iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air: which one is right for you?
Thinking about the iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air and not sure which one to pick? You’re not alone. Both are brand-new members of the iPhone lineup, and each brings its own strengths. But what exactly sets them apart? In this guide, we’ll walk you through price, display, battery life, cameras and performance. That way, you’ll know exactly which model fits your needs.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air overview
The iPhone Air is bigger, thinner and lighter. In fact, it’s Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. With its thin and light design, polished aluminum body and premium look, it’s perfect for anyone who wants a large 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with outstanding brightness. Inside, you’ll find the new A19 Pro chip, delivering more power and efficiency, and storage options up to 1TB so you can save your favorite videos, apps and photos with ease.
The iPhone 17 takes a more compact approach. It features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a 4700 mAh battery that comfortably lasts all day, and storage choices of 256GB or 512GB. With the 48-megapixel rear camera system, you’ll capture sharp photos and high-quality video playback. Powered by the standard A19 chip, the iPhone 17 is a reliable and slightly more affordable option in the iPhone 17 series.
|
Specs |
iPhone 17 |
iPhone Air |
|
Display |
6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
|
Brightness |
Up to 2000 nits |
Up to 2400 nits |
|
Battery |
Up to 30 hours of video playback |
Up to 27 hours of video playback |
|
Cameras |
48 megapixel main camera, 48 megapixel ultra-wide, 18 megapixel selfie camera |
48 megapixel main camera, 18 megapixel selfie camera |
|
Chip |
A19 chip |
A19 Pro chip |
|
Storage |
256 GB, 512 GB |
256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB |
|
Price |
Starting around € 949 |
Starting around € 1099 |
Price differences
The iPhone 17 is slightly more affordable, the all-new iPhone Air costs more due to its premium build and advanced features.
- iPhone 17: Great for users who want a reliable device with a bright 6.3-inch display, strong battery life, and solid performance at a lower price.
- iPhone Air: A premium choice thanks to its thin and light design, bigger 6.5-inch display, brighter screen, and the faster A19 Pro chip. You can even go up to 1 TB of storage, which makes it unique in the lineup.
Screen and design
The iPhone Air stands out as Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. With a sleek unibody made of aluminum, it feels light and refined in the hand. Its 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display reaches up to 2400 nits peak brightness, perfect for outdoor use.
The iPhone 17 has a slightly smaller 6.3-inch display with 2000 nits brightness and ProMotion at 120Hz, making it smooth and vibrant. Its aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield glass keeps it durable and classic
Design highlights:
- iPhone 17: compact, durable, and easier to handle with one hand.
- iPhone Air: slim and elegant, with a thin and light design that makes the bigger screen easy to carry.
Cameras and performance
Both phones share the same main rear camera and selfie camera: a 48-megapixel main lens and a 18-megapixel selfie camera. The difference comes in the iPhone 17's 48 megapixel ultra-wide, which the iPhone Air lacks.
Performance:
- iPhone 17: runs on the A19 chip, offering smooth day-to-day performance.
- iPhone Air: includes the A19 Pro chip, delivering significantly enhanced speed, better energy efficiency. It also supports AI-powered new features like next-generation portraits, text summaries and real-time translation.
Battery life and charging
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air perform impressively when it comes to battery life, but there’s a clear difference in endurance.
The iPhone 17 lasts the longest, offering up to 30 hours of video playback on a single charge. It’s ideal for anyone who loves streaming shows or watching movies on the go.
The iPhone Air follows closely with a still excellent 27 hours of video playback. Its A19 Pro chip and Adaptive Power Mode help the phone use energy more efficiently, so you spend less time plugged in.
Both models support fast charging via USB-C, MagSafe, and wireless charging. In about 30 minutes, you can charge either phone up to 50%.
In short: the iPhone 17 wins when it comes to pure stamina, while the iPhone Air shines with smart power management and faster recharging.
Which iPhone should you choose?
Choose the iPhone 17 if you:
- Want the newest iPhone, at the lowest price
- Prefer a smaller device than the Air, that easily fits in your pocket
- Need a reliable phone for daily use with strong performance and sharp photos
Choose the iPhone Air if you:
- Want the thinnest iPhone ever with a larger display.
- Need 1 TB of storage without the bulk of the Pro or Pro Max
- Want the A19 Pro chip
What's the main difference between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air?
What's the main difference between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air is thinner, lighter, and comes with the A19 Pro chip. It also has a slightly larger display.
Which is better for daily use: The iPhone 17 or the iPhone Air?
Which is better for daily use: The iPhone 17 or the iPhone Air?
Both are excellent, but the iPhone Air edges ahead with its slim design and improved performance. It’s designed for users who want a refined, modern iPhone that goes further.
Is the iPhone Air cheaper than the iPhone 17?
Is the iPhone Air cheaper than the iPhone 17?
No, the Air costs more because it includes premium extras like the thin and light design, brighter display, plus the A19 Pro chip.
Which model has the best battery life?
Which model has the best battery life?
According to Apple, the battery of the iPhone 17 will last slightly longer.
