Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone Air
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone Air (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro; estimated prices are $1199 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone Air leads — 64/100 vs 63/100 (a 1-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery (4823 mAh vs 3149); the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is faster in AnTuTu (2,601,000 vs 2,550,000); the Apple iPhone Air is noticeably lighter (165g vs 233g).
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air
- Higher AnTuTu: 2601000 vs 2550000
- Better Geekbench Single: 3933 vs 3850
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10223 vs 9800
- Bigger battery: 4823 vs 3149 mAh
- Higher performance (72/100 vs 70/100)
- Longer battery life (41/100 vs 9/100)
- Lighter: 165g vs 233g
- Cheaper: $999 vs $1199
- Better camera (73/100 vs 66/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (93/100 vs 8/100)
- Better value for money (41/100 vs 27/100)
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone Air, the Apple iPhone Air scores 1 points higher (64/100 vs 63/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads (41/100 vs 9/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air leads (41/100 vs 27/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air are nearly equal (72/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (73/100 vs 66/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (41/100 vs 9/100). In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (93/100 vs 8/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (41/100 vs 27/100).
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2601000 | 2550000 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3933 | 3850 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 10223 | 9800 | |
| Display | 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 2868x1320 | 2736x1260 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4823 mAh | 3149 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 40W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 141 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 0 MP | |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 18 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | 6.0×None×None mm | |
| Weight | 233 g | 165 g | |
| Price | $1199 | $999 |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2868x1320
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone Air
- 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2736x1260
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 4823 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone Air
- 3149 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 7:48 hrs, total 22:15 hrs
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
We compared Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone Air by 2.0% in our overall performance rating.
Price difference: $200. Apple iPhone Air is cheaper by $200.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air are nearly equal (72/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (73/100 vs 66/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (41/100 vs 9/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (93/100 vs 8/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (41/100 vs 27/100).
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air edges out the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by just 1 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?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 63/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 64/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air leads on camera score (73/100 vs 66/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a better fit for active users. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for active users.