For over five years, the Galaxy S Ultra line has been synonymous with excess: massive displays, camera sensors with almost absurd resolutions, and a heavy focus on technology over aesthetics. But something has changed. In a move few saw coming, Samsung appears to have quietly brought that era to a close with the transformation of the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 Ultra into an all-new device: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge .
This decision isn't simply a name change. It represents a strategic shift, a conceptual redesign of the company's flagship, and perhaps an attempt to redefine what a flagship should be in 2025. Is this a bold move toward a slimmer, sleeker future, or a sacrifice of power in the name of design? As a technology analyst and mobile journalist, I can't help but ask myself that question.
Thinness as a flag: a design revolution or a functional setback?
The first big headline of the Galaxy S25 Edge is its ultra-slim profile , a body that barely exceeds 7mm thick. In a market where phones tend to get bigger with bigger cameras and bulkier batteries, Samsung has done the opposite. At first glance, this represents a triumph of industrial design: the S25 Edge feels light, elegant, almost futuristic.
However, this decision also raises questions. The reduction in thickness has been accompanied by important technical decisions: the battery, for example, has slightly decreased in capacity to 4,700 mAh , which, while efficient thanks to the new Exynos 2500 processor (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, depending on the region), might not achieve the same levels of autonomy that Ultra users were accustomed to. This is especially true for a heavy-duty user profile such as a mobile gamer, content creator, or multitasking executive.
Computational photography: less hardware, more intelligence
Where the Ultra offered raw photography power, the Edge promises computational intelligence . Samsung has reduced the number of rear sensors from four to three, but has incorporated software improvements powered by artificial intelligence. The main sensor is still a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 , but it's now joined by a 12MP ultra-wide angle and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
Beyond the numbers, the real leap forward is in what Samsung calls the "Galaxy AI Camera Suite": a set of algorithms that improve sharpness, reduce noise in extreme conditions, and allow for contextual edits directly from the gallery, such as removing objects or altering the background with a single tap. This type of computational photography puts the S25 Edge in line with dominant trends, such as those seen in the Pixel 9 or iPhone 16 Pro, and demonstrates that the power of mobile photography is no longer solely dependent on sensor size.
Processing and AI: The Neural Heart of the S25 Edge
The S25 Edge is not only thinner, but also smarter. This is thanks to the integration of Galaxy AI 2.0 , a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit)-based embedded learning system. This unit enables features such as simultaneous translation during calls , content generation in messaging apps, and automatic document and email summaries.
All of this is supported by the new 3nm chip manufactured by Samsung Foundry, which, according to initial internal tests, offers sustained performance superior to that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with a reduction in power consumption of up to 20%. This improvement translates not only into smoother performance but also into greater efficiency for tasks that require constant AI processing, such as smart assistants or photo and video editing with machine learning support.
Display and multimedia experience: the Edge wears its name with pride
As its name suggests, the Galaxy S25 Edge brings back a concept that seemed forgotten: curved screens. It's not as pronounced a curvature as the S6 Edge, but enough to offer an immersive experience without compromising usability. It's a 6.78-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, QHD+ resolution, adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz, and a maximum brightness of 2,800 nits.
This is a phone made for enjoying content: whether that's watching series in HDR10+ or playing demanding mobile titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile . Paired with AKG-tuned stereo speakers, the audio-visual experience is simply one of the best on Android.
Software, sustainability and the Chilean factor
With One UI 7 based on Android 15, Samsung has managed to further refine one of the most comprehensive customization layers on the market. Redundancies have been eliminated, visual consistency has been improved, and an "Eco Mode" has been introduced that adapts the entire system to maximize battery life.
Furthermore, Samsung is taking a significant step toward sustainability: recycled materials in its structure, completely plastic-free packaging, and a seven-year promise of software updates , similar to Google or Apple. In the Chilean market, where mobile renewals often extend for more than three years, this policy can be a decisive factor. Added to this is a well-positioned technical service network and financing agreements with local operators that could facilitate its adoption.
And the price? A strategic decision
While there's no official confirmation yet, the S25 Edge is expected to have a base price similar to the old Ultra: around $1,299 USD . This puts it at the top of the premium market. In Chile , that could translate to prices closer to $1,300,000 CLP , depending on the dollar and import policies.
Is this price justifiable? For a user who values design, power, long-term software support, and advanced AI features, it probably is. But it's also true that competitors like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and even Motorola offer powerful alternatives for significantly lower prices.
the beginning of a new Galaxy era?
Samsung has done more than just change the name of the S25 Ultra. It has made a philosophical decision: to abandon technological gigantism in favor of thoughtful, ultra-thin elegance, powered by artificial intelligence and computational photography. The Galaxy S25 Edge not only feels like the future, but represents a paradigm shift: lighter, fewer sensors, but more intelligence and more design.
That doesn't mean it's perfect. Battery life is on the line, and more enthusiastic users might miss the Ultra's monstrous specs. But if this is Samsung's new direction, I'm fascinated to see where it takes us.
What do you think? Do you miss the Ultra, or are you drawn to this new take on the Edge? Let me know in the comments.