The Ultra-Thin Smartphone Trend Faces Challenges
This year was meant to be all about ultra-slim smartphones, with Apple and Samsung unveiling their most slender models yet: the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air. These devices, seemingly bending the laws of physics, sport incredibly thin designs while still housing the high-performance chips and functionalities we expect. However, recent sales data suggest that the reality for this niche market isn’t as rosy as anticipated.
When “Thin” Becomes “Too Thin”
Upon first glance, the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air are indeed attractive. Samsung’s model measures just 5.8 mm thick, while Apple’s is even slimmer at 5.6 mm. They manage to squeeze all essential components into these tiny frames, which is truly impressive considering where we were just a few years ago.
Surprisingly, both models have shown they can withstand significant stress, passing JerryRigEverything’s well-known durability tests. However, while they look and feel premium, a few major drawbacks can’t be overlooked.
One glaring issue is battery life. In such a slim design, fitting a sufficient battery becomes challenging, and the continued reliance on older lithium-ion technology doesn’t help. Unsurprisingly, these ultra-thin phones struggle to last through a day’s use on a single charge. The Galaxy S25 Edge reportedly only lasts for about 12 hours and 38 minutes, while the iPhone Air falls short with 12 hours and 2 minutes. To put that in context, both are roughly five hours behind their Ultra/Max counterparts.
The second major flaw relates to the camera systems. With fewer camera modules than their Pro versions, both models also lack the hybrid zoom feature—which can be quite essential for photography enthusiasts. They may not serve well for anyone serious about mobile photography.
Price is another significant concern. Starting at $1,099.99 for the Galaxy S25 Edge and $999 for the iPhone Air, convincing consumers to spend so much on a phone with fewer features is a hard sell. This is especially true given that more affordable base models and flagship versions like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max continue to outshine these ultra-slim offerings.
Sales Numbers Tell a Different Story
Despite the initial hype, it seems consumers aren’t as excited as Apple and Samsung had hoped. The Galaxy S25 Edge has been available for five months, with the iPhone Air following suit more recently, but sales figures remain disappointing.
According to Mizuho Securities, Apple has slashed production of the iPhone Air by one million units, which could spell trouble for its future. On the other hand, Samsung has reportedly delayed plans for the next Galaxy S26 Edge in light of the lackluster sales of the S25 Edge.
Essentially, the ultra-slim phone market is struggling to stay afloat. If the biggest manufacturers can’t succeed here, it seems unlikely that smaller companies will fare any better.
Can the Ultra-Thin Phone Market Be Revived?
For consumers to embrace ultra-thin smartphones, several limitations need addressing first. Fortunately, the battery issue has potential solutions on the horizon. Although lithium-ion technology has been reliable since its introduction in the 1970s, it appears to be reaching its limits in super-thin devices. The industry is, perhaps, in need of innovations that can provide higher power capacity while reducing size.
Two promising alternatives are silicon-carbon and graphene batteries. Both may deliver more power, but they come with significant challenges—like structural instability in silicon-carbon varieties and production difficulties for graphene, which have held back their widespread adoption.
While ultra-thin smartphones feature appealing designs and lightweight materials, they present too many compromises. Until manufacturers like Apple and Samsung address these weaknesses, it’s hard to see this segment turning into a success. By the time they do, we might reach a point where there’s little room left for such devices in the market.
