- By Prateek Levi
- Sun, 11 May 2025 08:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
iPhone Vs Galaxy: In 2025, smartphone brands are once again obsessed with going thin. Leading the charge? Apple and Samsung. Both giants are reportedly gearing up to launch their slimmest high-end phones yet — the iPhone 17 Air and the Galaxy S25 Edge. These devices aim to be more than just a flex in design. They’re packing premium specs too, but let’s be honest — when phones get this thin, there are always trade-offs. So how much are Apple and Samsung really giving up to chase millimetres?
Let’s break it down.
Design and Display: Slimmer Than Ever
The Galaxy S25 Edge is shaping up to be Samsung’s sleekest phone to date, clocking in at just 5.84mm thick. It’s not just thin — it’s also light at 162g, while still being built tough with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic on the front. That’s a rare combo of minimal heft and solid durability.
ALSO READ: Will The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, And 17 Pro Max Deliver Apple’s Biggest Camera Upgrade Yet?
Apple, however, is reportedly going even further. The iPhone 17 Air could slim down to just 5.5mm at its thinnest point. It might ditch the titanium in favour of aluminium — a move likely tied to Apple’s environmental goals. Rumour also has it the physical SIM tray is going away entirely, nudging users toward eSIMs and letting Apple keep the cleanest possible look.
On the display side, Samsung’s bringing a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a slightly smaller 6.6-inch OLED, but it will finally bring ProMotion to a non-Pro iPhone — something fans have been asking for. In terms of visuals, both phones seem ready to impress.
Performance: Thin Doesn’t Mean Weak
Samsung isn’t cutting corners under the hood. The S25 Edge is rumoured to run on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, backed by 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It’ll also feature Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI suite — think real-time translation, smarter photo tools, and other intelligent features built into One UI.
Apple’s answer? The A19 chip. Built on a 3nm process, it’s expected to bring better power efficiency and strong overall performance. Even with a smaller 8GB RAM configuration, Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software usually ensures buttery smooth performance. The iPhone 17 Air may also debut Apple’s in-house modem for better connectivity and improved power management.
Both phones will heavily lean on AI this year — Apple with a smarter Siri and real-time content summarisation in iOS 19, and Samsung with enhanced AI tools baked into Android 15 via One UI.
Battery: The Usual Thin Phone Trade-Off
Battery life is typically the first thing to suffer when phones get thinner. And yes, both phones are making compromises — but they’re also finding clever ways to reduce the impact.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to carry a 3,900 mAh battery with 25 W wired and 15 W wireless charging. It won’t be the biggest battery Samsung’s ever used, but paired with efficient software, it should hold its own.
The iPhone 17 Air may come with an even smaller battery, but the A19 chip and iOS 19 could help balance things out. Apple’s energy optimisation track record suggests the Air might still deliver all-day performance. It’s also expected to support MagSafe charging and 20W wired speeds.
Launch and Pricing: Mark Your Calendar
Samsung has officially confirmed the Galaxy S25 Edge is launching on May 13, 2025. Pricing is expected to slot it between the S25+ and S25 Ultra, with estimates hovering around Rs 1,20,000 for the 256GB version and Rs 1,31,600 for 512GB.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is expected to follow in September, launching alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus and start at $899 (roughly Rs 76,800), with Indian prices likely around Rs 89,900 if Apple sticks to its usual playbook.
Final Thoughts: Style vs Substance — or Both?
Both phones are going thin, but in their own ways. Samsung is going all-out on hardware — a 200MP camera, a premium titanium-and-ceramic build, and a feature-rich spec sheet. Apple, on the other hand, is dialling in on software polish, power efficiency, and design minimalism.
So, what matters more to you? Raw features and high-end materials? Or a streamlined experience with tight ecosystem integration? Whichever you choose, one thing’s clear: in 2025, thin is officially back.