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Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup brings some of the biggest design changes the smartphone series has seen in years, and no two models highlight this shift better than the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max. In terms of design, the iPhone Air is one of the thinnest smartphones Apple has ever made, made for those who value a sleek, portable design.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max doubles down on power with a cutting-edge camera system and a new vapor chamber cooling system.
Also: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: I compared the two models and here’s who you should upgrade to
Both devices are great, but they cater to different audiences. The question of the day is: which one should you get as your new daily driver? It’s a tough choice, but don’t worry — I’m here to help. Below, I’ve broken down how the iPhone Air compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Specification
| Features | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro max |
| Prices | $999 | $1,199 |
| Exhibit | 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR with promotion | 6.9 inch Super Retina XDR with promotion |
| Battery | 27 hours of video playback | 39 hours of video playback |
| Finishing | Sky blue, black, white, light gold | Cosmic orange, deep blue, silver |
| Processor | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Frame | Titanium frame | Aluminum unibody |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Camera | 18MP center-stage selfie / 48MP fusion main | 18MP Center Stage / 48MP Fusion Main, 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, 48MP Fusion Telephoto |
You should buy the iPhone Air if…
1. You want an ultrathin but tough phone
At just 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air is almost a third thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro. While it may seem fragile, that’s because Apple designed its mobile device to be as durable as it is elegant. The smartphone’s frame is made from grade 5 titanium , a material known for its high strength and “corrosion-resistant properties.”
Ceramic Shield protects the back of the iPhone Air, allowing it to better resist damage. On the front, Apple chose to equip the screen with Ceramic Shield 2. Thanks to this material, Apple says the display has “3x better scratch resistance” than previous models and “improved anti-reflective” properties.
2. You don’t need every bell and whistle
As I mentioned in my iPhone 17 series comparison piece, the iPhone Air isn’t as feature-rich as the higher-end models.
This may be a controversial opinion, but I think the lack of bells and whistles on the device will benefit users as they get a streamlined experience. For example, it only has a single 48MP fusion lens as its rear camera system. According to Apple, this allows for the equivalent of four lenses, with users being able to shoot at both 28mm and 35mm focal lengths. You won’t have to fiddle with settings or learn what the cameras do. It’s all streamlined.
Also: iPhone Air vs. Samsung S25 Edge: I compared the two thin phones, and there’s a clear winner
Another change concerns cellular connectivity. The iPhone Air relies solely on eSIM technology. Carriers continue to add eSIM support consistently, so this isn’t too much of a detriment, but it does mean you won’t be able to use your SIM card. Apple has also said that adopting an “eSIM-only design” allowed the company to save space, helping the iPhone Air achieve that slim form factor.
You should buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
1. You want the most powerful iPhone
The iPhone 17 Pro Max shares a surprising number of similarities with the iPhone Air. Both devices run on a three-chip setup consisting of the A19 Pro processor, N1 networking chip, and C1X modem. Together, this trio allows the smartphones to deliver powerful performance, support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and offer faster, more energy-efficient cellular connections.
Also: T-Mobile will give you a free iPhone 17 Pro — Here’s how to get yours
Where the Pro Max sets itself apart is in size and durability. Its massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display hits 3,000 nits of brightness, making it visible in direct sunlight. Support for boost lets it run at a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The glass is even protected by Ceramic Shield 2. Paired with a battery that can reportedly last up to 39 hours of video playback, this is an iPhone built for users who want the best of the best.
2. You want the best camera system
The similarities between the two phones don’t stop at the chipset or displays, as they also have similar camera systems. For example, both models feature a new 18MP center-facing selfie lens. Not only does it deliver higher-quality images, but it also uses a new type of sensor that allows owners to capture photos in both portrait and landscape orientations without having to hold their phone.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max once again sets itself apart by delivering professional-quality video. The design model now supports PRORES RAW, a video codec that better preserves data for high-quality footage, log 2 format for wider color gamuts, and Genlock.
Genlock is software that synchronizes “video across multiple cameras.” Content creators like these tools, which allow the iPhone 17 Pro Max to double as a capable filmmaking camera.
