Over the years, smartphones have steadily grown in size, with companies striving to maximize screen space and pack in as many features as possible. But with the Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung seems to be taking a different path. I had the opportunity to use this latest release for a week, and it’s clear the company is leaning into elegance and minimalism with what is their thinnest and lightest flagship yet.

The first thing you notice about the S25 Edge isn’t its features — it’s how it feels, or more accurately, how it almost doesn’t. Weighing just 163 grams, the phone is incredibly light, to the point where slipping it into your pocket feels like it’s vanished entirely, save for the cool surface brushing against your skin. I didn’t use a case, which helped keep the weight down, but even so, I’ve never handled a phone this featherlight. Its slender 5.8mm profile only adds to that impression, making it the slimmest Samsung flagship to date. With its titanium frame, the device feels polished and high-end, offering a tactile experience that’s genuinely impressive.

While Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra still sits at the top of the brand’s premium line, the Edge brings something fresh. It includes all the same AI features powered by Google Gemini, seamlessly connecting requests across Samsung and Google apps. Day-to-day tasks feel consistent whether you’re on the Edge or the Ultra — though any hiccups with AI apply across the board.

Where the differences start to show is in the camera department. The Edge has just two cameras compared to the Ultra’s four. On paper, this looks like a downgrade, but it’s likely a necessary compromise to maintain the phone’s slim profile. In practice, the camera quality is still very good. Both the main and selfie cameras captured bright, sharp photos that were more than sufficient for everyday use.

However, the Edge doesn’t come without drawbacks. Its battery life, for one, doesn’t quite hold up against its siblings. With a 3,900 mAh battery, it can get through a regular day — as long as you don’t spend too much time gaming or watching videos. That’s a step behind the other S25 models, which offer larger batteries that better suit power users or those looking for a device that’ll hold up over years of use. The Edge may not be ideal if longevity is a priority, though it could suit someone on a regular upgrade cycle or a contract plan.

Another issue I noticed was heat buildup. The phone tended to warm up rather quickly when browsing, gaming, or streaming. It never reached a level that felt dangerous or uncomfortable, and to its credit, it cooled down just as fast, likely thanks to its solid thermal management. Then there’s the price — at $1,628 for the base model, the S25 Edge doesn’t come cheap. Considering its smaller battery and scaled-back camera system, it may feel like you’re paying more for design than substance. That said, the Edge isn’t trying to be the most powerful or versatile device. It’s more like a fashion statement: a beautifully crafted, luxury device that delivers a premium feel and a unique user experience.

If the standard flagships are like sports cars, the Edge is a high-fashion coupe — not built for every road, but guaranteed to turn heads. It might not be the best value for every buyer, but for those who appreciate craftsmanship, elegance, and cutting-edge design, the Galaxy S25 Edge might just be the phone that stands out.