Category: Phones

Key Takeaways

1. Samsung will launch the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13, reviving the “Edge” name with a focus on new features rather than curved displays.
2. The engineering of folding phones, like the Surface Duo, is impressive, but their thinness may come at the cost of missing features.
3. High-priced smartphones may not be necessary for most users, as many do not fully utilize their advanced capabilities.
4. The S25 Edge may compromise battery life and durability in favor of a thinner design, reflecting a trend of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality.
5. The perception of smartphones as status symbols influences consumer choices, with Samsung aiming to offer a competitive alternative to high-end iPhones.

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Samsung is set to unveil a fresh option in the S25 series on May 13, bringing back the “Edge” name that first appeared with the Galaxy Note 4. Thankfully, curved displays are out of style now, so this new Edge will highlight a different kind of feature.

A Unique Experience

As I type this in my office, I can see a few folding phones, especially a device like the Surface Duo, which has impressively slender panels. The Duo was an average phone that could morph into a delightful mini-tablet. It’s quite an interesting sensation to touch a screen on such a slim gadget. It’s even thinner than the pop-up selfie camera of the OnePlus 7 Pro.

The Depth Dilemma

Yet, the thickness of the panel was significant because, when folded, the Duo increases its thickness. When functioning as a single-screen device, Microsoft managed to get a total thickness close to that of a standard phone in a slim case. It’s quite an engineering marvel.

However, beyond this experience, “thin” isn’t really a feature. After an impressive first look, you soon realize that being thin signifies a lack of other features.

Mixed Feelings on Specs

Looking at the leaked details on the Galaxy S25 Edge, we can all recognize what an astonishing engineering accomplishment this design is, but as an everyday device, it seems like a step backward.

I find it challenging to discuss pricey phones, as I believe most people shouldn’t own them. Only a small group of users really pushes a powerful device enough to genuinely get their money’s worth.

I hope there will still be options for power users in the future, but, similar to gaming laptops, that’s not often where we seek the thinnest possible solutions. While someone might look for a sleek ultra-portable laptop, those devices rarely command top market prices, especially compared to something like the MacBook Air.

Status Symbol or Practical Tool?

There seems to be a broader trend of individuals who view phones as status symbols, flaunting high-end brands like luxury bags, but I can’t really speak to that world.

If a device justifies its price based on quality, then being “thin” can come at a steep cost.

If the leaked specs are correct, the S25 Edge might not hold a charge for long, will charge slowly, and is likely to be more fragile than a thicker phone. Samsung isn’t showcasing advanced battery technologies here; they simply removed some battery space to make the back of the phone thinner.

The iPhone Effect

I am often astonished and saddened by how many people recognize the high price of iPhones. Especially younger folks seem to have an instinctive understanding of the “circles” on the back of an iPhone. A one-circle phone is less valued than a two-circle phone, and a three-circle phone is the top tier.

iPhones are easily recognizable, having maintained a consistent design for years. People who see “technology as a status symbol” will certainly notice when someone has an iPhone Pro.

In their infinite wisdom, Samsung plans to launch a design resembling an iPhone that will be over $300 cheaper. It won’t be mistaken for an iPhone 15, due to the 15’s square camera layout and diagonal sensors, but it won’t resemble the pricier iPhone Pro, which may be cheaper than the S25 Edge in some areas.

Market Perception

In the United States, most people likely won’t care that the price tag falls in the Ultra range of smartphones. At a distance, a Galaxy Edge will appear as a “good” iPhone, rather than the “best” iPhone.

Smartphones have reached a certain level of maturity today, but there is still space for innovation and disruption.

Few manufacturers (if any) have all the divisions and components under one roof like Samsung does. I hope to see Samsung return to the bold designs and features from their peak premium sales period between 2018 and 2020, where they likely sold the most devices above $600.

I worry that the S25 Edge, backed by a major marketing push and numerous carrier partnerships, will solidify a trend of consumers paying more for less.

Paying for “thin” can get quite pricy.