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; launch prices were $1199 and $999. Both devices score the same overall rating of 75/100. Key differences: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery (4823 mAh vs 3149); the Apple iPhone Air is noticeably lighter (165g vs 233g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air
What makes Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3933 vs 3850
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10223 vs 9800
- Bigger battery: 4823 vs 3149 mAh
- Longer battery life (53/100 vs 26/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air better?
- Lighter: 165g vs 233g
- Cheaper at launch: $999 vs $1199
- Better camera (73/100 vs 71/100)
- Better portability (96/100 vs 30/100)
Comparison verdict
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air received the same MobileRank rating — 75/100. In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads (53/100 vs 26/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — 60/100, Apple iPhone Air — 60/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 92/100. In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone Air and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are nearly equal (73/100 vs 71/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (53/100 vs 26/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (96/100 vs 30/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2538751 | 2538751 | |
| 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 | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | 6.0×74.7×5.6 mm | |
| Weight | 233 g | 165 g | |
| Launch price | $1199 | $999 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
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
Battery and charging
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
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Equal performance based on benchmark results.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Apple iPhone Air was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 92/100.
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone Air and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are nearly equal (73/100 vs 71/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (53/100 vs 26/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (96/100 vs 30/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
Both devices scored 75/100. They are identical on performance — 92/100 for both. The clearest difference is portability: better on the Apple iPhone Air (96/100 vs 30/100).
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 75/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 75/100.
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 gamers and power users. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for gamers and power users.