Samsung and Apple are set to redefine slim smartphones in 2025, with both tech giants preparing to launch their thinnest flagship models yet. Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to outdo the competition in terms of thinness, with the device boasting a profile of just 6.25 millimeters. This marks a significant leap from the 7.8 mm thickness of the iPhone 16, effectively making the Air model 1.65 mm thinner.
Not far behind, Samsung plans to introduce the Galaxy S25 Slim with a sleek 6.6 mm design—1 mm thinner than the previous Galaxy S24 model. Although it won't surpass the iPhone 17 Air for slimness, the S25 Slim is anticipated to come loaded with substantial hardware advantages making it compelling for consumers.
Apple's strategic pivot to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the Air model indicates their recognition of the lagging sales of the Plus variant. Instead, the company seems to be moving toward designing devices with thinner profiles to cater to modern consumer preferences.
Conversely, Samsung is taking on a more experimental approach. The Galaxy S25 Slim is being introduced as part of consumer interests rather than as a guaranteed long-term product. This allows Samsung the opportunity to gauge market response for ultra-slim devices without making substantial commitments to the lineup.
While thinness is certainly a highlight for both models, the specifications of each phone will play pivotal roles in consumer choices moving forward.
Among the features yet to be confirmed for the iPhone 17 Air is the continuation of Apple’s advanced A-series chipsets along with incremental camera improvements. These updates, though noteworthy, are understood to build on established technology with little immediate groundbreaking innovation.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim, on the other hand, promises to differentiate itself particularly with camera offerings, boasting what is expected to be a groundbreaking 200-megapixel main camera paired with an unreleased ISOCELL sensor allowing for 50-megapixel resolutions and 3.5x zoom. Consumers can also anticipate battery capacity ranging from 4700 mAh to 5000 mAh, all achieved without the bulk typical of ultra-thin devices.
Performance-wise, rumors indicate the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim will be fitted with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which should guarantee fast and smooth operation, surpassing the performance metrics set by the iPhone 17 Air.
Taking it to the market, Apple appears to be firmly committed to the replacement of its existing iPhone 17 Plus model with the Air variant, demonstrating their confidence in consumer demand for sleeker devices. Samsung's strategic trial method with the Galaxy S25 Slim, meanwhile, serves as its own form of market exploration.
An important date for Samsung fans to mark down is January 22, the date anticipated for the company’s Unpacked event where they are expected to provide more insights on the Galaxy S25 Slim. This event could set the stage for discussions about the new design language and features, enticing technology enthusiasts to follow closely.
With these two flagship smartphones heading for release, it's clear consumers will have enticing options framed within the growing trend toward slimmer, more powerful phones.