Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, a thinner version of its flagship smartphone.
Arjun Kharpal | CNBC
Samsung launched a thin version of its flagship smartphone on Tuesday in an unusually scheduled launch as it hopes to keep the motivated power of the mobile sector amid uncertain consumer background and U.S. tariff policies.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge weighs 163 grams, making it one of the thinnest smartphones on the market.
Samsung said the device starts at $1,099 and will be available on May 30.
It was released less than four months after Samsung staged the launch of the S25 series' annual flagship phone. Shortly after the January event, it was unusual for Samsung to launch new high-end devices, with the normal schedule usually being the latest foldable phone in the mid-year period.
The move highlights the success of the South Korean tech giant's desire to capitalize on the S25 range as it faces competition from Chinese players and an uncertain macroeconomic environment.
Samsung reported last month that revenue and profit increased in the first quarter of the year due to strong sales of its S25 series.
However, Samsung’s vice president of mobile division Daniel Araujo warned last month that demand for smartphones is expected to decrease in the second quarter due to “seasonal trends” and that demand for smartphones can be further “adjusted” due to global tariff policies.
U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocity" tariffs came into effect in April, although they stopped shortly after. The White House exempted certain tech products, such as smartphones and chips, giving some probation to companies like Samsung and others apple. Meanwhile, the United States and China have agreed to stop most of the tariffs on each party.
Araujo said the S25 Edge could help "maintain flagship-focused sales", highlighting why Samsung decided to turn on the phone now.
Thinner phones have become obsessed with smartphone makers who want to appeal to those who want a flagship experience without the size of traditional devices. Samsung's S25 Edge has a 6.7-inch display, the same as the Galaxy S25+, but is thinner and lighter.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Shows in a briefing at Samsung KX Store in London, UK
Arjun Kharpal | CNBC
The phone also includes a dual camera system and Samsung's latest AI capabilities.
"In the second half of 2025, "thin" is certainly 'thin'." Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, told CNBC.
“Samsung first goes out with a slim design, but Apple is expected to follow in September, and emerging Chinese brands such as Honor and Xiaomi may not be behind.”
According to this year's Bloomberg, Samsung may be trying to lead its closest rival, Apple, which is preparing to launch a thin version of its flagship device, called the iPhone 17 Air.
"It's hard to believe this is not a preemptive strike after a wide speculation that Apple will have a thin iPhone in the next roster," Wood added.