Samsung’s smartphone strategy in 2025 took an intriguing turn with the release of the Galaxy S25 Edge. Positioned alongside the already established S25 Plus and Ultra, the Edge carves out its identity with a radical emphasis on slimness, lightness, and style. It’s not trying to be the all-rounder—that’s the Plus—or the powerhouse—that’s the Ultra. Instead, it delivers a high-end experience focused on feel and finesse.
On paper, some may argue that the Edge and Plus are too similar to warrant coexistence. But in real-world use, the differences in weight, form factor, camera configuration, and battery life begin to tell very different stories.
While the Plus holds tight to traditional Galaxy S-series values like balance and battery endurance, the Edge looks to the future, where comfort and compactness are increasingly premium.
So, does this sleek newcomer offer enough substance behind its svelte silhouette? Or is it a style-over-substance affair that makes the Plus look like the smarter buy? Let’s compare the two in detail to see which phone is truly the better fit—and for whom.
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Comparison Overview: S25 Edge vs S25 Plus:
Both the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus feature Samsung’s cutting-edge 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X display, quad-HD+ resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, they’re powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “Elite” processor, ensuring parity in day-to-day performance. The differences begin to surface when you explore build, camera setup, battery life, and pricing.
The Edge is a thinner, lighter device aimed at users prioritizing ergonomics, while the Plus offers a fuller feature set including a larger battery, triple rear cameras, and faster charging. However, the Edge does come with a flagship-grade 200MP main sensor—borrowed in part from the Ultra—giving it an edge (pun intended) in specific photography use cases.
The Plus also features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the Edge uses ceramic (like the Ultra) but skips anti-reflective coating. Both phones support 15W wireless charging and USB-C 3.2, though the Plus offers faster wired charging at 45W vs. the Edge’s 25W.
With just $100 separating them, choosing between the two may ultimately come down to whether you prioritize physical comfort and aesthetics (Edge) or a bigger battery and third rear camera (Plus).
Camera System:
Main Sensor Comparison
The most obvious spec-sheet battle begins with the main cameras. The Galaxy S25 Edge packs a 200MP primary sensor—similar in resolution to the one on the S25 Ultra, though not identical. The S25 Plus, on the other hand, retains a more conservative 50MP main sensor that Samsung’s been using and refining for several years now.
On paper, the Edge should have a big advantage in detail capture and cropping flexibility. However, in real-world testing, the differences are less striking than expected. While the Edge wins out in controlled lighting and daylight with sharper textures, the Plus often delivers more consistent exposure and more natural color balance.
Ultrawide Shooter
Both phones share the same 12MP ultrawide sensor, and unsurprisingly, the output is nearly identical. You’ll get respectable dynamic range, minimal edge distortion, and decent low-light performance—but neither phone brings anything groundbreaking here. Samsung’s post-processing tends to elevate shadows and suppress noise, resulting in punchy, social-media-ready ultrawide photos across both devices. If ultrawide photography is key for you, you’ll find no meaningful advantage between the Edge and the Plus.
Telephoto Omission vs Inclusion
Here’s where the Plus pulls ahead. It includes a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, while the S25 Edge skips a telephoto entirely. Instead, the Edge relies on digital cropping from that 200MP main sensor to simulate zoom.
In bright light, the Edge’s crop-zoom method can sometimes match the Plus’s 3x telephoto for clarity. But under dim conditions or when shooting subjects with complex textures, the lack of optical zoom becomes noticeable. The Plus delivers sharper, cleaner images at 2x–5x range without as much loss in detail or contrast.
Portrait & Depth Handling
Portrait mode photos from both devices benefit from Samsung’s subject separation algorithms, which have been refined year after year. The Edge occasionally produces slightly more depth due to higher-resolution detail in the subject’s face or clothing, but the Plus achieves a more natural bokeh transition thanks to its third lens. Edge detection is consistent across both models, and skin tones are pleasing on each, though the Plus avoids the occasional over-sharpening seen on the Edge’s portraits.
Low Light and Night Mode
Both phones perform decently in low light, but the Plus often produces cleaner results. Despite the Edge’s massive sensor, noise suppression sometimes softens detail too aggressively, particularly in shadowy areas.
The Plus, though using older sensors, leverages Samsung’s superior night mode tuning to keep images brighter, less noisy, and more usable straight out of the camera. However, in static scenes with good light sources, the Edge can outshine with more vibrant highlights and better color depth.
Video Capabilities
Video performance is neck-and-neck in most use cases. Both phones can record 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with solid stabilization. The Edge’s extra detail sometimes gives its 4K footage a crisper look, but the Plus’s consistency in exposure and better thermal management under long recording sessions gives it an edge for videographers. Audio pickup is solid on both, and Samsung’s Super Steady mode offers reliable stabilization when running or walking.
Selfie Camera
Up front, the S25 Edge and Plus share the same 12MP selfie shooter. Results are predictably similar—sharp, vibrant, and heavily processed in low light. Samsung’s beauty filters are still a bit aggressive by default, but turn them off and you’ll get pleasing results. HDR performance is solid, even in backlit situations. The Edge sometimes feels more flattering in selfies due to its natural skin rendering, while the Plus goes for crisper, more clinical detail.
Camera App Experience
Both phones run Samsung’s familiar camera app with features like Director’s View, Pro mode, Super Slow-mo, and Single Take. The experience is fast, intuitive, and polished. Launch times, shutter lag, and mode switching are identical. However, due to its higher-resolution sensor, the Edge allows for more aggressive cropping and creative post-editing when shooting at full 200MP resolution.
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Battery and Charging:
Battery life and charging speed mark one of the biggest divides between the Galaxy S25 Edge and the S25 Plus. The Plus sports a sizeable 4900 mAh battery, offering day-and-a-half endurance for most users. In contrast, the S25 Edge has a smaller 3900 mAh unit—largely a necessary compromise to achieve its ultra-thin profile.
In real-world use, the Plus comfortably delivers over 6.5 hours of screen-on time under mixed usage. The Edge, though still competent, typically hovers around the 4.5 to 5.5-hour range depending on brightness levels and usage intensity. For light to moderate users, the Edge still manages to last a full day, but power users will find themselves reaching for a charger by evening.
Charging is another area of divergence. The Edge supports 25W wired charging, while the Plus boosts this to 45W. Despite the slower wattage, the Edge’s smaller battery actually charges fairly quickly—reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The Plus, with its larger cell and faster charging, still pulls ahead overall, reaching a similar charge level in slightly less time and completing a full charge significantly faster.
Both phones support 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. However, thermal management during extended charging sessions is better optimized on the Plus, thanks to a larger heat dissipation system.
In summary, the Edge performs admirably given its compact battery, but the Plus offers significantly better endurance and faster top-up times—key advantages for road warriors or frequent streamers.
Design, Size, and Feel:
If there’s one category where the Galaxy S25 Edge confidently separates itself from the S25 Plus, it’s in design and hand-feel. The Edge is Samsung’s thinnest flagship in years, measuring just under 7 mm in thickness and weighing about 30 g less than the Plus. While that may sound negligible on paper, it’s a real difference in the hand. The Edge feels more like a sleek piece of polished glass than a traditional smartphone—it’s incredibly comfortable to hold, especially during long use sessions.
The Plus, while still ergonomic and balanced, feels bulkier and more utilitarian. Its rounded corners and slightly thicker profile (around 8.6 mm) are solid and familiar, but less exciting. The Edge’s silhouette is more premium and futuristic, almost evoking the vibe of early iPhone Pro Max devices—but lighter, more refined, and distinctly Samsung.
Materials differ slightly too. The S25 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, while the Edge ups the ante with a ceramic back—similar to the Ultra—offering a more luxurious finish but skipping the anti-reflective coating found on the Ultra’s panel. This gives the Edge a high-end shimmer but makes it slightly more fingerprint-prone.
Both phones are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, and they share a near-identical aluminum frame, albeit shaped differently to match their thickness profiles. Haptic feedback, speaker placement, and USB-C port design are consistent across both models, though the Edge’s power and volume buttons feel slightly firmer and more tactile.
In terms of aesthetic impact, the Edge looks and feels like a deliberate design-first phone, while the Plus plays it safe with a more traditional build. For users who value form factor, elegance, and one-handed usability, the Edge delivers a standout experience—one that the Plus simply can’t replicate, even with its slightly better specs.
Display:
On paper, the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus offer nearly identical display specs, and for the most part, the experience reflects that parity. Both devices sport a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Quad HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and LTPO technology for adaptive refresh scaling. Colors are vibrant, contrast is infinite, and peak brightness hits a blistering 2,600 nits—perfectly legible even in direct sunlight.
Where the differences emerge are in ergonomics and subjective feel. The Edge’s thinner chassis combined with slightly slimmer bezels give it a more immersive and elegant screen experience. Holding the phone horizontally for media consumption feels more cinematic thanks to the Edge’s lighter weight and flatter sides. The Plus, while identical in display quality, feels bulkier in comparison, especially over long Netflix or gaming sessions.
Both phones support HDR10+ and offer Samsung’s Vision Booster tech, which adjusts contrast and saturation dynamically based on lighting conditions. The viewing angles on both panels are excellent, with virtually no color shifting. Scrolling and animations feel equally smooth across both devices thanks to the 1–120Hz variable refresh rates.
Touch response time is lightning-fast on both, though the Edge’s lighter frame makes it feel a bit more agile in casual navigation or gesture-based UI movements. It’s not necessarily better—just quicker-feeling due to its lower inertia.
Under-display fingerprint sensors are optical in both phones and positioned comfortably within thumb range. The unlock speeds are near-instant and consistent. Face unlock also works similarly well on both, though it’s not secure enough for sensitive app authentication.
Overall, display performance is a draw. But if you care about how a phone feels during extended viewing or casual scrolling, the Edge might feel more modern and responsive—even if the pixels themselves are the same.
Performance:
Under the hood, both the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus run on the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “Elite” chipset, Samsung’s most advanced yet. Built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, this SoC brings major efficiency and performance improvements across the board. Whether you’re launching apps, multitasking, or editing 4K videos, both phones offer flagship-tier responsiveness with no discernible lag or frame drops.
In synthetic benchmarks, both the Edge and Plus post nearly identical results. Geekbench scores for single-core and multi-core tests land in the same ballpark, as do GPU scores in 3DMark and GFXBench. Real-world performance further confirms this parity—app load times, UI smoothness, and memory retention are indistinguishable in everyday use.
RAM options are also similar, with both phones offering configurations starting at 8GB and going up to 12GB. Storage starts at 256GB UFS 4.0, with no microSD support on either model. The fast read/write speeds make large file transfers and app installations impressively swift.
Thermal performance is well-managed in both devices, though the Plus has a slight edge—pun intended—when it comes to extended stress tests. Thanks to its thicker body, the S25 Plus dissipates heat more effectively, sustaining high performance for longer periods during demanding workloads like video rendering or gaming.
Samsung’s One UI 7 is buttery smooth on both models, optimized for Snapdragon’s AI enhancements and background task management. Both devices come with at least four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, ensuring long-term performance relevance.
In day-to-day use, you won’t notice any difference in horsepower between these two. Whether you’re editing videos in CapCut, managing emails, or juggling between camera, Spotify, and Google Maps, both the Edge and Plus run flawlessly. The choice here comes down to thermal longevity, where the Plus has a slight but notable advantage.
Price & Value:
When it comes to pricing, the Galaxy S25 Plus starts at $999, while the Galaxy S25 Edge comes in slightly higher at $1,099. At first glance, this pricing structure seems counterintuitive. Why is the thinner, lighter phone with one fewer camera and a smaller battery more expensive?
The answer lies in engineering and design priorities. The Edge’s ultra-thin profile requires compact internal components, specialized heat management, and premium materials like ceramic backing. These elements drive up manufacturing costs despite the phone having “fewer” features on paper. It’s the price of luxury and industrial refinement, much like how thinner laptops often cost more than thicker ones with similar specs.
Meanwhile, the S25 Plus offers more traditional value. For $100 less, you get a larger battery, faster charging, a triple camera system with dedicated telephoto, and marginally better thermal performance. For many users, this will feel like the smarter buy—more features for less money.
However, pricing isn’t just about raw specs. The Edge delivers an experience: it feels more premium in the hand, looks more stylish, and offers flagship performance in a more compact, refined shell. For buyers who prioritize aesthetics, comfort, and portability, the price premium may feel justified.
Carrier deals and trade-in offers may narrow the price gap further, but for most, the Plus is objectively better value. Yet the Edge holds emotional appeal—a niche luxury that commands a price based on feel, not just function.
Edge vs Ultra vs Plus:
In the 2025 Galaxy lineup, the S25 Ultra remains the ultimate powerhouse, the S25 Plus serves as the balanced mainstream flagship, and the new S25 Edge steps in as the premium lifestyle model. Understanding how each fits into Samsung’s broader strategy can help clarify where the Edge really stands—and whether it deserves a spot in your pocket.
Starting with the Ultra, it’s the biggest, heaviest, and most feature-packed of the trio. It brings the S Pen, quad cameras including a periscope telephoto, the largest battery at 5,200 mAh, and top-of-the-line display brightness and anti-reflective coatings. It’s made for users who want it all and don’t mind the bulk that comes with it. But it’s also noticeably heavier at over 230 g and more expensive at $1,299 and up.
The Plus tries to strike a middle ground: a large display without the Ultra’s bulk, a capable triple-camera system, solid battery life, and a price that makes more sense for most buyers. It uses established components like older sensors, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and a simpler chassis, but still delivers a well-rounded flagship experience without excess.
Enter the Edge—the disruptor. It sacrifices the third camera, battery size, and some thermal headroom to offer something entirely different: luxury through minimalism. It’s slimmer, sleeker, and lighter by a noticeable margin. In feel alone, it’s closer to an iPhone 15 Pro than any previous Galaxy. It borrows the 200MP camera from the Ultra (though not the sensor entirely) and opts for ceramic back material, giving it a more boutique-like presence.
While the Ultra is the productivity king and the Plus is the practical pick, the Edge fills a unique void: it’s the Galaxy for people who care more about premium form than all-in-one utility. The Edge won’t replace either of the others—it’s not meant to. But for users who find the Ultra too bulky and the Plus too bland, the Edge offers a refined alternative.
Target Audience for the Edge:
The Galaxy S25 Edge isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. Samsung didn’t build this device for mass adoption; they built it for a niche audience who values feel, finish, and finesse over feature cramming.
If you’re the kind of user who finds modern flagships too bulky, too heavy, or simply uncomfortable to hold for long periods, the S25 Edge speaks directly to you. It’s for those who prefer elegance and ease of use over maxed-out specs. The phone’s premium ceramic build, lightweight body, and minimalist profile make it feel more like a high-end accessory than a utilitarian gadget.
Frequent travelers, professionals, and fashion-forward consumers who use their phones for messaging, social media, streaming, and photography—but not hardcore gaming or productivity—will appreciate what the Edge brings to the table. It’s also ideal for former iPhone users who’ve long complained that Android phones feel clunky or utilitarian.
On the other hand, if battery endurance, optical zoom, or long recording sessions are your top priorities, this isn’t your phone. Likewise, gamers or creators who push phones to their thermal limits will feel constrained by the Edge’s size-related compromises.
Ultimately, the S25 Edge is for users who want a flagship that looks and feels different—something exclusive, high-end, and thoughtfully designed. It’s for those who know exactly what they want, and what they’re willing to give up to get it.
Reviewer’s Verdict:
After spending time with both the Galaxy S25 Edge and the S25 Plus, it’s clear that Samsung didn’t create the Edge to replace the Plus—it created it to complement it. The two phones share much of the same DNA, but their intentions diverge sharply. The Plus is the rational choice: better battery, more camera versatility, lower price. The Edge is the emotional pick—thinner, sleeker, more satisfying to hold and use.
I went into this review expecting to recommend the Plus to most buyers, and that still holds true. It’s the better “value” in nearly every spec-for-dollar comparison. But after daily-driving the Edge, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. The comfort, the polish, the subtle wow factor—it makes me reach for it even when I have the Plus right next to it.
That said, there are limits. The smaller battery can be felt after a long day out. The missing telephoto is frustrating when you want crisp zoomed shots. And the price premium isn’t easy to swallow if you’re focused purely on feature count. But the Edge isn’t meant for spec chasers. It’s built for people who want a luxury phone experience that doesn’t weigh down their pockets—literally or figuratively.
If you value the tactile feel of your devices, if design speaks louder to you than sensor sizes, and if you’re willing to pay a bit more for something that simply feels nicer, then the Edge might just be your ideal Samsung flagship. It’s not for everyone—but that’s what makes it special.
Final Thoughts:
The Galaxy S25 Edge proves that not every flagship needs to be defined by “more.” Sometimes, less can be more—if it’s done right. While it may lack a third camera, a massive battery, or the bells and whistles of the Ultra, the Edge delivers something that’s rare in today’s smartphone world: refinement.
Samsung took a risk by launching a fourth flagship variant, but it pays off for those who’ve long wanted a sleek, high-end phone that prioritizes ergonomics and design over sheer spec density. It’s a phone you need to hold to understand—and once you do, it clicks.
The S25 Plus remains the balanced buy for most people, and the Ultra is still the do-it-all beast. But the Edge? That’s the one you get when you want to enjoy your phone every time you pick it up—not just use it. It’s not about specs. It’s about sensation.
- Buying links:
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25+ on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on Amazon now!!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-slim and lightweight design – Feels exceptionally comfortable and premium in hand.
- 200MP main camera – Delivers detailed photos, especially in daylight.
- Ceramic back panel – Luxurious material rarely found outside Ultra-tier phones.
- Stunning 6.7″ AMOLED 2X display – Same great panel as the Plus, with superior immersion due to design.
- Solid everyday performance – Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite ensures flagship-level speed.
- Unique positioning – A high-end Samsung phone that focuses on form and finesse.
Cons:
- No telephoto camera – Cropped zoom doesn’t match the clarity of the Plus’s 3x lens.
- Smaller battery (3900mAh) – Noticeably shorter endurance compared to the Plus.
- Priced higher despite fewer features – $100 more than the Plus with trade-offs.
- Buying links:
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25+ on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on Amazon now!!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the main differences between the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus?
- The Galaxy S25 Edge is thinner, lighter, and features a ceramic back, while the S25 Plus offers a larger battery, a dedicated telephoto camera, and faster wired charging. Both phones share the same display and processor.
Does the Galaxy S25 Edge have a better camera than the S25 Plus?
- The S25 Edge uses a 200MP main sensor, which provides high-resolution detail in good lighting. However, the S25 Plus has a triple camera setup with a dedicated 3x telephoto lens, offering more versatility overall.
Is the Galaxy S25 Edge worth the extra $100 over the Plus?
- If you prioritize design, comfort, and premium materials, the Edge is a compelling option. However, if battery life and camera flexibility matter more, the Plus offers better value.
How is the battery life on the S25 Edge compared to the Plus?
- The S25 Plus features a 4900mAh battery and lasts longer than the S25 Edge’s 3900mAh cell. The Plus can comfortably last over a day, while the Edge may need charging by evening for heavy users.
Do both phones have the same display quality?
- Yes. Both use a 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The user experience is nearly identical in terms of brightness, color, and sharpness.
Is the Galaxy S25 Edge good for gaming?
- Yes, it runs the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite chip as the Plus and Ultra. However, due to its thinner frame and smaller battery, it may heat up faster and throttle slightly sooner under extended gaming.
Will the S25 Edge replace the S25 Plus in the future?
- While there are rumors of the Edge line replacing the Plus, Samsung has not confirmed any such plans. For now, both models coexist to offer different experiences—design-first (Edge) vs. balanced utility (Plus).
Which phone is better for photography, S25 Edge or S25 Plus?
- The Plus offers more flexibility with its triple-lens setup, including a telephoto lens. The Edge’s 200MP camera is impressive but lacks optical zoom, making the Plus more practical for varied shooting.
Do both phones support wireless charging?
- Yes, both the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus support 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Who should buy the Galaxy S25 Edge?
- The Edge is best suited for users who value premium design, lightweight feel, and flagship performance in a minimalist package. It’s ideal for those who find traditional flagships bulky or uninspiring.
- Buying links:
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25+ on Amazon now!!
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on Amazon now!!
