Why the iPhone Air Captured the Market While the Galaxy S25 Edge Faded Away

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When it comes to spotting the latest smartphones on the streets, the iPhone Air is a far more common sight than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite being released around the same time, the Air can be frequently seen in the hands of commuters and everyday users, while the Galaxy S25 Edge seems to have quickly disappeared from public view.

The iPhone Air remains fresh and intriguing, only two months on the market, drawing attention both for its design and user experience. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Edge, once a buzzed-about member of the S25 lineup, has seemingly become a forgotten device.

The Galaxy S25 Edge: From Hype to Obscurity

Samsung initially built anticipation around the Galaxy S25 Edge with months of teasers ahead of its launch, attracting a curious and adventurous audience eager to experience this slim flagship variant. However, after the initial wave of purchases and reviews, interest dwindled. The phone now feels relegated to the background of tech conversations.

Galaxy S25 Edge in hand

Sales figures tell part of the story — the Galaxy S25 Edge managed to sell about 1.3 million units in its first three months, a respectable number but one that fell short of Samsung’s expectations. Consequently, the company has reportedly shelved firm plans for a Galaxy S26 Edge model, though rumors continue to swirl about its fate.

Meanwhile, Apple’s shipment numbers for the iPhone Air remain undisclosed. Reports indicate the company has reduced production by 10%, possibly acknowledging that the Air was always intended as a niche device rather than a mass-market blockbuster. Still, the buzz surrounding the iPhone Air remains much stronger than that around Samsung's Edge phone.

What Makes the iPhone Air More Appealing?

Truly Thin Design

While the Galaxy S25 Edge is indeed slim — comparable to the S25 Plus — it doesn’t make a striking impression in terms of thinness. The iPhone Air edges it out by 0.16 mm, a seemingly small difference on paper but one enhanced by the Air’s carefully beveled frame. The result is a device that looks and feels genuinely sleek and modern, even next to its Samsung counterpart.

Comparison of iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge slimness

iOS 26 Complements the Design Perfectly

The updated iOS 26 interface, with its elegant glass elements, fits beautifully on the iPhone Air’s nearly bezel-less screen. It evokes the futuristic "communication devices" often imagined in early 2000s sci-fi movies — just a flat pane of glass packed with technology.

By contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 phones tend to maintain a more utilitarian design language, with thicker textures and less emphasis on visual novelty. This more conventional look may appeal to some, but it lacks the wow factor that can sway undecided buyers at the store.

iOS 26 interface on iPhone Air

Brand Perception and User Expectations

The iPhone Air has struck a chord with its audience, often being met with excitement and enthusiasm. Samsung, however, faced a critical response from its fans regarding the Galaxy S25 Edge’s battery life, highlighting that specs alone do not determine user satisfaction.

Samsung’s Misguided Focus

Though the Galaxy S25 Edge boasts superior specs on paper — including an additional camera, stereo speakers, and a larger battery — these features aren’t always decisive. When developing a slim, stylish phone, Samsung appears to have targeted the wrong audience. Tech enthusiasts craving top-tier specs usually lean towards the Galaxy S26 Plus or Ultra, not the Edge.

Apple’s approach with the iPhone Air was to strip the device down to essentials: one reliable camera, a single speaker, and smooth performance on iOS 26. While not groundbreaking on paper, this focus on core experience makes the Air stand out as a fashionable yet functional device.

iPhone Air in user’s hand

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