The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Ditches the Telephoto Lens, and That’s Not a Deal Breaker

In the highly competitive smartphone market, Samsung continues to push the envelope with its Galaxy lineup. However, with the recent unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the tech giant made a bold decision that has sparked plenty of conversation: the absence of a telephoto lens on its cutting-edge flagship. At first glance, this might seem like a surprising or even baffling choice, especially given how smartphones have obsessively focused on enhancing camera systems in recent years. Yet, after examining the bigger picture (quite literally), it’s clear this choice could signify a meaningful pivot in smartphone design, one that aligns with evolving user habits and technological advancements.

Here’s why the lack of a telephoto lens in the Galaxy S25 Edge isn’t just forgivable—it might even be the smarter play for the future of smartphones.

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What’s Missing and Why?

The telephoto lens has long been a staple in high-end smartphones, offering users advanced zooming capabilities to capture far-off subjects without sacrificing image quality. Samsung itself has been a pioneer in this space, introducing impressive periscope zoom systems in some of its Galaxy S and Galaxy Ultra models. So why would the company now choose to leave a telephoto lens out of the Galaxy S25 Edge?

• Cost vs. Benefit Tradeoff: Removing the telephoto lens allows Samsung to invest in other camera enhancements that benefit a wide range of photographic scenarios. Advanced computational photography and sensor upgrades could easily compensate for the lack of optical zoom.

• Device Slimming: By eliminating a dedicated telephoto lens, Samsung was able to make the Galaxy S25 Edge lighter and more compact. Consumers increasingly prioritize portability, and this decision aligns with those demands.

• Shifting User Preferences: Analysis of smartphone photography habits reveals that users typically favor ultrawide lenses or standard wide-angle lenses for their day-to-day shooting needs. Telephoto lenses, while useful, are more niche in their application.

• AI-Powered Alternatives: Computational photography and AI-powered cropping are becoming shockingly good at simulating telephoto-like effects. Google, for example, has demonstrated how digital zoom paired with intelligent software can close the gap with optical solutions.

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What Did Samsung Do Instead?

Rather than sticking to a traditional design, Samsung reallocated its resources to areas that could reshape the smartphone photography game.

• Upgraded Main Sensor: The main camera of the Galaxy S25 Edge features a massive 200MP sensor with advanced pixel-binning technology. This approach enables superior detail retention, dynamic range, and low-light performance, ensuring the new device excels across various shooting conditions.

• Enhanced Ultrawide Camera: The ultrawide camera has also received notable upgrades, delivering sharper images and better edge correction—a boon to users who prefer dramatic landscape shots or group selfies.

• AI-Powered Zoom: To make up for the lack of optical zoom, the Galaxy S25 Edge relies on its advanced AI processing to deliver high-quality digital zoom. Using the power of machine learning and data-driven interpolation, Samsung is betting big on making digital zoom comparable to traditional telephoto results.

• Streamlined Design: Removing the telephoto lens allowed engineers to craft a more seamless and lightweight device without sacrificing battery capacity. The Galaxy S25 Edge feels more ergonomic, a key feature for day-to-day smartphone use.

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Why the Loss of a Telephoto Lens Isn’t a Big Deal

When tech enthusiasts examine a flagship smartphone, there’s an expectation that it will include every possible feature. Losing one as iconic as the telephoto lens can feel like a step backward. However, let’s dissect why this is not only acceptable but could be the right move for Samsung users.

#### 1. Fewer Components, More Versatility The telephoto lens is undeniably useful for capturing distant subjects with precision, but the technology comes with physical limitations. Keeping a telephoto lens in a phone often adds bulk and complexity to camera modules, restricting hardware design options. By eliminating it, Samsung has been able to double down on computational advancements and invest in improved hybrid zoom technology.

#### 2. AI and Computational Photography Are Bridging Gaps Smartphone photography is rapidly evolving. AI techniques now enhance image quality by refining details, optimizing colors, and even mimicking bokeh effects—all within milliseconds of pressing the shutter button. Samsung’s strategy appears to be rooted in leveraging these technologies, ensuring that users get more versatile cameras that exceed expectations for most shooting scenarios. In many ways, software-based zoom is proving to be a plausible alternative to fully optical solutions, while keeping costs and weight in check.

#### 3. User-Centric Innovation Samsung’s choice to streamline the Galaxy S25 Edge is a reflection of changing user expectations. Market data consistently shows that users prioritize well-balanced photo and video capabilities rather than relying on a particular feature or shooting mode. Offering standout performance on the core lenses (main and ultrawide) taps into the majority’s needs while cutting features that see limited adoption.

#### 4. Compact and Portable Design Removing the complexity of a multi-lens setup allows for a sleeker device profile. The Galaxy S25 Edge feels noticeably lighter and thinner in hand—arguably a huge win for portability. More consumers these days prioritize how comfortably a phone fits in their daily lives over cramming in extra features that might only see occasional use.

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Potential Downsides: What’s the Tradeoff?

No decision is without consequences, and Samsung’s omission of a telephoto lens does come with limitations. Here are the most notable drawbacks:

• Traditional Zoom Enthusiasts: Users who love capturing wildlife or sports from a distance might find the Galaxy S25 Edge less capable compared to devices equipped with telephoto or periscope lenses.

• Pure Optical Quality: No matter how advanced, AI and computational enhancements are still playing catch-up with true optical zooming technology in certain scenarios.

• Flagship Expectations: Some may argue that a flagship like the S25 Edge should offer the complete package, leaving no notable omissions for its price point.

That said, these drawbacks are increasingly minor as technology closes the gap.

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Conclusion: A New Era of Smartphone Photography?

Samsung’s decision to omit the telephoto lens from the Galaxy S25 Edge is a bold move, but it’s one that aligns with broader trends shaping the tech industry. By doubling down on AI-powered enhancements, improving the main camera sensor, and delivering a thinner, more ergonomic phone, Samsung is redefining what it means to innovate in a crowded smartphone market.

Rather than treating the lack of a telephoto lens as a loss, it’s worth viewing this as a shift toward user-focused improvement. At the end of the day, more megapixels, smarter software, and a streamlined design are wins for the vast majority of users. Sure, traditional zoom enthusiasts might have to look at alternative models, but for everyday consumers? The Galaxy S25 Edge is shaping up to be a strong contender for one of the best smartphones of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• The removal of the telephoto lens allowed Samsung to enhance the main and ultrawide cameras while focusing on computational photography.

• AI-powered digital zoom is narrowing the gap with optical zoom technology, making this tradeoff reasonable for most users.

• The S25 Edge offers a sleeker and lighter design, prioritizing portability and practicality over niche feature sets.

• While some purists may lament the omission, this signals a broader industry trend toward smarter, software-driven photography solutions.

Samsung is no stranger to taking risks, and with the Galaxy S25 Edge, they might just have redefined what it means to deliver a flagship smartphone experience. If this is the direction the industry is headed, we might just say, telephoto lenses—thanks for the memories!