iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air
Apple

Apple has redefined sleek with the debut of the ultra-thin iPhone Air, a feather-light titanium marvel that joins the powerhouse iPhone 17 and 17 Pro.

The Air dazzles with its slim design, while the Pro models flex muscle with upgraded cameras, rugged durability, and blazing performance.

Here is your quick guide to the lineup and which iPhone deserves your cash.

Design and Display: Featherweight Air vs Robust Pro

The iPhone Air is Apple's slimmest phone yet, measuring just 5.6 millimetres thick and weighing 165 grams. Its 6.5-inch ProMotion display sits in a titanium-aluminium frame with Ceramic Shield 2 protection, combining elegance with strength. Key points:

  • Ultra-thin, almost weightless design
  • 6.5-inch always-on ProMotion display
  • Titanium-aluminium frame with Ceramic Shield 2
  • First major redesign since iPhone X (2017)

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max focus on durability and performance with a larger anodised aluminium unibody and the most advanced Ceramic Shield Apple has ever produced. Display sizes:

  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches
  • Brighter screens and support for up to 39 hours of video playback

Both models feature wireless MagSafe charging and improved battery life, but the Pro phones are built to withstand more demanding use.

Performance and Internal Specs: A19 Pro vs Air's Lightweight Power

Under the hood, the iPhone Air boasts the A19 Pro chip, paired with Apple's N1 wireless chip and the energy-efficient C1X modem.

With 12GB RAM and neural accelerators in its GPU, it delivers smooth multitasking and AI enhancements. Highlights:

  • A19 Pro chipset with six-core CPU and five-core GPU
  • N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
  • C1X modem with improved power efficiency
  • 12GB RAM for seamless performance

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup also uses the A19 Pro chip but benefits from a new thermal management system with a vapor chamber to handle higher performance demands and prevent overheating.

The Pro models are ideal for professional content creators and power users who want maximum efficiency and longevity.

Camera and Photography: Single-Lens Air vs Multi-Lens Pro

Apple has revamped the camera system across its iPhone 17 series. The Air includes a rear 48MP Fusion camera, 12MP telephoto lens, and the new Centre Stage front camera:

  • 48MP Fusion rear lens with 2x telephoto-like images
  • Centre Stage front camera for effortless landscape and portrait shots
  • Simultaneous front and rear video recording

The Pro models elevate photography further with a full-width camera bar housing:

  • 48MP telephoto lens with 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical zoom
  • Two 48MP wide and ultra-wide sensors
  • 18MP Centre Stage front lens
  • 8K video recording capabilities

The Pro models offer more versatility for professional photography and video recording, while the Air is perfect for casual users and social media enthusiasts.

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between the iPhone Air and 17 Pro ultimately depends on your priorities:

  • iPhone Air: Ideal for users who want the thinnest, lightest iPhone with a stylish titanium frame, ProMotion display, and capable cameras for everyday photography. Perfect for portability and aesthetic appeal.
  • iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Best for power users who demand top-tier performance, extensive photography capabilities, longer battery life, and the most durable design. Suited for creators, gamers, and anyone who needs a phone that can handle heavy use.

Price points may also influence your decision:

  • iPhone 17: $799
  • iPhone Air: $999
  • iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199

Colour options further allow personalisation: the Air emphasises soft tones like black, white, light gold, and sky blue, while the Pro models come in bolder shades of blue, orange, and silver.

Writer's pick
Apple