Year 2025 Smartphones That Failed to Win Customer Hearts

The year 2025 witnessed numerous smartphone launches that grabbed headlines with their advanced features and specifications. However, not all devices managed to capture the love of consumers. Several premium models from major brands struggled to gain popularity, often due to pricing, timing, or geopolitical factors.

After analyzing a year’s worth of news and social media trends, here’s a look at the smartphones that didn’t meet customer expectations:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Launched on May 13, 2025, the Galaxy S25 Edge arrived amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following the Pulagam attack. Samsung had to cancel its Delhi launch event due to the situation. The phone’s ultra-slim design, which made a pencil appear thicker in comparison, impressed technically but failed commercially. With a price exceeding ₹1 lakh, it lost out to other models like the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and Ultra variants. Samsung has now reportedly limited its production of this model.

iPhone Air

Apple introduced the iPhone Air, a slim variant of the iPhone 17 series, in September 2025. Despite heavy media attention before and after launch, it failed to convert hype into sales. Consumers preferred the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max Ultra models, especially in the popular saffron color variant. Limited battery life and a single rear camera were cited as the primary reasons for its lukewarm reception. Apple has now scaled down its production of the iPhone Air.

Nothing Phone 3

The Nothing Phone 3 stood out with its unique design and impressive features. However, the high starting price of ₹80,000 in India dampened consumer interest. Social media users criticized the pricing heavily, with some claiming even ₹50,000 would have been expensive for the device. Despite its product excellence, the phone couldn’t win widespread popularity.

Realme GT 8 Pro

While the Realme GT 8 Pro offered top-tier performance with the fastest chipset, excellent display, and a capable camera, it failed to generate significant buzz. Its release coincided with competitive launches like the OnePlus 15, iQOO 15, and Vivo X300 series. Additionally, consumers often prefer Realme for budget-friendly options, which may have affected its appeal.

OnePlus 13s

Despite OnePlus’ reputation for quality products, the OnePlus 13s fell short of expectations. Experts attribute this to its slightly flashy design, which didn’t resonate with buyers. Additionally, comparisons with the iPhone 16E made it an Android vs. iPhone battle, further challenging its market performance. A slightly lower price could have helped it gain better traction.

Conclusion:
While 2025 brought innovation and new technologies to the smartphone market, factors like pricing, timing, design choices, and external circumstances—such as geopolitical tensions—played a significant role in determining which models truly resonated with consumers. These devices serve as a reminder that even premium specifications don’t always guarantee commercial success.