iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air cater to different segments of the smartphone market, each offering unique features to suit specific consumer needs. The iPhone 17 Pro, with its powerful A19 Bionic processor, 12GB RAM, and 5x telephoto camera, targets users seeking high performance and professional-grade photography in a compact form factor. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air redefines sleekness with its ultra-thin design and lightweight aluminum build, appealing to those who prioritize portability and cutting-edge design, while still delivering a robust experience with its A19 processor and 120Hz ProMotion display.
iPhone 17 Pro
4.8
iPhone 17 Air
4.7
iPhone 17 Pro
Processor: A19 Bionic (3nm)
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Display: 6.3" Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz)
iPhone 17 Air
Processor: A19
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Display: 6.6" Super Retina XDR ProMotion (120Hz)
Comparison: iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Air
| Criterion | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8 | ★4.7 |
| Processor | A19 Bionic (3nm) | A19 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Display | 6.3" Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz) | 6.6" Super Retina XDR ProMotion (120Hz) |
| Battery | Up to 30h video playback | Up to 26h video playback |
| Weight | 6.70 oz (190g) - Titanium frame | 5.64 oz (160g) - Ultra-thin Aluminum |
| OS | iOS 19 | iOS 19 |
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iPhone 17 Pro
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent one-handed use with a large screen
- • Same A19 Bionic power as the Max model
- • 5x telephoto camera is great for portraits
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life is slightly shorter than the Max
- • Standard model starts at 256GB, raising entry cost
iPhone 17 Air
✓ Pros:
- • Finally brings 120Hz ProMotion to non-Pro models
- • Incredibly light and comfortable to hold
- • New radical design change
✗ Cons:
- • Only has one main camera (to save space)
- • Battery is smaller than the Pro Max
Which one is better?
The iPhone 17 Pro emerges as the overall winner, boasting superior processing power with 12GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 17 Air's 8GB, and offering a more versatile camera setup. However, the iPhone 17 Air stands out with its lighter weight of 5.64 oz and innovative design, making it ideal for users who value portability.
Who should buy each?
- Choose iPhone 17 Pro if: - You need higher RAM for intensive tasks (12GB vs 8GB). - You want advanced photography options with a 5x telephoto camera. - You prefer a compact, yet powerful device. - Choose iPhone 17 Air if: - You prioritize a lightweight phone (5.64 oz vs 6.70 oz). - You appreciate a sleek, ultra-thin design. - You want the benefits of 120Hz display in a non-Pro model. - They're equally matched on: - Operating system, both running on iOS 19. - Display technology, both featuring Super Retina XDR ProMotion at 120Hz.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
FAQs
+ Which has better value?
iPhone 17 Pro excels if you value excellent one-handed use with a large screen. iPhone 17 Air is better if you prioritize finally brings 120hz promotion to non-pro models. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+ Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+ Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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