Older generations probably remember what it was like before people had smartphones, while for younger generations, it is likely very hard to imagine life without them.
About 98% of Americans now own a cell phone of some kind, while about nine in 10 (91%) own a smartphone, according to a Pew Research Center survey from November 2024. This is a significant increase from just 35% back in 2011.
Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) is one of the world’s largest smartphone brands and Apple’s (AAPL) biggest rival. It launched its first Android smartphone, the i7500 Galaxy, 16 years ago in April 2009.
Related: No, Apple iPhones won’t be made in America anytime soon
What set apart i7500 Galaxy from other smartphones at the time was an OLED screen and bigger battery, writes Sam Mobile. Further, the phone ran the stock version of Android and used a Qualcomm processor similar to that used by many other HTC phones at that time.
Samsung worked hard to become one of the dominant players in the smartphone industry, with its biggest rival being the Apple iPhone. According to App Developer Magazine, Samsung’s market share dropped by 5.8% in a decade, while Apple’s grew by 4.5%.
While both companies are still the industry leaders, their market share decreased in 2024, due to the staggering growth of various Chinese smartphone makers such as Xiaomi.
Now, Samsung has launched a new smartphone that is turning heads.
Samsung launches the Galaxy S25 Edge, one of the thinnest smartphones on the market.
Image source: Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Samsung launches sleek new smartphone amid speculation of Apple’s new thin iPhone
Samsung revealed the specifications of its new Galaxy S25 Edge slim smartphone on May 13. With a resilient titanium body that is only 5.8mm thick, it is one of the thinnest smartphones on the market. It weighs just 163 grams.
“The feedback was clear — users wanted something slimmer and easier to carry without sacrificing performance,” Samsung told Reuters.
“For the second half of 2025, ‘thin is most definitely in,'” Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, as reported by CNBC.
S25 Edge integrates an iconic Galaxy AI-enabled camera and features Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic offering that delivers advanced protection. The 200MP wide lens delivers sharper, brighter low-light photos, while the 12MP ultra-wide sensor with autofocus enables detailed macro shots.
It will go on sale May 30, 2025, for $1,099.
Related: Apple iPhone decision will upset customers, appease White House
The tech giant’s early launch of the S25 Edge breaks from its usual schedule, coming just months after its January event — well ahead of the typical midyear debut reserved for new foldables.
However, it also coincides with rumors that Apple is preparing to launch a thinner version. According to CNBC, citing Bloomberg, Apple is expected to launch a thinner version of its flagship device, the iPhone 17 Air.
“Samsung is first out the gate with a slim design, but Apple is expected to follow in September, and the burgeoning Chinese brands such as Honor and Xiaomi probably won’t be far behind. It is hard to believe this is not a pre-emptive strike following the widespread speculation that Apple will have a thin iPhone in its next lineup,” Wood added.
Samsung’s Q1 revenue grows 12.81% YOY, thanks to strong sales of Galaxy S25 smartphones
For the first quarter of 2025, Samsung disclosed consolidated revenue of 79.14 trillion Korean won ($56.67 billion USD). Operating profit amounted to 6.61 trillion Korean won, soaring 932.8% from the same period a year ago, as memory chip prices recovered, fueled by confidence in AI advancement, according to CNBC.
The company’s revenue grew 12.81% year-over-year to an all-time high, thanks to strong sales of flagship Galaxy S25 smartphones and high-value-added products.
More Technology:
Open AI founder’s newest project could destroy your privacyAnalysts reset Alphabet stock price target after Apple’s warningMicrosoft makes surprising decision that shocked workers
During the earnings call, however, Daniel Araujo, vice president at Samsung’s mobile division, cautioned that smartphone demand is expected to decrease in the second quarter due to a “seasonality trend,” adding that there is “potential for further adjustments in the forecast due to global tariff policies.”
“The MX business expects a decrease in smartphone shipments and ASP due to the fading effects of our new flagship model launches,” Araujo said. “While tablet shipments are expected to grow sequentially, we plan to sustain flagship-centric sales with a successful launch of the new S25 Edge and continued strong sales of the S25 series. We will also expand our AI phone lineup by introducing Awesome intelligence to our newest A-Series devices.”
Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast
