Technology

Apple Launches iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison

Published

4 hours ago

17 September, 2025

Editorial

Apple recently unveiled two new smartphones as part of the iPhone 17 series: the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro. Both were announced in September 2023, marking a significant addition to the company’s lineup. While the iPhone Air does not carry the ’17’ designation, it is positioned to replace the previous ‘Plus’ model. This article provides a detailed comparison of their specifications, design, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and audio output.

Specifications Overview

The iPhone Air is priced at $999, while the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099. Both models feature the A19 Pro chipset, but there are notable differences in their specifications.

Both devices come with 12GB of RAM and various storage options, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Design Comparison

At first glance, the design of the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro appears quite similar. Both smartphones feature flat displays with uniform bezels and the Dynamic Island cutout. However, the differences become apparent upon closer inspection.

The iPhone Air is constructed from titanium and glass, while the iPhone 17 Pro uses aluminum and glass. The iPhone Air is also thinner and lighter, weighing 41 grams less than the iPhone 17 Pro. Although both models are IP68 certified for water and dust resistance, the iPhone 17 Pro has a more extensive camera setup, consisting of three lenses compared to the single camera on the iPhone Air.

Display Features

The iPhone Air boasts a larger 6.5-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2736 x 1260. It supports an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz and has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The display’s aspect ratio is 19.5:9 and is protected by Ceramic Shield 2.

In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro features a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2622 x 1206. While both displays share similar peak brightness and refresh rate capabilities, the slight difference in size and resolution may influence user experience, particularly in media consumption.

Performance and Battery Life

Both smartphones are powered by the A19 Pro chip, which is a 3nm processor. While they share similar specifications, the iPhone 17 Pro’s variant includes one additional GPU core, enhancing its performance, particularly in gaming scenarios.

Battery capacity also varies significantly. The iPhone Air is equipped with a 3,149mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a larger battery of 3,988mAh (or 4,252mAh for eSIM models). While the iPhone Air supports 20W charging, the iPhone 17 Pro allows for 25W charging, promising faster recharge times.

Camera Capabilities

The camera systems highlight a critical distinction between the two models. The iPhone Air features a single 48MP camera, which, while capable, lacks the versatility of the iPhone 17 Pro’s triple-camera setup. The iPhone 17 Pro includes a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP periscope telephoto camera, allowing for a broader range of photography options, including enhanced zoom and macro capabilities.

Despite the iPhone Air’s limitations, its primary camera remains competent for everyday photography, though it does not offer the same level of detail and flexibility as the iPhone 17 Pro.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio performance also differs between the two devices. The iPhone Air is equipped with a single speaker, while the iPhone 17 Pro features stereo speakers, providing a richer sound experience. Neither phone includes a dedicated audio jack but both support Bluetooth 6.0 for wireless audio connections.

In summary, the Apple iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, launched in September 2023, cater to different user needs within the same product series. The iPhone Air, with its lighter build and single camera, is designed for those seeking a more accessible option, while the iPhone 17 Pro offers advanced features and superior performance for users willing to invest more.