The ultra-thin smartphone segment is evolving rapidly, with Apple and Samsung pushing boundaries on design without sacrificing flagship performance. Apple has officially called its latest model the iPhone Air, not the iPhone 17 Air, and it introduces a sleek, minimalist form factor aimed at users who prioritize portability and style.
On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge brings Android’s ecosystem into a similarly slim profile with bold hardware innovations. Both devices target premium buyers seeking a balance of aesthetics, power, and everyday usability, but they differ in ecosystem integration, camera capabilities, and AI features.
Whether you’re drawn to iOS’s seamless experience or Android’s customization, this comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. Let’s take a deep dive.
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Tech Specs
| Specification | iPhone Air | Galaxy S25 Edge |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm | 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm |
| Weight | 165 grams | 163 grams |
| Colors | Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue | Titanium JetBlack, Titanium Silver, Titanium IcyBlue |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED; 1-120 Hz ProMotion LTPO; 2736 x 1260 resolution at 460 ppi, 3000 Nits peak, anti-reflective coating | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 1-120 Hz LTPO; 1440 x 3120 resolution, 2600 Nits peak |
| Processor | A19 Pro (3 nm), 6-core CPU + 5-core GPU + 16-core Neural Engine | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), VC cooling |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Software | iOS 26 | One UI 7 (based on Android 15) |
| Camera | Rear: 48 MP Fusion Main Front: 18 MP Center Stage | Rear: 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultra-wide Front: 32 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3149 mAh (up to 27 hours video playback) | 3900 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 20W wired, 20W MagSafe/Qi2 | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
| Starting Price | US: $999 / India: ₹1,19,900 | US: $1,099 / India: ₹1,09,999 |
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Design
Dimensions & Weight
- iPhone Air: 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm; 165 grams
- Galaxy S25 Edge: 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm; 163 grams
The iPhone Air edges out as the thinner option with its 5.64 mm profile, which is an engineering marvel, though the camera bump protrudes slightly. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is close at 5.8 mm, likely due to its larger battery and an additional camera.
Material
Apple opts for a titanium design with Ceramic Shield front and back, offering a durable build with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The Galaxy S25 Edge also uses titanium with a glossy glass back. The key difference is on the front – the iPhone Air uses an anti-reflective coating paired with Ceramic Sheild 2, which is way superior than the S25 Edge.
Colors
- iPhone Air: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue
- Galaxy S25 Edge: Titanium JetBlack, Titanium Silver, Titanium IcyBlue
IP Rating
Both hold IP68 ratings, so that’s a draw.
Overall, the iPhone Air excels in terms of design and the ultra-thin form factor, while the Galaxy S25 Edge packs more in a slightly thicker and heavier body.
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Display
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion up to 120 Hz, 3,000 Nits outdoor peak brightness, and Apple’s new anti-reflective layer. It is the brightest and cleanest displays Apple has shipped, even when viewed under direct sunlight.
Samsung counters with a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED, also peaking at 2,600 Nits, paired with its high-resolution 1440 × 3120 panel. The Edge display remains a Samsung trademark, as it’s super sharp, super vibrant, and very immersive thanks to its curves.
Both deliver superb visuals, but the iPhone Air’s display should be brighter, thanks to both the anti-reflective coating and the higher global HBM brightness of 1,600 Nits.
ALSO READ: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max Launched: Check Details & Pricing Here
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Performance
The iPhone Air runs on Apple’s A19 Pro (3 nm). It includes a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU (different from the 6-core GPU in the iPhone 17 Pro), and a 16-core Neural Engine. It also comes with 8GB of RAM.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge uses Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) with 12 GB RAM and an Adreno GPU. It scores slightly higher in benchmarks (around 2.5 million on AnTuTu) and includes a dedicated NPU for Galaxy AI.
Both are very powerful, but the A19 Pro should deliver better raw performance. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Edge has performed decently despite its slimmer form factor mostly thanks to the VC cooling inside. However, we’re not sure if we can say the same about the A19 Pro in the iPhone Air since it lacks a VC cooling system.
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Software
The iPhone Air debuts with iOS 26, bringing the new Liquid Glass design along with updates like Call Screening and Live Translation. It does not include any major Apple Intelligence features, such as the much-awaited Siri enhancements. In terms of updates, we can expect at least 5 years of iOS support for the iPhone Air.
The Galaxy S25 Edge ships with One UI 7 out of the box and will soon be updated to One UI 8, Samsung’s latest software skin based on Android 16. There’s no doubt that Samsung’s Galaxy AI is stronger than Apple Intelligence, and the UI is also far more customizable than Apple’s. Samsung even promises 7 years of OS and security updates for the S25 Edge.
At the end of the day, the software you choose comes down to personal preference, whether it’s iOS or One UI.
ALSO READ: My iPhone 16 Pro Is Barely a Year Old, but I’m Tempted to Buy the iPhone 17 Pro. Here’s Why
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Cameras
iPhone Air
- Rear: 48 MP Fusion f/1.6 1/1.56-inch 26mm
- Front: 18 MP f/1.9 AF Center Stage Square Sensor
Galaxy S25 Edge
- Rear: 200 MP f/1.7 1/1.3-inch 24mm + 12 MP f/2.2 1/2.55-inch 13mm ultra-wide AF
- Front: 12 MP f/2.2 1/3.2-inch 26mm AF
The iPhone 17 Air comes with a 48 MP Fusion Camera, the same one used on the iPhone 17. It also supports a 2X optical zoom—well, Apple calls it optical, but it’s actually a sensor crop that gives you a 2X “lossless” zoom effect. On the front, there’s a new 18 MP Center Stage camera with an f/1.9 aperture with a square sensor.
This is the first time Apple has introduced an 18 MP front camera, and thanks to the square sensor, you can capture both landscape and portrait photos in the same orientation. It supports Center Stage for photos as well as video calls, includes ultra-stabilized video, and offers a wider field of view. The front camera is definitely superior on the iPhone Air.
When it comes to the rear camera, though, the Galaxy S25 Edge takes the lead with its 200 MP f/1.7 main camera that has a larger sensor and a slightly wider field of view. It also supports 2X and 4X shots, which deliver decent results. The S25 Edge includes a 12 MP ultrawide camera with AF, which doubles as a macro shooter, something completely absent on the iPhone Air.
If video quality and front camera matter to you the most, the iPhone 17 Air is the better choice. However, if you value flexibility with features like ultrawide and macro photography, the S25 Edge offers more options.
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Battery & Charging
Apple says the iPhone Air can deliver up to 27 hours of video playback. It supports 20W wired charging and 20W wireless charging with MagSafe, reaching 50% in 30 minutes using a 20W adapter.
There’s also a new MagSafe battery pack, which extends playback time to as much as 40 hours. While real-world performance may vary, reports suggest the iPhone Air has a 3149 mAh battery.
Apple is also using its own modems for cellular connectivity, the C1X, which is an upgrade over the C1 and 2X as fast. The Apple N1 modem handles Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and personal hotspot connectivity. These should also help enhance battery efficiency on the iPhone Air. Apple claims this is the most power-efficient iPhone ever.
The Galaxy S25 Edge, on the other hand, comes with a larger 3900 mAh battery, which should theoretically last longer, though that remains to be seen in practice. It supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, so charging speeds should be fairly similar between the two devices.
ALSO READ: All iPhone 17 Models Now Charge at 40W Wired; iPhone Air at 20W
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Connectivity
Both phones feature 5G and Wi-Fi 7. The iPhone Air is eSIM-only and, as mentioned earlier, uses Apple’s own modem for tighter integration. And while the iPhone Air comes with Bluetooth 6, the S25 Edge only comes with Bluetooth 5.3.
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Speakers
The Galaxy S25 Edge, despite its slim design, features a stereo speaker setup, with one speaker in the earpiece at the top and another at the bottom. The iPhone Air, however, does not have stereo speakers and relies solely on the earpiece for audio output, with no bottom speaker. If audio quality and speaker performance are important to you, the S25 Edge is the better choice.
ALSO READ: The iPhone Air Indeed Features a Single Speaker
iPhone Air vs. Galaxy S25 Edge: Price & Conclusion
iPhone Air
- 256 GB: US $999 / India ₹1,19,900
- 512 GB: US $1,099 / India ₹1,29,900
- 1 TB: US $1,299 / India ₹1,49,900
Galaxy S25 Edge
- 256 GB: US $1,099 / India ₹1,09,999
- 512 GB: US $1,299 / India ₹1,19,999
ALSO READ: Beats iPhone 17 Case Features Capacitive Touch Camera Controls
If you are in the US, the iPhone Air is cheaper at $999, while the Galaxy S25 Edge costs $1099. In India, however, the iPhone Air is priced higher at ₹1,19,900 compared to ₹1,09,999 for the S25 Edge. Looking at the overall package, the S25 Edge seems like the better choice.
That said, if you prioritize having a thin iPhone, care about a great selfie camera, and don’t mind sacrificing an ultrawide rear camera, battery life, fast charging, or stereo speakers, the iPhone Air could still be a good option.
Otherwise, the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro might be better, as the iPhone 17 is also relatively slim at 8 mm. For anyone seeking a thin smartphone with a more practical overall package, the S25 Edge might be the better choice.
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