Galaxy S25 Slim vs. iPhone 17 Air: Who’s Inspired by Whom? 

Published: Dec 04, 2024, 11:11 AM 

You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s no smoke without fire.” And after watching the mobile industry for years, it’s safe to bet that the rumors surrounding the Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air will eventually come true.

These devices might not launch with these exact names, and their dimensions and specs are still unclear. But one thing is almost certain: both phones exist, and at least one of them is likely in the final stages of development, aiming for a first-half 2025 release.

Is Samsung Copying Apple, or the Other Way Around?

Ah, the age-old debate between Apple and Samsung fans! 🤯 Who’s copying whom?

In reality, this question doesn’t matter much. The smartphone market is big enough to accommodate both brands (and more). Instead of arguing, wouldn’t it be better to demand meaningful innovations from these tech giants?

If the current rumors hold true, Samsung might beat Apple to the punch by launching its "Slim" model first. But in a year or two, who will remember? Similarly, whether Apple started developing the iPhone 17 Air before Samsung decided to add a fourth S25 model won’t matter to most buyers.

What will matter is how the S25 Slim stands out from the other S25 models and whether it’s worth buying or waiting for the iPhone 17 Air.

Why Does the Galaxy S25 Slim Exist?

That’s the million (or maybe multi-billion) dollar question that Samsung's marketing team will need to answer. Based on current rumors, the Galaxy S25 Slim might:

• Outperform the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in terms of camera capabilities.

• Drop S Pen support (reserved for the Ultra).

• Focus primarily on its sleek, thin design, potentially at the cost of other features.

Is there a demand for such a device? Perhaps. Since the Galaxy Note lineup was discontinued, Samsung's high-end roster has felt incomplete. Foldables had their moment, but their novelty is fading. The S25 Slim could be the fresh addition the Galaxy S series needs.

A Missed Opportunity for Samsung?

While the Galaxy S25 Slim might become a hit, it’s hard not to wonder if Samsung could be using its resources more effectively. Instead of chasing the iPhone 17 Air, why not release a true Galaxy S25 FE—a more affordable device with a big battery and solid overall specs?

Such a device would fill a gap in the market for affordable high-end smartphones and could be a massive success. That kind of "clone" would be far more appealing and relevant to consumers.

With all that in mind, I will not change my position from just last week, and if I'm predicting the iPhone 17 Air to become a hit, it's only logical to expect the same from the Galaxy S25 Slim. Still, I can't help but feel like Samsung is wasting precious resources on "copying" the wrong iPhone rather than taking a page out of the SE playbook, for instance, to release a truly affordable Galaxy S25 FE with a hefty battery and respectable overall specs. Now that's the kind of "clone" I'm ready to defend to my last breath. 

Will the Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air be mere copies of each other, or will they bring true innovation? In the end, what matters is the user experience and whether these devices meet the needs of users in 2025.

So, what’s your preference? A sleek, ultra-thin smartphone, or a more affordable, well-rounded device with great battery life?