Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: Did Samsung’s ultra-thin smartphone gamble backfire?

Samsung seems to be retreating from its ambitions of creating an ultra-thin flagship smartphone, dropping plans to roll out the much-hyped Galaxy S26 Edge. This action is only several months after poor reception of the Samsung flagship phone Galaxy S25 Edge, a device which, in spite of being an engineering wonder, was unable to appeal to buyers because of critical losses in battery capacity and camera versatility. 

The experience of the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air shows that there is a trade-off that companies must consider critical: the loss of battery and camera features in favour of a smoother body can turn off the average consumer. Because of this, the trend towards focusing on user-centric criteria that provide long-term satisfaction is being reverted to by numerous manufacturers instead of aiming at short-lived design trends.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: Ultra-thin flagships lose market positioning

Samsung has entirely abandoned plans to launch the Galaxy S26 Edge as opposed to postponing it as it was earlier predicted in a recent report by Korea Economic Daily. The experience highlights a growing debate around design vs practicality in flagship smartphones. The company is now likely to go back to a more conventional Galaxy S26 model, where the company aims at balanced hardware and not making the thinness push. The move is indicative of the movement in the wider industry: customers are placing an emphasis on aspects of functionality such as battery life and versatility in the camera, rather than slimness. Consumers now prioritise smartphone battery life and camera features over extreme thinness. The reported cancellation of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge reflects shifting consumer priorities. This also impacts Samsung’s position in the premium smartphone market.

The S25 Edge: A fail

The Galaxy S25 Edge, which was the first ultra-slim flagship at Samsung, was applauded because of its design but faulted as it had limitations. Its 3,900mAh battery was not competitive with power users and Samsung had to sacrifice the telephoto camera to ensure the thin chassis and reduced camera versatility, including the loss of a telephoto lens. The Galaxy S25 Edge suffered due to a clear battery compromise. These trade offs restricted its attractiveness thus remained a niche product but not a mainstream hit.

Apple’s iPhone Air: A parallel story of lesser demand

Samsung has a history of facing similar experiences as Apple has recently been facing the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air comparison reveals that even Apple faced similar resistance to ultra-thin designs. Although the ultra-thin iPhone Air had initial excitement, the demand could not hold and Apple had to reduce the production by approximately one million units. The device has been seen to lose many customers who returned the device to get a regular model or Pro models due to the same problems that battery life and camera performance gave it. Both brands underestimated consumer preferences in smartphones.

The shift back to practicality

Samsung and Apple now seem to be taking a break in their ultra-thin flagship drive, and it seems back to reality in the design of smartphones. Ultra-thin phones can not be produced without making serious compromises, the kind most consumers will not even contemplate due to the lack of incorporation of fresh battery technologies, such as silicon-carbon, which are already in the hands of Chinese products. This signals a reset in Samsung smartphone strategy, favouring balance over design extremes.

In the meantime, Samsung appears to be concentrating on providing a balanced flagship product which will guarantee reliable battery life, the versatile cameras and the extended performance. Users increasingly value flagship camera features and dependable battery life. The fact that the Galaxy S26 Edge was canceled can be seen as an indication of a distinct change in consumer values, the practicality is now overruling radical design. This article is based on recent reports and leaks. The cancellation of Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge is not officially stated. The reported cancellation of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge suggests that ultra-thin smartphones may no longer define the future of flagship design.

Disclaimer: The information regarding the gadgets/devices listed in the table and article has been sourced from various secondary sources. For detailed product specifications, please refer to the brand sources.