The tech world has entered a new era in smartphone design. Following Apple’s unveiling of its long-awaited ultra-thin iPhone Air, it has entered direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which hit the market months ago. Both devices share the same principles of thinness and lightness. However, there are significant differences in key areas such as design, camera, performance, and battery.
Design
Apple’s new iPhone Air stands out with its 5.65 mm thickness, while Samsung’s S25 Edge measures 5.8 mm. Both phones feel lighter in the hand than conventional phones. They are also similar in weight; the S25 Edge weighs 163 grams, while the iPhone Air weighs 165 grams.
While these phones aren’t the thinnest in history, they demonstrate that technological advancements are focusing on maintaining durability and performance despite thin designs. While the bending scandal surrounding Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus still haunts us, the aluminum and titanium alloys used today prevent such issues.
Display
Apple takes a step forward in display technology when it comes to brightness. The iPhone Air reaches a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, while the Galaxy S25 Edge remains at 2,600 nits. This difference means the iPhone Air offers better readability in sunlight.
The S25 Edge offers a larger screen size of 6.7 inches, while the iPhone Air uses a compact 6.5-inch panel. Regarding biometric security, Samsung offers an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader, while Apple opts for Face ID.
Performance
The two giants represent their respective ecosystems in terms of processor and software. Samsung offers a powerful Android experience with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, while Apple uses its own A19 Pro processor with 8GB of RAM.
While there is a RAM difference, thanks to iOS optimizations, this doesn’t pose a significant disadvantage in daily use. The iPhone Air brings new visual innovations and security features with iOS 26. Samsung, on the other hand, offers powerful options like photo editing and live translation with its AI-powered Gemini tools.
Camera and Battery
The camera and battery are the most significant differences between the two phones. The Galaxy S25 Edge offers a rich shooting experience with a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP front-facing camera. The iPhone Air, on the other hand, comes with a single 48MP rear camera and an 18MP front-facing camera. Apple’s choice of a single rear camera, coupled with the lack of an ultra-wide and telephoto camera, may disappoint some users.
For the battery, Samsung’s 3,900mAh capacity is stronger than the iPhone Air’s estimated 2,800mAh capacity. Regarding charging speeds, Samsung stands out with 45W for wired charging, while Apple’s 20W MagSafe technology offers a faster option for wireless charging.
Price
Based on Turkish prices, the Galaxy S25 Edge starts at 83,499 TL, while the iPhone Air starts at 97,999 TL. With the same storage options, Samsung stands out from the competition by offering a more affordable price.
However, the choice depends on user preferences. For those seeking a more powerful camera, RAM, and fast charging, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a more suitable option, while for those seeking a brighter screen, a slimmer design, and the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone Air is a more suitable option.
