Samsung's reported decision to cancel the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, following what are deemed as disappointing sales of its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Edge, is a move that has been met with considerable skepticism. This discontinuation, if true, represents a significant misstep for the technology giant, particularly as the S25 Edge, despite its niche appeal, offered a refreshing departure in smartphone design. The company's focus on conventional metrics might overshadow the potential for growth and market validation in the nascent ultra-slim smartphone category, especially with competitors now entering this space.
Among the many smartphones released and reviewed in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge stands out as particularly memorable. While other devices, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, excelled in camera technology, and the Honor Magic V5 boasted an incredibly thin foldable design, the S25 Edge possessed a certain allure. As an avid Android user, the prospect of a sleek Android alternative to devices like the new iPhone Air was genuinely appealing. However, recent reports from South Korea suggest that the S26 Edge will not materialize, a decision that many believe to be a grave error.
Reports from the South Korean publication Newspim indicate that Samsung has ceased development on the Galaxy S26 Edge. This decision reportedly stems from the S25 Edge's modest sales performance, which saw only 1.31 million units sold. In stark contrast, the standard Galaxy S25 moved 8.28 million units, the S25 Plus achieved 5.05 million sales, and the S25 Ultra dominated with 12.18 million units. Furthermore, Samsung is said to be halting production of the S25 Edge once existing inventory is depleted. This information has been corroborated by prominent leakers, including @UniverseIce on X, who cited independent sources confirming the S26 Edge's cancellation.
While the S25 Edge's sales figures are undoubtedly lower compared to its siblings, it's crucial to consider the broader context. One might recall the initial reception of the original Galaxy Fold. Samsung anticipated only 500,000 sales for that device, half the actual sales volume of the S25 Edge, and it was never officially confirmed if even that target was met. Had Samsung abandoned the foldable concept after its initial, somewhat bumpy, launch, we would not have witnessed the evolution into the sophisticated Galaxy Z Fold 7 we see today. This historical perspective suggests that early sales numbers alone may not be sufficient grounds for discontinuing an innovative product line. The S25 Edge, despite its initial shortcomings, held significant potential for future enhancements, particularly if Samsung were to integrate advanced battery technologies, such as silicon-carbon, akin to those adopted by leading Chinese manufacturers.
Samsung faced a unique challenge in marketing the Galaxy S25 Edge, as conveying the benefits of an ultra-thin, ultra-light smartphone is difficult without consumers experiencing it firsthand. Initially, the concept of a premium-priced phone (£1099/$1099) with a small battery and no zoom lenses seemed questionable. However, holding the device transformed perceptions; a mere 2mm reduction in thickness, while seemingly minor on paper, made a profound difference in user experience. At 5.8mm thin and weighing just 163g, it offered a significantly lighter and more comfortable feel compared to bulkier flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which measured 8.2mm and 218g. The S25 Edge received criticism at launch for not prioritizing specifications above all else, which likely hindered its sales. Yet, the recent introduction of the iPhone Air changes the landscape entirely. As Apple has historically demonstrated, its entry into a product category often mainstreamed it. Just as the iPad popularized tablets and the Apple Watch redefined wearables, the iPhone Air could legitimize the demand for ultra-slim phones, encouraging consumers to value design over raw specifications.
Moreover, when directly compared, the Galaxy S25 Edge holds its own against the iPhone Air, even surpassing it in certain aspects. The iPhone Air features a single 48MP camera, whereas the S25 Edge boasts a more versatile combination of a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Additionally, the S25 Edge's 3900mAh battery offers a larger capacity than Apple's 3149mAh alternative. With this new competitive landscape, the S25 Edge should appear more appealing, not less, contrary to Samsung's current assumption. Samsung, often seen as the Android equivalent of Apple, tends to adhere strictly to successful formulas. This is evident in its flagship Galaxy S25 series, where the S25 and S25 Plus bear a striking resemblance to their S23 predecessors and even share some internal components. Even the redesigned S25 Ultra maintains a familiar essence. This tendency for comfort and caution, however, may not be suitable for an entirely new smartphone design.
Instead, Samsung should reconsider its strategy and potentially revert to the rumored plan of replacing the S26 Plus model with the S26 Edge, possibly rebranding the standard S26 as the S26 Pro. The rationale is clear: the Plus and Ultra models often overlap significantly, making the Plus somewhat redundant. More importantly, the flagship Galaxy range requires innovation to combat stagnation. An ultra-slim alternative caters to users who prioritize sleek design and ergonomic comfort over top-tier specifications in every department. With both the S25 Edge and the iPhone Air now setting a precedent, Samsung no longer faces the challenge of introducing an entirely novel concept to consumers. Therefore, maintaining the Edge series for a longer period could ultimately yield substantial benefits for Samsung, allowing it to cultivate a unique market segment and capitalize on evolving consumer preferences.
