Apple’s 2025 lineup introduces not just the regular iPhone 17, but also a brand-new addition called the iPhone Air. While both share Apple’s latest design language and iOS 26, they target different kinds of users. The iPhone 17 keeps things balanced, while the iPhone Air focuses on being the slimmest and lightest iPhone ever without compromising on performance. Let’s dive into the detailed comparison.
The iPhone 17 carries Apple’s familiar design with a glass back, aluminum frame, and Ceramic Shield 2 protection. It weighs 177g and has a thickness of 8mm, offering a comfortable in-hand feel.
The iPhone Air, meanwhile, takes Apple’s design innovation to the next level with a titanium frame (grade 5) and a record-breaking 5.6mm thickness. At just 165g, it’s the lightest and thinnest iPhone ever, making portability its biggest selling point.
Both devices are IP68 water and dust resistant, capable of surviving up to 30 minutes in water at 6 meters.
The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and up to 3000 nits peak brightness.
The iPhone Air offers a slightly larger 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with similar specs, but adds Dolby Vision and an anti-reflective coating. This makes the Air a more immersive option for media lovers.
iPhone 17: Equipped with the A19 Bionic chip and 8GB RAM, available in 256GB and 512GB storage variants.
iPhone Air: Powered by the A19 Pro chip, paired with 8GB RAM and up to 1TB storage.
While both are blazing fast, the Air’s Pro-level chip gives it an edge in multitasking and graphics-heavy applications.
The iPhone 17 features a dual 48MP system – one wide and one ultrawide – delivering versatile photography with Dolby Vision HDR and up to 4K 60fps video recording.
The iPhone Air sticks to a single 48MP wide camera. While it supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K recording, it lacks the flexibility of an ultrawide lens.
Both have an 18MP selfie camera with OIS, HDR, and Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring sharp and stable front-facing shots.
Battery life is one area where the iPhone Air compromises slightly due to its ultra-thin design.
iPhone 17: 3692mAh with 25W fast wired charging and 25W MagSafe wireless charging.
iPhone Air: 3149mAh with 20W wired and wireless charging.
In real-world usage, the iPhone 17 should last longer, especially for power users.
Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, UWB (gen2), and satellite emergency features.
The iPhone 17 supports multiple SIM formats (Nano-SIM + eSIM internationally, dual Nano-SIM in China), while the Air relies exclusively on eSIMs.
iPhone 17: Available in Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. Price starts at ₹82,900.
iPhone Air: Comes in Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue. Price starts at ₹1,19,900.
Buy the iPhone 17 if you want a balanced flagship at a more affordable price, with a dual-camera system, bigger battery, and versatile SIM support.
Buy the iPhone Air if you prioritize design, portability, and cutting-edge performance with the A19 Pro chip, and don’t mind paying more for a thinner and lighter iPhone.
Both are premium choices, but the iPhone 17 is for practicality, while the iPhone Air is for style and performance enthusiasts.
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