Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone Air 2
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone Air 2 (2027) runs on the Apple A20 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone Air 2 leads — 81/100 vs 75/100 (a 6-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone Air 2 is faster in AnTuTu (3,434,654 vs 2,538,751); the Apple iPhone Air 2 is thinner (5.2mm vs 8.8mm).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air 2
What makes Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max better?
- Faster charging: 40W vs 20W
- Better camera (71/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air 2 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3434654 vs 2538751
- Better Geekbench Single: 4772 vs 3933
- Better Geekbench Multi: 12989 vs 10223
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 92/100)
- Better portability (100/100 vs 30/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone Air 2, the Apple iPhone Air 2 scores 6 points higher (81/100 vs 75/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads (71/100 vs 51/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 is a bit better (97/100 vs 92/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air 2 (71/100 vs 51/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (100/100 vs 30/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A20 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2538751 | 3434654 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3933 | 4772 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 10223 | 12989 | |
| Display | 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 2868x1320 | 1260x2736 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4823 mAh | — | |
| Charging | 40W | 20W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | — | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 18 MP | 18 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 27.x | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | 156.2×74.7×5.2 mm | |
| Weight | 233 g | — | |
| Launch price | $1199 | — |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone Air 2
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2868x1320
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone Air 2
- 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1260x2736
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 4823 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone Air 2
- —
- Wired: 20W
- Wireless: supported, wattage unknown
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air 2, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone Air 2 leads Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 26.1% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Apple iPhone Air 2
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 is a bit better (97/100 vs 92/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air 2 (71/100 vs 51/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (100/100 vs 30/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone Air 2 edges out the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by just 6 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 75/100, the Apple iPhone Air 2 — 81/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on camera score (71/100 vs 51/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone Air 2 leads on performance (97/100 vs 92/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Apple iPhone Air 2 is a better fit for gamers and power users.