Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone Air
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Apple A20 Pro, while the Apple iPhone Air (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro; launch prices were $1299 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads — 80/100 vs 75/100 (a 5-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5567 mAh vs 3149); the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is faster in AnTuTu (3,551,073 vs 2,538,751); the Apple iPhone Air is noticeably lighter (165g vs 249g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air
What makes Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3551073 vs 2538751
- Better Geekbench Single: 4612 vs 3850
- Better Geekbench Multi: 11819 vs 9800
- Bigger battery: 5567 vs 3149 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 40W
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 92/100)
- Longer battery life (67/100 vs 26/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air better?
- Lighter: 165g vs 249g
- Cheaper at launch: $999 vs $1299
- Better camera (73/100 vs 71/100)
- Better portability (96/100 vs 27/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone Air, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max scores 5 points higher (80/100 vs 75/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (67/100 vs 26/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 70/100, 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 18 Pro Max 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 Air and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max are nearly equal (73/100 vs 71/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (67/100 vs 26/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (96/100 vs 27/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A20 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 3551073 | 2538751 | |
| Geekbench Single | 4612 | 3850 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 11819 | 9800 | |
| Display | 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 1320x2868 | 2736x1260 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5567 mAh | 3149 mAh | |
| Charging | 60W | 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 27 | 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 | 249 g | 165 g | |
| Launch price | $1299 | $999 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.48
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1320x2868
- 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 18 Pro Max
- 5567 mAh
- Wired: 60W
- 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 18 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone Air by 39.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $300. Apple iPhone Air was $300 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 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 Air and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max are nearly equal (73/100 vs 71/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (67/100 vs 26/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (96/100 vs 27/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone Air by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 80/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 75/100.
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on performance (97/100 vs 92/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max over the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for gamers and power users.