# No, Seriously: Phones Need to Become Thinner
For many years, the smartphone market has been caught in a tug-of-war involving performance, battery longevity, and aesthetics. Although we have witnessed remarkable advancements in camera technology, battery capacity, and processing power, one aspect that has seen less focus lately is the quest for ultra-slim designs. Nonetheless, recent speculation hints that Apple and Samsung are revisiting the idea of ultra-thin flagship devices, potentially launching with the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S25 series.
But why should we be concerned about thinner phones when we’ve been trained to place importance on features such as battery longevity and camera quality? Here’s why the revival of slimmer smartphones could be revolutionary.
## The Return of Thin Phones: A New Design Era
In the early 2010s, smartphone makers were racing to create the sleekest devices possible. This competition produced some iconic designs, but also led to several notable missteps. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, for instance, were so slender that they gained notoriety for bending under pressure — a controversy that became famously known as “bendgate.” This incident made many consumers and manufacturers cautious about valuing thinness over strength and practicality.
However, technology has advanced significantly since then. Contemporary materials, enhanced internal configurations, and improved engineering allow for the creation of slim phones without sacrificing essential qualities. Recent models like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the M4 iPad Pro have demonstrated that it’s feasible to manufacture ultra-thin devices that still deliver impressive performance and battery longevity.
### Slim and Lightweight Phones: A Comfort for Your Hands and Pockets
One of the most immediate advantages of a thinner phone is the comfort it offers. Grasping a heavy, bulky phone for extended durations can be exhausting, especially when you’re in bed or multitasking. A lighter, slimmer phone is simpler to handle, fits more snugly in your pocket, and feels less cumbersome when you’re on the move.
For instance, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, when fully opened, measures only 5.1mm in thickness, and the M4 iPad Pro is 5.3mm. These devices are exceptionally easy to transport and use, and their sleekness lends them a more modern appearance. Even older gadgets like the seventh-generation iPod Nano, which is merely 5.4mm thick, exemplify the benefits of a slender design. It’s no surprise that there’s excitement about the anticipated Galaxy S25 Slim, which may measure between 5mm and 6mm.
### Thinner Phones Offer Greater Versatility
A sleeker phone isn’t only about style or comfort — it can also provide increased versatility. Consider how frequently you balance your phone alongside other objects like keys, wallets, or a coffee cup. A slimmer device would simplify these daily activities. Additionally, it’s less likely to feel cumbersome when carried in your pocket or tote.
Think about the experience of holding your phone above your head while lying in bed. A lighter, thinner phone reduces the strain on your hands and diminishes the chances of accidentally dropping it on your face (we’ve all experienced that). The Galaxy S25 Slim might be an ideal solution for these minor yet genuine inconveniences.
## Are Giant Batteries and Massive Camera Sensors Truly Necessary?
One of the primary arguments against thinner phones is that they often come equipped with smaller batteries and less powerful cameras. But do we genuinely require enormous batteries and large camera sensors in every device?
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and M4 iPad Pro demonstrate that it’s possible to achieve fantastic performance and battery longevity in a slim form factor. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a robust Tensor G4 chip and strong battery life, while the M4 iPad Pro delivers desktop-class performance with its M4 chip and a 10-hour battery life. These gadgets illustrate that thinness doesn’t necessarily compromise performance.
Furthermore, with the increasing availability of fast charging and portable battery packs, the necessity for oversized batteries is decreasing. Most users can comfortably navigate through a full day of usage with occasional charging at their desks, in their cars, or overnight. And for those rare instances when extra power is needed, portable chargers can readily fill in the gaps.
As for camera quality, while large sensors can yield stunning images, they’re not always essential. Innovations in computational photography and smaller sensors mean that even slim devices can capture impressive photos. The anticipated Galaxy S25 Slim, for instance, is set to feature an “Ultra” camera system, potentially rivaling the performance of larger flagship models.
## Thin Phones and Cases: A Seamless Pairing
One of the major grievances regarding modern smartphones is that they tend to become bulky when equipped with protective cases. However, a thinner phone could alleviate this issue. Imagine a Galaxy S25 Slim that, even with a case, remains slimmer than today’s flagship devices without
