Samsung and Apple’s race to slim phones might skirt the sticker shock

In recent months, reports have surfaced about Samsung and Apple’s plans to introduce “slim” smartphones, sparking curiosity about potential price hikes. Surprisingly, it appears these ultra-thin devices won’t come with a hefty price tag.

For Apple, the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to take the place of the iPhone Plus model, which reportedly underperformed in sales. To address this gap in their lineup, Apple is said to be launching the Air model this year while maintaining a pricing structure similar to the Plus model, ensuring accessibility without drastic changes.

“The Plus model faced challenges due to its unclear positioning, which resulted in poor sales performance. By rebranding it as a slim model, the company successfully introduced a pricing strategy aligned with the previous Plus model’s price point, enhancing its appeal and marketability,” an industry insider told Sisa Journal.

Samsung appears to be following Apple’s lead with its latest move, as the Korean electronics giant is reportedly preparing to launch the Galaxy S25 Slim. According to reports, this device is designed as a direct response to Apple’s Air product. To compete effectively, Samsung plans to position the Galaxy S25 Slim at a competitive price point, ensuring it remains accessible to a wider audience.

The pricing details for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Slim remain uncertain. However, according to a source referenced by a Korean outlet, the device is expected to be more affordable than the flagship Ultra model.

If the rumors hold true, both the Galaxy S25 Slim and Apple’s iPhone 17 Air could be priced around $900. These highly anticipated devices are slated for release in the latter half of 2025, with Samsung potentially launching the Galaxy S25 Slim a few weeks ahead of Apple’s iPhone 17 Air.

Samsung’s upcoming phone is set to feature a sleek design with a 6.7-inch display and a profile likely ranging between 6mm to 6.9mm thick. It promises a robust camera setup, potentially including a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 50x zoom capability, although details on its processor remain uncertain.

On the other hand, the rumored iPhone 17 Air appears less revolutionary in terms of hardware, focusing instead on a slimmed-down form factor. Reports suggest it will sport a single rear camera, a smaller battery, and utilize a titanium-aluminum chassis.

Apple is also rumored to introduce a new battery design featuring a metal shell that encapsulates the cell kit, employing a technique called electrically induced adhesive debonding to facilitate easier repair and replacement processes.