iPhone 17 Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge: The Slimmest Flagship Race Heats Up

The battle for the world’s slimmest flagship smartphone is officially underway, and Apple looks ready to claim the crown. A recent physical comparison between Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge and a dummy unit of the iPhone 17 Air shows a decisive winner: Apple’s upcoming device is noticeably slimmer.

At just 5.5 mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air edges out Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm. While the difference may seem minimal on paper, side-by-side, Apple’s phone makes Samsung’s device look surprisingly bulky.

The Battery Trade-Off

Of course, ultra-thin designs often come with sacrifices, and for the iPhone 17 Air, that compromise is its battery capacity. Reports suggest that Apple’s latest thin marvel will ship with a 2,900 mAh battery, far smaller than the 3,900 mAh battery inside the Galaxy S25 Edge.

To counter this limitation, Apple is betting on AI-powered battery management in iOS 26 to optimize performance and stretch usage time. Meanwhile, Samsung’s S25 Edge has already impressed in battery tests, lasting longer than expected despite its slimmer profile.

And the competition isn’t slowing down—rumors indicate the Galaxy S26 Edge will launch next year with a slimmer 5.5 mm frame and an even bigger 4,300 mAh battery.

Whenever a new iPhone or Galaxy drops, the excitement of upgrading often collides with one stressful hurdle—data transfer. Moving photos, videos, contacts, and other important files can be frustrating and time-consuming.

This is where the Smart Transfer app makes all the difference. As a trusted third-party free phone cleaner for iPhone app, Smart Transfer enables fast and secure transfers across devices—whether you’re switching from iPhone to iPhone, Android to iPhone, or vice versa. Using a direct Wi-Fi connection, it avoids the slowdowns of cloud services and ensures you don’t lose valuable data while jumping to the latest ultra-thin flagship. I was able to transfer my data without any hassle. 

For anyone eyeing the iPhone 17 Air or waiting for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Edge, Smart Transfer ensures the transition is smooth, so your focus stays on enjoying your new slim device rather than worrying about what you left behind.

Who Is the iPhone 17 Air Really For?

Apple isn’t targeting power users with the iPhone 17 Air. Those who need massive batteries and all-day endurance will gravitate toward larger models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Instead, the iPhone 17 Air is designed for people who value form over function—users who want the thinnest, sleekest flagship in their hands.

While its 2,900 mAh battery may concern heavy users, for those prioritizing design, portability, and aesthetics, the iPhone 17 Air delivers a striking edge over Samsung’s S25 Edge.

Should You Buy or Wait?

So, is the iPhone 17 Air worth getting? It depends. If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem and crave the slimmest flagship available in 2025, the Air is a strong contender. But if you’re open to waiting, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge promises the same thinness with a much bigger battery, making it an appealing alternative.

That said, there’s always a risk in waiting for “the next best thing.” The iPhone 17 Air sets the tone for design innovation this year, and if you want to experience it now, it’s a device that will turn heads.