Galaxy S25 Edge Outshines S25 Plus in Western Europe, But Global Sales Falter

 

Samsung’s ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge has made waves in Western Europe, outperforming the Galaxy S25 Plus in first-week sales. Despite this regional success, global sales of the sleek flagship have fallen short of expectations, prompting Samsung to reassess production plans. This article dives into the performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge, its key features, and what it means for Samsung’s strategy moving forward.

 

Strong Start in Western Europe

According to industry reports, the Galaxy S25 Edge, launched on May 30, 2025, achieved higher first-week sales in Western Europe compared to the last four Galaxy S Plus models (S22+, S23+, S24+, and S25+). Analysts from Counterpoint Research attribute this initial success to several factors:

• Ultra-Slim Design: At just 5.8mm thick, the Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s thinnest flagship, offering a lightweight and ergonomic feel.

• Titanium Frame: The use of premium materials like titanium enhances its aesthetic appeal and durability.

• Innovative Features: The 200MP main camera and Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.

These elements resonated with European buyers seeking a stylish, cutting-edge device, giving the Edge a competitive advantage over the S25 Plus in this market.

Global Sales Challenges

Despite its strong debut in Western Europe, the Galaxy S25 Edge has struggled to meet Samsung’s global sales expectations. Reports from South Korea indicate that the company has significantly reduced production of the S25 Edge due to lower-than-anticipated demand worldwide. This follows earlier signs of sluggish performance, such as Samsung’s reluctance to share first-week preorder figures in Korea, a departure from its usual practice of celebrating strong sales.

The S25 Edge’s compromises, including a 3,900mAh battery (smaller than the S25 Plus’s) and the absence of a telephoto camera, may have deterred buyers. Many consumers appear unwilling to sacrifice battery life and camera versatility for a thinner design, despite the phone’s premium $1,099 price point for 256GB storage.

Impact on Samsung’s Strategy

Samsung had initially considered replacing the Galaxy S26 Plus with an S26 Edge in 2026, banking on the S25 Edge’s success to redefine its flagship lineup. However, the model’s underwhelming global performance has cast doubt on this plan. Sources suggest that Samsung is now rethinking the Edge’s role as a potential replacement for the Plus, which has historically been the weakest seller among the Galaxy S series.

In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to dominate, with 8.39 million units sold globally in the first four months, followed by the Galaxy S25 with 4.86 million units, and the S25 Plus with 3.17 million units. The S25 Edge’s global sales figures remain undisclosed, further highlighting its struggles.

The Rise of Ultra-Slim Phones

The Galaxy S25 Edge’s mixed performance comes at a time when ultra-slim smartphones are gaining attention. Rumors of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected later in 2025, suggest that the ultra-slim segment could see growing interest. If Apple’s offering gains traction, it may inspire renewed demand for sleek devices like the S25 Edge, potentially giving Samsung a chance to refine its approach.

Samsung’s response to the S25 Edge’s performance could include enhanced discounts or trade-in offers, as seen in markets like the Netherlands, where preorder bonuses were rapidly improved to boost sales. These strategies may help the Edge regain momentum in the coming months.

What’s Next for the Galaxy S25 Edge?

While the Galaxy S25 Edge has shown promise in Western Europe, its global challenges highlight the difficulty of balancing innovation with consumer expectations. Samsung’s focus on slim design and premium materials is commendable, but the trade-offs in battery life and camera features have proven to be a hard sell for many. As the company ramps up production of foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to prepare for U.S. tariffs, the S25 Edge’s future remains uncertain.

Will Samsung double down on the ultra-slim concept or pivot back to the tried-and-true Plus model? The answer may depend on how the market evolves and whether competitors like Apple can make thin flagships a mainstream trend.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S25 Edge has captured attention in Western Europe with its sleek design and innovative features, outperforming the S25 Plus in first-week sales. However, its global sales have fallen short, prompting Samsung to scale back production and reconsider its strategy for the Galaxy S26 series. As the ultra-slim smartphone segment heats up, the S25 Edge’s performance will be a key indicator of whether style can triumph over substance in the competitive flagship market.