egregious antitrust violations after probes lasting many years, the DMA gives businesses a list of what they can and cannot do online. In March, the commission informed Google parent Alphabet that preliminary reviews concluded its search engine and Google Play app store operated in ways that run afoul of the new rules. - © AFP 2025
