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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the better fit if you want a separate ultrawide rear camera and a larger listed display; the Apple iPhone Air is marginally thinner and offers a 1TB storage option. Their weights are nearly identical, and the specifications alone do not establish which has better battery life, camera quality, or sustained performance. In the United States, the price gap depends on when and where you shop: launch prices and later store listings differ.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone Air: key specs
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge | Apple iPhone Air |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness and weight | 5.8mm; 163g | 5.64mm; 165g |
| Display | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, adaptive 1–120Hz; Samsung lists a 6.5-inch rounded-corner viewable area | 6.5-inch OLED with ProMotion up to 120Hz; Apple’s standard-rectangle measurement is 6.55 inches, with less actual viewable area |
| Rear cameras | 200MP wide camera with OIS and 2x optical-quality zoom, plus 12MP autofocus ultrawide | 48MP Fusion Main system with optical-quality 2x telephoto framing |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage |
| Battery information | 3,900mAh typical capacity; rated minimum 3,786mAh | Apple estimates up to 27 hours of video playback or up to 22 hours of streamed video; the cited specification page does not list mAh capacity |
| Charging | Samsung estimates up to 55% in about 30 minutes with a 25W adapter, sold separately; fast wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare listed | USB-C fast charging up to 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible adapter and cable, sold separately; MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging listed |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy | A19 Pro with six-core CPU and five-core GPU |
| Storage configurations in cited launch/spec information | 256GB and 512GB | 256GB, 512GB and 1TB |
| Connectivity | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 listed | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 listed; U.S. model is eSIM-only and has no physical SIM slot |
| Water resistance | IP68 listed | IP68; Apple specifies up to 6m for 30 minutes under IEC 60529 |
Samsung’s figures are from its 2025 specifications; Apple’s are from its iPhone Air technical specifications. Dimensions and listed capabilities describe manufacturers’ claims, not independent test results. Water-resistance ratings do not mean a phone is damage-proof or that liquid damage is covered by warranty. Check the exact regional model, carrier bands, and box contents before buying.
What is the price difference in the United States?
At launch, Apple’s September 2025 U.S. starting price for the 256GB iPhone Air was $999. Samsung’s May 2025 U.S. launch prices were $1,099.99 for 256GB and $1,219.99 for 512GB. On those launch prices, the 256GB iPhone Air started $100.99 below the same-capacity Galaxy S25 Edge.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Later U.S. listings show a different snapshot. Apple’s U.S. store listed the unlocked iPhone Air at $1,099 for 256GB, $1,299 for 512GB, and $1,699 for 1TB when accessed October 7, 2026. A Samsung U.S. catalog search result accessed for the same snapshot showed the Galaxy S25 Edge from $1,129 new and $829 certified-renewed; Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. MSRP sheet still listed $1,099.99 for 256GB and $1,219.99 for 512GB. Comparing the $1,099 Apple store listing with Samsung’s $1,129 new catalog listing gives a $30 difference, but it is not a guaranteed market-wide gap: seller, condition, configuration, stock and promotions may differ.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.7" LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 480Hz PWM, HDR10+, 3120x1440px Quad HD+, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 256GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 3900mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 200MP, f/1.7, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Digital Zoom up to 10x, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
| U.S. price reference | Galaxy S25 Edge | iPhone Air |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB launch price | $1,099.99, Samsung U.S., May 2025 | $999, Apple U.S., September 2025 |
| 512GB launch price | $1,219.99, Samsung U.S., May 2025 | not stated in the cited Apple launch announcement |
| 256GB listing snapshot | From $1,129 new or $829 certified-renewed in a Samsung U.S. catalog search result accessed October 7, 2026; condition and seller differ | $1,099 unlocked in the Apple U.S. Store, accessed October 7, 2026 |
| 512GB listing snapshot | not stated in the cited Samsung catalog snapshot; March 2026 MSRP sheet lists $1,219.99 | $1,299 in the Apple U.S. Store, accessed October 7, 2026 |
| 1TB listing snapshot | not stated in the cited Samsung U.S. launch configurations | $1,699 in the Apple U.S. Store, accessed October 7, 2026 |
These are U.S. figures, not worldwide prices. Carrier credits, trade-ins, financing and promotions can change the effective cost. Samsung states that prices may change without notice, so verify the exact model, capacity, condition and checkout total before placing an order.
How the camera systems differ
Galaxy S25 Edge: a separate ultrawide camera
The S25 Edge pairs a 200MP main camera with a distinct 12MP autofocus ultrawide. That gives it a dedicated rear camera for wider framing, in addition to the main camera’s stated 2x optical-quality zoom.
iPhone Air: 48MP Fusion Main system
Apple lists a 48MP Fusion Main rear system with optical-quality 2x telephoto framing. Its stated rear setup is not a separate ultrawide-plus-main arrangement like Samsung’s.
The iPhone Air lists a higher-resolution front camera—18MP with Center Stage, compared with Samsung’s 12MP front camera. Megapixel counts and feature descriptions do not prove which phone takes better photos or video; no comparative camera test is established here. Decide whether the separate ultrawide, front-camera features or your preferred camera workflow matters more.
Rank #3
- 6.7" LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 480Hz PWM, HDR10+, 3120x1440px Quad HD+, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 256GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 3900mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 200MP, f/1.7, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Digital Zoom up to 10x, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Screen size, thinness and day-to-day fit
Apple lists the Air at 5.64mm deep and 165g; Samsung lists the Edge at 5.8mm and 163g. So the Air is 0.16mm thinner, while the Edge is 2g lighter. Those are small differences on paper, and neither specification alone predicts which will feel better in your hand.
Samsung lists the larger display at 6.7 inches, although its rounded-corner viewable area is 6.5 inches. Apple’s 6.5-inch display uses a 6.55-inch standard-rectangle measurement, with less actual viewable area. Both list high-refresh-rate panels up to 120Hz. If screen area is your priority, compare the phones in person if possible; published diagonal measurements are not perfectly like-for-like.
Rank #4
- SUPER SLIM. SUPER LIGHT: Galaxy S25 Edge is surprisingly light and our slimmest S Series phone yet. You’ll want to show off this sleek, super-slim design that slips easily into your pocket or bag without bulking things up.
- OUR POWERFUL 200MP CAMERA ON OUR SLIMMEST S SERIES PHONE: Capture every memory in stunning clarity with our highest-resolution camera on a Galaxy phone. Galaxy S25 Edge features a 200MP camera to preserve your memories with professional-level detail.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with Galaxy S25 Edge, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video or edit your photos without skipping a beat
- NOT SLIM ON TOUGHNESS: Don’t let the sleek form of Galaxy S25 Edge fool you — this phone is tough too. With a titanium build and a Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 face, S25 Edge is as strong as it is stylish
- VIRTUAL ASSISTANT, PERSONAL HELP: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend — your Galaxy S25 Edge handles multiple tasks with a single ask.²
Battery life and charging: what the figures do—and do not—show
Samsung publishes a 3,900mAh typical battery capacity and a 3,786mAh rated minimum. Apple instead publishes estimates of up to 27 hours of video playback and up to 22 hours of streamed video, without a mAh figure in the cited specifications. Capacity and playback estimates use different measures, so they cannot establish which phone lasts longer in ordinary use; no side-by-side endurance test is available here.
For wired charging, Samsung’s estimate is up to 55% in about 30 minutes using a 25W adapter, while Apple says up to 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible adapter and cable. The required accessories are sold separately. Samsung also lists fast wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare; Apple lists MagSafe and Qi2. Confirm regional package contents and accessory compatibility, rather than assuming a charger is included.
Best Value
- 6.7" LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 480Hz PWM, HDR10+, 3120x1440px Quad HD+, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 512GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 3900mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 200MP, f/1.7, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Digital Zoom up to 10x, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Storage, connectivity and ecosystem checks
- Storage: Samsung’s cited U.S. launch configurations are 256GB and 512GB; Apple lists a 1TB option as well. If you keep extensive local video, photos or downloads, choose capacity deliberately because it is not generally expandable after purchase.
- SIM and carrier: The U.S. iPhone Air is eSIM-only, with no physical SIM card. Confirm that your carrier supports eSIM activation before buying. Check the exact market SKU and carrier bands for either phone.
- Wireless standards: Both list 5G and Wi-Fi 7. Samsung lists Bluetooth 5.4; Apple lists Bluetooth 6.
- Operating system and ecosystem: Your existing apps, accessories, services and the devices you already use may matter more than a small difference in thickness or camera resolution. Choose the platform you want to use, not just the spec sheet.
Which phone should you choose?
Choose the Galaxy S25 Edge if…
- You want a separate ultrawide rear camera alongside a high-resolution main camera.
- You prefer Samsung’s listed 6.7-inch display and Galaxy ecosystem.
- You want the listed 256GB or 512GB configurations and have checked the current price and condition.
- You want to use a physical SIM, subject to the exact regional model and carrier configuration.
Choose the iPhone Air if…
- You want the slightly thinner of the two phones and prefer Apple’s ecosystem.
- You value its 18MP Center Stage front camera or its 48MP Fusion Main camera system with 2x optical-quality framing.
- You need the listed 1TB storage tier.
- Your U.S. carrier supports eSIM and the exact listed price works for you.
Do not choose between them on the assumption that one has better real-world battery endurance, image quality, sustained performance or durability: the manufacturer specifications cited here do not provide a direct comparison on those points. Compare the exact storage-matched offers and decide which trade-offs matter to you.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
