Apple iPhone 17 Air vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 17 Air (2024) runs on the Apple A19, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Apple A20 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads — 40/100 vs 33/100 (a 7-point difference).
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Higher performance (59/100 vs 0/100)
- Better camera (66/100 vs 24/100)
- Longer battery life (44/100 vs 0/100)
- Better display (100/100 vs 0/100)
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 Air vs the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max scores 7 points higher (40/100 vs 33/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Air leads (59/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (66/100 vs 24/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (44/100 vs 0/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (59/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (100/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (66/100 vs 24/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (44/100 vs 0/100). In the "design" category, both devices are on the same level — 50/100. In the "value for money" category, both devices are on the same level — 55/100.
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 Air | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A20 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2085000 | — | |
| Geekbench Single | 3610 | — | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8810 | — | |
| Display | 6.6" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 1290x2796 | 1320x2868 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | — | 5100 mAh | |
| Charging | — | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 48 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 48 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 18 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | |
| OS | iOS 19 | iOS 27 | |
| NFC | — | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Weight | — | — | |
| Price | — | — |
Apple iPhone 17 Air
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone 17 Air
- 6.6" Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1290x2796
- Refresh rate: —
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1320x2868
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone 17 Air
- —
- No wireless charging
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 5100 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 25W
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (59/100 vs 0/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (100/100 vs 0/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (66/100 vs 24/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Air (44/100 vs 0/100).
design
In the "design" category, both devices are on the same level — 50/100.
value for money
In the "value for money" category, both devices are on the same level — 55/100.
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 Air or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone 17 Air by just 7 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 Air and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Air has a MobileRank rating of 33/100, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 40/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 Air or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on camera score (66/100 vs 24/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 Air or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Air leads on performance (59/100 vs 0/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 Air over the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Air is a better fit for everyday use. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for everyday use.