Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone Air
The Apple iPhone 17 (2025) runs on the Apple A19, while the Apple iPhone Air (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro; launch prices were $799 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 17 leads — 76/100 vs 75/100 (a 1-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 17 has the bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3149); the Apple iPhone Air is faster in AnTuTu (2,538,751 vs 2,156,126); per DXOMark lab testing, the Apple iPhone 17 has the stronger camera (157 vs 141); the Apple iPhone Air is thinner (5.6mm vs 8.0mm).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone Air
What makes Apple iPhone 17 better?
- Bigger battery: 3692 vs 3149 mAh
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $999
- Better camera (86/100 vs 73/100)
- Longer battery life (29/100 vs 26/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2538751 vs 2156126
- Better Geekbench Single: 3850 vs 3608
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9800 vs 8810
- Lighter: 165g vs 177g
- Higher performance (92/100 vs 88/100)
- Better portability (96/100 vs 73/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 vs the Apple iPhone Air, the Apple iPhone 17 scores 1 points higher (76/100 vs 75/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 leads (86/100 vs 73/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 — 66/100, 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, the Apple iPhone Air and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (92/100 vs 88/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 is a bit better (86/100 vs 73/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 and the Apple iPhone Air are nearly equal (29/100 vs 26/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (96/100 vs 73/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2156126 | 2538751 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3608 | 3850 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8810 | 9800 | |
| Display | 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 2622x1206 | 2736x1260 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3692 mAh | 3149 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 40W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 157 | 141 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 149.6×71.5×8.0 mm | 6.0×74.7×5.6 mm | |
| Weight | 177 g | 165 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $999 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2622x1206
- 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
- 3692 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 and Apple iPhone Air, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone Air leads Apple iPhone 17 by 15.1% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Apple iPhone 17 was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (92/100 vs 88/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 is a bit better (86/100 vs 73/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 17 and the Apple iPhone Air are nearly equal (29/100 vs 26/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (96/100 vs 73/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 edges out the Apple iPhone Air by just 1 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 and the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 has a MobileRank rating of 76/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 leads on camera score (86/100 vs 73/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 over the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for gamers and power users.