iPhone 17 Air and Galaxy S25 Slim's battery life suffers for their sleek design

In the high-stakes world of smartphone design, where form often battles function, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air and Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim appear to be taking a step back, or rather, a thin slice out of battery life. Both devices are rumored to be pushing the boundaries of thinness at a significant cost, particularly to their battery capacities.

Let’s start with Apple‘s contender, the iPhone 17 Air (or Slim). Rumors suggest this model will feature a single rear camera, a stark contrast to the multi-lens systems we’ve grown accustomed to. But the compromise doesn’t stop there. According to a well-known leaker, Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the iPhone 17 Air will likely sport a battery capacity in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 mAh. For a phone expected to be Apple’s thinnest yet, this is a significant sacrifice, especially when you consider the daily demands of modern smartphone users.

Samsung isn’t faring much better with its Galaxy S25 Slim. Despite possibly offering more camera options, it’s also rumored to be equipped with a battery in the same disappointing 3,000 to 4,000 mAh bracket. This information, again, comes from Digital Chat Station‘s posts on Weibo.

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The disappointment here isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about what these numbers imply for user experience. In a market where Chinese manufacturers like Oppo and Xiaomi are pushing the envelope with 7,500 mAh batteries in mid-range devices, the offerings from Apple and Samsung seem lackluster. These companies have not yet embraced Silicon-Carbon battery technology, which could potentially offer higher energy density without increasing the physical size of the battery, thus maintaining the slim profile.

The trade-off between thinness and battery life is an old tale, but it’s becoming increasingly frustrating for consumers who want both. With the iPhone 17 Air potentially debuting in September 2025 and the Galaxy S25 Slim rumored for a Q2 release, these devices are set to test the patience of users. The slim design might look good in a marketing campaign, but in the real world, it translates to more frequent charging and possibly performance throttling to manage heat.

However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon. The competitive nature of the smartphone market means that where one company falters, another sees an opportunity. Chinese manufacturers are reportedly gearing up to launch their own ultra-thin models, promising not only sleek designs but also battery capacities starting at 5,000 mAh. This approach could set a new standard, nudging industry leaders like Apple and Samsung to innovate or risk falling behind in consumer preference.