iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Which Thin Phone Fits You Best?
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Thin Phone Showdown: iPhone 15 Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge
In the ever‑evolving world of flagship smartphones, two models have been generating the most buzz this quarter: Apple’s new iPhone 15 Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. CNET’s latest comparison dives deep into every aspect that matters to consumers who want a sleek, lightweight device without compromising on performance or features. The article explains why each phone has carved out a unique niche and what ultimately determines which one “fits you best.”
Design & Build: Where Thin Meets Tech
iPhone 15 Air
- Weight & Dimensions: Weighs just 174 g and measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm. Apple has pushed the envelope with a 6.1‑inch OLED display that sits flush to the glass frame.
- Materials: Stainless‑steel frame and a new aerospace‑grade aluminum alloy give the phone a premium feel, while the glass is now 0.8 mm thinner than its predecessor.
- Colors: A fresh palette of “Midnight,” “Sea‑Green,” and “Sunset” adds a splash of personality.
Galaxy S25 Edge
- Weight & Dimensions: Slightly heavier at 195 g and a bit bulkier, 157.4 × 71.4 × 7.7 mm. Samsung’s 6.5‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X edge‑to‑edge screen is the key selling point.
- Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back with a sleek matte finish. The metal frame is reinforced titanium.
- Colors: “Midnight Black,” “Rose Gold,” and “Galaxy Blue.”
Both phones deliver a high‑quality feel, but the iPhone’s slimmer profile is its hallmark. Samsung’s design offers a more immersive screen experience with its curved edges and a slightly higher pixel density (1200 × 2400 vs. 1170 × 2532).
Display & Media
Resolution & Brightness
- iPhone 15 Air: 1170 × 2532 pixels, 460 ppi, HDR10, 120 Hz refresh rate, peak brightness 1500 cd/m².
- Galaxy S25 Edge: 1200 × 2400 pixels, 454 ppi, HDR10+, 120 Hz refresh rate, peak brightness 1600 cd/m².Color Accuracy
- Apple’s display is calibrated to cover 99% of DCI‑P3, whereas Samsung’s 1200 × 2400 panel achieves a broader 120% sRGB coverage.Media Experience
- CNET notes that the Galaxy’s edge‑to‑edge design makes streaming movies feel more immersive, while the iPhone’s slightly larger notch gives a more familiar look for users accustomed to iOS.
Performance & Software
iPhone 15 Air
- Chipset: Apple A17 Bionic, 6‑core CPU, 4‑core GPU, and a new 16‑core Neural Engine.
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Software: iOS 17, offering deep integration with Apple services, enhanced privacy controls, and a smooth 15‑year support horizon.
Galaxy S25 Edge
- Chipset: Exynos 2400 (global) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US), both 5‑core CPU and 3‑core GPU configurations.
- RAM: 12 GB.
- Software: One UI 5 based on Android 14, with Samsung’s suite of productivity tools and the latest 5G NR-Advanced support.
Both devices are blisteringly fast, but the iPhone’s single‑chip dominance means fewer bottlenecks when playing intensive games or multitasking. Samsung’s higher RAM gives it an edge in heavy multitasking scenarios.
Camera Systems
| Feature | iPhone 15 Air | Galaxy S25 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 48 MP wide, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 12 MP telephoto (3‑x optical zoom) | 108 MP wide, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 10 MP telephoto (3‑x optical zoom) |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, ProRes 4K 30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR10+ |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 10 MP |
| Low‑light | Night mode across all sensors | Nightscape with AI enhancement |
| Software | Photonic Engine, Photographic Styles | Edge‑to‑Edge Night Mode, Samsung’s AI scene optimizer |
CNET highlights that the Galaxy’s higher megapixel count allows for more detail cropping, but Apple’s computational photography still shines in low‑light environments. Video lovers will appreciate the Galaxy’s 8K capability, while iOS users will benefit from ProRes for those who edit on the go.
Battery & Charging
- iPhone 15 Air: 3,200 mAh battery, 20 W wired fast charging (50% in 30 min), 15 W wireless charging.
- Galaxy S25 Edge: 4,600 mAh battery, 45 W wired fast charging (50% in 20 min), 25 W wireless charging.
The Galaxy’s larger battery and higher charging speeds mean longer unplugged use, but the iPhone’s battery life is often more reliable under real‑world usage due to iOS power‑management efficiencies.
Connectivity & Extras
| Feature | iPhone 15 Air | Galaxy S25 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | NR Sub‑6 & mmWave | NR Sub‑6 & mmWave |
| Wi‑Fi | 802.11ax, Wi‑Fi 6E | 802.11ax, Wi‑Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Other | Dual‑SIM eSIM | Dual‑SIM eSIM & Physical SIM |
Both phones support the latest cellular standards, but Samsung offers an optional “Ultra‑Wideband” feature for improved AR and proximity sensing. The iPhone’s Face ID remains the industry standard for biometric security.
Pricing & Availability
- iPhone 15 Air: Starts at $799 for the base 128 GB model.
- Galaxy S25 Edge: Begins at $849 for the 128 GB variant.
Apple’s pricing strategy keeps it slightly more affordable, while Samsung offers multiple storage tiers, including a 512 GB model for under $1,200.
Who Should Choose Which Phone?
Opt for the iPhone 15 Air if:
- You value a thinner, lighter design – the 7.8 mm thickness and 174 g weight make it easy to carry.
- You’re invested in the Apple ecosystem – seamless integration with Macs, iPads, and the Apple Watch.
- You prioritize battery longevity over raw capacity – iOS’s power‑management is top‑tier.
- You’re a pro‑res content creator – the iPhone’s native ProRes workflow is a game‑changer.
Opt for the Galaxy S25 Edge if:
- You want the biggest, most immersive display – the edge‑to‑edge screen and higher resolution are hard to beat.
- You need the highest camera resolution – the 108 MP sensor gives you unmatched detail.
- You require the fastest charging – 45 W wired and 25 W wireless keep you powered during busy days.
- You prefer Android’s flexibility – customizable UI, more hardware options, and the possibility of installing micro‑SD cards (if your region supports it).
Final Verdict
CNET’s deep dive underscores that the choice boils down to personal preference and ecosystem alignment. Both phones excel at what they promise: a razor‑thin silhouette, flagship performance, and cutting‑edge camera technology. If you value a slim, ecosystem‑locked experience, the iPhone 15 Air is the clear winner. If you crave the largest display, higher camera resolution, and faster charging, the Galaxy S25 Edge offers more punch for a slightly higher price.
Ultimately, each device “fits” its user by matching their daily workflow, aesthetic tastes, and brand loyalty. Whether you lean toward Apple’s polished, minimalistic approach or Samsung’s data‑driven, feature‑packed philosophy, both phones set new standards for what a thin smartphone can do.
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-air-vs-galaxy-s25-edge-which-thin-phone-fits-you-best/ ]