In 2025, I had the opportunity to test three ultra-slim phones – the iPhone Air, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Motorola Edge 70. Unfortunately, my experience with all three devices was less than stellar. The premium price tags attached to Apple and Samsung’s models did not justify the sub-par user experience they offered. Additionally, rumors suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S26 series may not include an Edge phone, and poor sales of the iPhone Air have led other manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo to halt production of their own ultra-slim phones.
However, amidst this disappointment, leaked specs of the Xiaomi 17 Air caught my attention. If the rumors from Weibo leaker Bold Panda are to be believed, the Xiaomi 17 Air would have set a new standard for ultra-slim phones, boasting a thickness of just 5.5mm. With a 6.59-inch display, it would have fallen between the sizes of the iPhone Air and the Galaxy S25 Edge and Motorola Edge 70.
The leaked information also hinted at a lightweight chassis weighing between 160g and 169g, a dual rear camera setup featuring a 200Mp lens, and a battery capacity exceeding 5000mAh. The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip would have made the Xiaomi 17 Air the most powerful ultra-slim Android phone on the market.
Despite internal assessments suggesting a lack of market demand for ultra-thin phones, it’s unfortunate that the Xiaomi 17 Air may never see the light of day. I personally believe that this device had the potential to change my perspective on ultra-slim phones and elevate the category to new heights.
For now, all eyes are on the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air, set to launch in China. However, if you prefer a thicker device, there are still excellent options available in the market. Don’t hesitate to check out our guide to the best phones currently available for a wider range of choices.
