Apple has introduced a brand new iPhone model to its 2025 flagship lineup, with the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air replaces the Plus model which has been a part of Apple’s iPhone series since back in 2014.
Not sure which iPhone to go for? We’ve compared the specs of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air below and highlighted the key differences between the two below.
Price and Availability
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are available for pre-order now, ready for their launch on September 19.
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 17 is the cheaper of the two with a starting RRP of $799/£799, which remains unchanged from its iPhone 16 predecessor.
The iPhone Air, on the other hand, is a more expensive option compared to the Plus model it has replaced, with a starting RRP of $999/£999.
iPhone Air is just 5.6mm thin
As its name suggests, the iPhone Air is impressively thin and lightweight compared to its iPhone 17 alternatives. In fact, at just 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is among the lightest iPhone ever created.
Such a thin handset might invoke durability fears, however Apple has promised the iPhone Air is fitted with plenty of tools to ensure the phone shouldn’t fall apart in everyday use. Alongside the iPhone 17, the iPhone Air is fitted with a Ceramic Shield 2 display which promises up to three times better scratch resistance than the original screen protector.
The iPhone Air also benefits from Ceramic Shield 2 at the back too, which should protect against cracks too.
iPhone Air has a larger display
Perhaps surprisingly considering it’s such a thin handset, the iPhone Air has a slightly larger display to its iPhone 17 alternative at 6.5-inches compared to 6.3-inches. Having said that, it’s worth mentioning that the iPhone 17 does boast heaps of premium screen technologies that sets it apart from the iPhone 16.
First and foremost alongside the iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 is the first entry-level iPhone to finally support Apple’s ProMotion technology. Considering most of the best smartphones and even many of the best mid-range phones boast up to 120Hz refresh rate, this is a well overdue and much welcome addition.
Both iPhones offer up 3000 nits of peak brightness and have a Super Retina XDR display too which means they can be used comfortably outdoors.
iPhone Air runs on Apple’s A19 Pro chip
While both iPhones run on new Apple chips, they differ with their exact offerings. The iPhone 17 runs on A19, which Apple promises delivers “powerful performance, efficiency, and a huge boost in speed” and ensures Apple Intelligence runs smoothly on-device.
Apple also explains the A19’s 6-core CPU is 1.5x faster while the 5-core GPU is more than two times faster than the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip, which means you can expect “stunning graphics and next-level mobile gaming”.
The iPhone Air, on the other hand, runs on A19 Pro. Also powering the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, A19 Pro promises to deliver the fastest CPU in any smartphone. Apple also claims the A19 Pro chip brings up to three times the peak GPU computer over the A18 Pro, which ensures powerful and speedy AI prowess too.
Alongside A19 Pro, the iPhone Air also includes a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip, coined N1 which improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. There’s also C1X, an updated version of Apple’s C1 modem which uses 30% less energy.
iPhone Air only supports eSIM
In order to save space and retain its thin form, the iPhone Air only supports eSIMs and not physical SIM cards. Apple states that eSIMs are supported by over 500 carriers worldwide, and are undoubtedly a more convenient option for those who travel and need to swap out SIMs.
iPhone 17 has two fusion rear lenses
The iPhone 17 is fitted with two fusion rear lenses: a 48MP main with a 12MP 2x Telephoto and a 48MP Ultrawide. Apple promises the Fusion Main lens shoots “sharp detail” while the 48MP ultrawide captures “up to 4x the resolution compared to the previous generation” for wider-angle shots or macro photography.
Apple also states that its next-gen Photographic Styles help users to customise their photos by adjusting colour, shadows and more with a “better understanding of skin tones”.
The iPhone Air, on the other hand, is fitted with just one 48MP Fusion camera which is claimed to give “the equivalent of four lenses” and supports 2x telephoto capture too.
Finally, an exciting update for both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air is the inclusion of a Center Stage front camera. The first square front camera sensor found on iPhones, both phones ensure you’re kept in frame during video calls, like the technology found in iPads.
That’s not all though, as Center Stage uses AI to automatically expand the field of view when taking group shots, enables ultra-stabilised video in 4K HDR and allows users to record simultaneously on the front and rear cameras with Dual Capture.
Considering iPhones usually make their way into our best camera phones, we have high hopes for both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air and are excited to see how they fare.
Early Verdict
We’ll refrain from giving a verdict until we review the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. However, both phones are fitted with heaps of specs that make either an appealing option.
If you need a more affordable, entry-level iPhone then the iPhone 17 remains a great option thanks to its lower RRP, impressive chip and two fusion rear lenses. However, if you want an ultra-thin, ultra-durable phone that boasts the prowess of the upcoming A19 Pro chip, and don’t mind spending the extra money, the iPhone Air is an exciting choice.
We’ll update this versus once we’ve reviewed both handsets, so make sure you check back here.
