What Makes the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Stand Out?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s slimmest flagship yet, measuring just 5.8mm thick and weighing a featherlight 163 grams. When I first picked up a demo unit, I couldn’t help but say, “Wow, this feels like holding a piece of the future!” It’s not just about looks, though—Samsung has packed this phone with high-end specs that make it a contender in the premium smartphone market.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re getting:
- Display: A 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 protection.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, ensuring top-tier performance.
- Cameras: A 200MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP front camera.
- Battery: 3,900mAh with 25W wired charging.
- OS: Android 15 with One UI 7, packed with Galaxy AI features.
- Build: Titanium frame, IP68 water and dust resistance.
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB options with 12GB RAM.
This phone is designed for those who want a premium experience without the bulk. But how does it fare for Kenyan buyers specifically? Let’s dig into the details.
Design and Build: Sleek, Sturdy, and Stylish
The first thing you’ll notice about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is how ridiculously thin and light it is. At 5.8mm, it’s slimmer than most phones on the market, including the base Galaxy S25 (7.2mm) and even the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be 5.65mm. It’s so light that it feels like you’re carrying a feather compared to chunkier flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (8.2mm, 219g).
The phone comes in three classy colors: Titanium Icy Blue, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Jet Black. For Kenyan buyers, that Icy Blue shade screams sophistication—perfect for making a statement at a business meeting in Upper Hill or a night out in Diani. The titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 make it durable, with an IP68 rating to survive splashes during Nairobi’s rainy season or a dusty road trip to Naivasha.
One small catch? The slim design means the SIM tray, USB-C port, and speaker are slightly off-center, which might bug perfectionists. Also, the camera bump sticks out a bit (4.5mm), so you’ll want a case to keep things sleek. Speaking of cases, Samsung’s proprietary ones are designed to maintain that slim vibe, which is a nice touch.
Display: A Visual Treat for Streaming and Gaming
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a stunner. With QHD+ resolution (3120×1440) and a 120Hz refresh rate, everything from Netflix binges to PUBG sessions looks buttery smooth and vibrant. The screen hits a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, so whether you’re checking your M-Pesa balance under the scorching Kisumu sun or editing photos in a dimly lit bar, visibility won’t be an issue.
Samsung’s ProScaler tech, borrowed from the S25 Ultra, boosts image quality by 40%, making colors pop and textures feel lifelike. I tested it by streaming a Kenyan wildlife documentary, and the details in the savannah scenes were jaw-dropping. For gamers, the LTPO tech adjusts the refresh rate to save battery during casual scrolling while maximizing smoothness for fast-paced games like Asphalt 9.
Performance: Powerhouse for Multitasking
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge rocks the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This is the same chip powering the entire S25 series, so you’re getting flagship-level performance. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps, editing videos for your YouTube channel, or running demanding games, this phone doesn’t stutter.
Samsung also redesigned the vapor chamber for better heat dissipation, which is crucial for Kenya’s warm climate. I pushed the phone with an hour of Genshin Impact, and it stayed cool, unlike my old phone that felt like a hot ugali plate after 20 minutes of gaming. Plus, with Android 15 and One UI 7, you get seven years of OS and security updates—meaning this phone will stay fresh until at least 2032.
Camera: Stunning Shots, But Missing Zoom
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge boasts a 200MP main camera, the same sensor as the pricier S25 Ultra. It delivers sharp, vibrant photos, especially in low light, thanks to Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. I snapped some shots at Moi Avenue street food market at dusk, and the colors of the nyama choma and kachumbari were so vivid, I almost forgot to eat! The 12MP ultrawide lens is great for group shots or landscapes, like capturing the Ngong Hills in one frame.
However, there’s a catch: no telephoto lens. Unlike the S25 Plus or Ultra, which have a 10MP 3x zoom, the Edge relies on digital zoom (up to 2x optical-quality via sensor crop). For Kenyan photographers who love zooming in on wildlife during safaris, this might feel limiting. The 12MP front camera is solid for selfies and video calls, with natural skin tones that don’t overprocess your face—a win for those Zoom meetings or TikTok videos.
Galaxy AI adds some fun tricks, like Audio Eraser for removing background noise in videos (perfect for recording in noisy matatus) and generative editing to remove photobombers. These features make the camera system versatile, even without the telephoto lens.
Battery Life: The Slim Trade-Off
Here’s where things get tricky. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a 3,900mAh battery, smaller than the 4,900mAh in the S25 Plus or 4,000mAh in the base S25. To achieve that slim profile, Samsung had to compromise, and battery life takes a hit. In my tests, it lasted a full day of moderate use—WhatsApp, social media, and some music streaming—but heavy users (like those streaming TikTok for hours or gaming) might need a mid-day top-up.
Charging is at 25W, which gets you to 55% in about 30 minutes, but it’s slower than the 45W on the S25 Plus. For Kenyan buyers, this means you’ll want to keep a power bank handy, especially if you’re on the move in areas with unreliable power like rural Kisii. On the bright side, Samsung’s optimizations and the efficient Snapdragon chip help stretch the battery further than expected.
Price and Availability in Kenya
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,099 (roughly KSh 142,000 at current exchange rates) for the 256GB model, with the 512GB version at $1,219 (about KSh 158,000). In India, it’s priced at ₹1,09,999 (around KSh 170,000), so expect similar pricing in Kenya when it hits stores like Safaricom shops or Jumia Kenya. Pre-orders began on May 12, 2025, with sales kicking off on May 30 in the U.S. and May 23 in select markets like South Korea. Kenyan availability should follow soon, likely through major retailers and carriers.
Samsung is sweetening the deal with pre-order perks like a free storage upgrade (512GB for the price of 256GB) and trade-in offers that could drop the price to as low as $469.99 (KSh 61,000) with an eligible device. If you’re upgrading from an older Galaxy, check out Samsung’s trade-in program to save big.
How Does It Compare? A Quick Look
To help you decide, here’s a comparison table of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge against its siblings and a rival, the rumored iPhone 17 Air:
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Edge | Galaxy S25 Plus | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Air (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | KSh 142,000 ($1,099) | KSh 130,000 ($999) | KSh 168,000 ($1,299) | ~KSh 150,000 ($1,149) |
| Thickness | 5.8mm | 7.3mm | 8.2mm | 5.65mm |
| Weight | 163g | 190g | 219g | ~160g |
| Display | 6.7” QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7” QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.9” QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.6” OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite | A19 (rumored) |
| Main Camera | 200MP | 50MP | 200MP | 48MP (rumored) |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 10MP (3x) | 50MP (5x) | None (rumored) |
| Battery | 3,900mAh, 25W charging | 4,900mAh, 45W charging | 5,000mAh, 45W charging | ~3,500mAh (rumored) |
Sources: TechRadar, Wired, The Verge
The S25 Edge offers a premium camera and build but sacrifices battery life and telephoto capabilities compared to the S25 Plus and Ultra. Against the iPhone 17 Air, it has a larger screen and better main camera but may lag in battery efficiency.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Worth It for Kenyan Buyers?
So, should you rush to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge? If you value a sleek, lightweight design and don’t mind charging more often, this phone is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for professionals who want a stylish device for work and play, or content creators who need a powerful camera for social media. The 200MP sensor and Galaxy AI features make it a creative powerhouse, while the slim profile is a conversation starter.
However, if you’re a power user who needs all-day battery life or loves zooming in for photos, the Galaxy S25 Plus or Galaxy S25 Ultra might be better bets. Budget-conscious buyers might also consider the upcoming Galaxy S25 FE, which could offer similar specs at a lower price.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a bold move by Samsung, blending cutting-edge tech with a design that feels like a breath of fresh air. For Kenyan buyers, it’s a premium option that stands out in a sea of bulky flagships. Whether you’re upgrading for the sleek build, the vibrant display, or the powerful camera, this phone delivers—though the battery life and lack of telephoto might give some pause.
Ready to make the leap? Check out pre-order deals on Jumia Kenya or visit a Safaricom shop to see if the S25 Edge fits your vibe. Want to compare more options? Explore our guides on the best smartphones in Kenya for 2025 or the Galaxy S25 series breakdown. Let us know in the comments what you think of the S25 Edge—will you be getting one?
