Is the Ultra-Slim Smartphone Race Already Over?

Welcome to episode 74 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Abner, Damien, and Will turn their attention to the rumored cancellation of next year's Galaxy S26 Edge. The trio discuss what this means for the S25 Edge's poor sales, and how it relates to Samsung's ongoing strategy of trying to compete with Apple product by product. Plus, Abner takes the opportunity to share his thoughts on the iPhone Air a month after launch, and a look into what Google can learn from all of this.

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Timecodes

• 00:00:00 - Galaxy S26 Edge might be cancelled
• 00:06:04 - iPhone Air thoughts and S25 Edge comparisons
• 00:14:41 - Samsung's strategy and the future of thin phones
• 00:25:08 - Battery life concerns
• 00:34:16 - Ultra-thin phones vs. flip phones
• 00:45:20 - iOS 26 and shortcut buttons
• 00:53:08 - What Google can take away from this launch cycle

Hosts

• Abner Li
• Damien Wilde
• Will Sattelberg

Read more

• The Galaxy S25 Edge failed so badly that Samsung might give up on thin phones
• Samsung reportedly dumps Galaxy S26 ‘Pro’ as its vision for copying Apple crumbles
• iPhone Air review: The thinnest iPhone ever, but at what cost? [9to5Mac]

Listen to more 9to5 Podcasts

• The Sideload
• 9to5Mac Happy Hour
• Electrek
• Space Explored

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