By 2025, the standard for premium smartphones was reshaped and redefined. Instead of focusing on enormous screens and extravagant specifications, brands are fascinated with the trifecta of thinness and precision engineering — creating devices that feel increasingly like modern slim pieces of glass and metal. The iPhone Air vs Samsung S25 Edge rivalry perfectly embodies this new era, showcasing how two tech giants are pushing the limits of design, performance, and elegance in ultra-thin smartphones.
At the forefront of that movement are two companies: Apple and Samsung. The newly unveiled iPhone Air is Apple’s boldest experiment yet — the thinnest iPhone ever created at a mere 5.6 mm, combining a very minimalist design with advanced capabilities. In counterpoint, the Galaxy S25 Edge from Samsung is also a remarkably slim device, pairing flagship specifications, with a slightly curved AMOLED screen, which blends personality into the mix.
Both phones are masterpieces of engineering — beautiful, powerful devices for people who appreciate cutting-edge technology, however, we need to know which of the two would be a better experience. We will compare both devices in the categories of design, display, performance, camera, battery, and software.
Quality of Design and Construction
Both Apple and Samsung are taking design to the limits.
The iPhone Air is a work of art — an elegant piece of a Grade 5 Titanium slab, a matte finish on the back, and a Ceramic Shield 2 covering the front. It’s just 5.6 mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest phone to date, and despite being thin, feels solid in hand. Apple went with a single eSIM-only,” so there is no physical SIM slot and no headphone jack. However, it moves closer to that ultra-thin form factor.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is around 5.8 mm in thickness and continues with the iconic thin curves and edge displays of Samsung. The camera housing is titanium, which frames the front and back Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 panel, giving the S25 Edge a luxurious look while looking futuristic. It feels incredibly light at around 163 grams.
Verdict: The iPhone Air comes across as minimalist and refined while the S25 Edge feels dynamic and modern. If you prefer something more timeless and a touch of elegance, Apple wins. If you prefer something full of sleek futuristic flair, the S25 Edge claims the victory.
Display of iPhone Air vs Samsung S25 Edge
Displays are the centerpiece of any smartphone, and these two devices set new standards.
The iPhone Air has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen that incorporates ProMotion at 120 Hz for smoother animations and better response time. The display reaches a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, one of the highest in a phone to date. Plus, thanks to the installation of a Ceramic Shield 2, it is built tougher than previous iterations. Additionally, Apple has claimed to have made improvements to the anti-reflective coating, and we’ve found those to actually make a difference in visibility outdoors.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is slightly larger at 6.7 inches and utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO display that adjusts between 1 Hz and 120 Hz to use battery more efficiently. It also features HDR10+ and has a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits, producing vivid colors and rich blacks — the signature of Samsung displays.
In the wild:
- The iPhone Air appears more natural and more pure in coloring for photographers.
- The S25 Edge presents more punchy tones that glow more for gaming and movies.
How to sum up: Both are gorgeous displays, however, the iPhone Air has a slight edge in outdoor usability and color accuracy; while Samsung wins in immersion and color vibrancy.
Performance & Hardware Power
Both of these phones have impressive technology hidden away inside of them.
The iPhone Air is outfitted with the A19 Pro Chip, which comes with a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. All of this is created for efficiency and AI-based performance. Processes that you might consider to be tedious on a phone, such as opening apps or even editing 4K videos, feel instantaneous! Apple’s custom silicon advantage is noticeable given how well the hardware and iOS 26 are integrated.
The Samsung S25 Edge features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, or in some regions, it has Samsung’s Exynos variant. The S25 Edge has 12 GB RAM and a starting storage of 256 GB. The Edge is a powerhouse of raw performance, especially in tasks that are GPU heavy, such as gaming, and in video editing for 8K formats.
Samsung may outpace Apple in benchmark testing, but Apple’s optimization results in longer sustained performance even though at times they are fewer cores.
To summarize; the iPhone Air is based around performance, stability, and a consistent experience. The S25 Edge is all about performance and breaking that performance benchmark. For gaming the S25 Edge is the clear winner. If you are looking for longevity and performance, the Apple device is a better option.
Camera Comparison
iPhone Air builds on Apple’s philosophy of ‘clean photography’. It has a new 48 MP Fusion Camera system that improves both processing and low-light capabilities. The front also gets an 18 MP Center Stage Selfie Cam with enhanced stabilization and smart framing. Another key new feature is dual-capture, allowing you to record from the front and rear cameras simultaneously, which is very helpful for vlogging on the go.
Samsung S25 Edge has a 200 MP primary sensor with a new 12 MP ultra-wide camera. The resolution alone allows for some insane detail in daylight conditions, but Samsung’s AI processing sometimes oversharpens images, resulting in a less natural photo overall than on the Apple device. Regardless, for low-light images, Apple tends to reflect a more natural tone, while Samsung boosts the brighter highlights and cool tone overall.
Video: Both devices recorded crisp 4K 60 fps videos, but again, the iPhone Air had a more stable look, and the focus transitions from foreground to background felt smoother overall on the iPhone Air.
Verdict: If you are looking for consistent results and the best, taper for cinematic video, go with the iPhone Air over the S25 Edge. If you are looking to mess around with high-resolution photography for fun, then the S25 Edge could be your kind of toy.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple has made great strides with its efficiency, with the iPhone Air claiming up to 27 hours of video playback with the help of the A19 Pro Chip and optimizations in iOS 26. In the real world, battery life is great, lasting through a full day of mixed use. It offers fast charging capabilities powering the phone up to 50% in 30 minutes, and of course, it supports MagSafe Wireless Charging.
The S25 Edge features a 3900 mAh battery sporting 45 W fast charging and Qi 2 wireless charging. It charges very fast, getting from 0 to 50% in 20 minutes, but due to the phone’s larger display and refresh rate usage, screen-on-time tends to be much lower than the Apple Answer.
Verdict: iPhone Air wins on efficiency and Samsung wins on charging capabilities.
Key Features & Connectivity
Both the devices include the latest standards of connectivity.
- iPhone Air: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, UWB, and the N1 chip for seamless integration with the Apple Ecosystem — it should be noted that the E-SIM only is a very interesting and forward-thinking approach, but it is a limitation for some riders who travel internationally.
- S25 Edge: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and support for 5G ultra-wideband. Does still offer dual SIM capabilities with eSIM and physical nano SIM options.
Samsung includes DeX Mode so you can, when your phone is hooked up to a monitor, turn your phone into a mini desktop. Apple allows you to, again, seamlessly integrate with Macs, iPads, or the Apple Watch to work (this may appeal more to users either who already have additional Apple products or users that aren’t as engaged with other devices usually).
Software & AI Features
The iPhone Air comes with the latest update of iOS 26, which can do intriguing things with Apple Intelligence, including AI-driven features for text summarization, smart replies, and intelligent photo editing using on-device processing. Apple has also made privacy a central part of the user experience, meaning no data leaves the device without your express consent.
The S25 Edge runs Android 15 with One UI 8 and Galaxy AI capabilities, including live translation and summarizing notes, as well as an AI wallpaper generator. Samsung has also committed to seven years of updates, making them a closer competitor to Apple’s longevity.
Verdict: Apple’s optimization and approach to privacy are superior, while Samsung’s device is more versatile and more creative.
Positives & Negatives
iPhone Air – Positives:
- Paper thin and premium titanium design.
- Excellent brightness and clarity of display.
- Fantastic battery efficiency and optimization.
- Best unified experience with Apple Ecosystem.
iPhone Air – Negatives:
- A single camera offers less creative flexibility.
- eSIM only means inconvenience for travel.
Samsung S25 Edge – Positives:
- Amazing display and sensational graphics.
- High-res camera that delivers detail.
- Speed of charging capabilities.
- Android can be customized to a high degree.
Samsung S25 Edge – Negatives:
- The device runs warm under heavy load.
- Using higher brightness levels and refresh rates drains faster.
Experiencing Reality
On a day-to-day basis, both phones feel truly futuristic. The iPhone Air slides easily into pockets, feels great in the hand, and performs consistently without stutters. The Samsung’s Edge, on the other hand, feels more like a mini-entertainment device…great for consuming content, gaming, and fooling around with photography.
For creators and professionals, Apple’s reliability, color accuracy, and seamless integration within their ecosystem is awesome, while Android lovers and customization fanatics may gravitate toward Samsung’s flexibility.
They are both absolute feats of engineering – one a minimalist design, the other a maximalist. It is not a question of which is better – it is a question of which one fits your life better.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone Air | Samsung S25 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5″ Super Retina XDR 120 Hz OLED | 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Chipset | A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM/Storage | 8 GB RAM / 256–512 GB | 12 GB RAM / 256–512 GB |
| Camera | 48 MP Fusion + 18 MP Front | 200 MP Wide + 12 MP Ultra-Wide |
| Battery | 3149 mAh / 27 hrs Playback | 3900 mAh / Fast 45 W Charge |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, eSIM Only | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Dual SIM |
| Thickness | 5.6 mm | 5.8 mm |
| OS | iOS 26 / Apple Intelligence | Android 15 / One UI 8 + Galaxy AI |
Final Thoughts
2025’s competition in smartphones has determined one thing: innovation comes in many ways. The iPhone Air is cute and fluid, while the Samsung S25 Edge is powerful and customizable. Either way you choose, both represent what premium smartphones should aspire to be, sleek, powerful, and smart.
Are you looking at the iPhone Air or Samsung S25 Edge? Leave your thoughts below!
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