I've Tested Every Samsung Galaxy Phone In 2025 - Here's The Model I'd Recommend On Sale

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Samsung took nan difficult roadworthy erstwhile it launched nan ultra-thin and lightweight Galaxy S25 Edge a fewer months ago. The telephone had a specified 3,900mAh artillery (not capable to beryllium considered "diabolical," arsenic nan teens would say, but hardly capable to past a afloat day), lacked a dedicated telephoto lens, and demanded a $1,100 value tag. Unless wrist strain was your biggest rumor pinch utilizing smartphones, nan S25 Edge conscionable felt retired of place.

Also: The champion Android phones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

However, caller retailer offers are making maine reconsider nan phone. At its latest waste value of $849 ($250 off) crossed Amazon and Best Buy, nan S25 Edge abruptly becomes an Android handset I'd comfortably urge beyond nan tech enthusiast circle. Here's why.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is nan astir powerful lightweight handset connected nan marketplace correct now, and is positioned to contend pinch Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Slim later successful September. As I mentioned successful my month-long review, nan telephone "operates pinch grace. I can't pinpoint 1 point for nan coagulated performance, truthful I'll in installments nan Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, nan smoother animations of One UI 7, and nan 12GB of RAM, which is capable for hybrid AI tasks, mobile gaming, and loading various societal media feeds."

Of course, nan large tie pinch nan Galaxy S25 Edge is its ultraportability. Samsung fits a 6.8-inch AMOLED show pinch a 200MP-led camera strategy into a assemblage that's conscionable 5.8mm heavy and 163 grams. For reference, nan iPhone 16 Pro (not nan Pro Max) weighs 199 grams. 

Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

From nan burdenless pocketing acquisition to nan amazingly little achy drops connected nan look erstwhile doomscrolling successful bed, nan Galaxy S25 Edge near maine pinch a affirmative outlook connected slimified phones.

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

When I compared nan Galaxy S25 Edge's camera to Samsung's much costly Galaxy S25 Ultra model, I recovered nan main sensor to output pictures and videos of akin value -- a bully point considering nan $200 value difference. 

I was little enthused by nan deficiency of an anti-glare screen, which nan Galaxy S25 Ultra does have, and that 3,900mAh battery. On astir days, I recovered myself recharging nan telephone from astir 20% precocious afternoon.

All successful all, nan latest woody connected nan Samsung flagship makes it much compelling than ever, particularly if you're coming from a bulkier and heavier handset, which astir phones pinch a akin show size are. I'd moreover urge nan Galaxy S25 Edge complete its closest competitor, nan $999 Galaxy S25 Plus, astatine its discounted price.

How I rated this deal

As per ZDNET's standing system, I springiness this woody a people of 3/5. The $250 discount is being offered crossed astir awesome retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, and it applies to some nan 256GB and 512GB variants.