iPhone 17 Air Review: Is Thinner Actually Better in 2026?

The iPhone 17 Air marks a significant shift in Apple's strategy, phasing out the 'Plus' model in favor of a more streamlined, feature-rich device. This transition is largely driven by consumer demand for thinner, more portable smartphones without compromising on performance. The iPhone 17 Air is a mere 0.22 inches thick, making it the thinnest iPhone to date, yet it still packs the powerful A19 Pro chip. This chip features a 6-core CPU and 16-core Neural Engine, ensuring top-tier performance. In contrast, the thicker and heavier iPhone 17 Pro offers a triple-camera system, which can be appealing to photography enthusiasts but comes at the cost of added weight. The Air's single-camera system may seem limited, but it leverages advanced software to deliver impressive results. The move away from the 'Plus' model reflects a growing trend towards minimalist design and maximum efficiency.

The choice of materials in smartphone construction significantly impacts both weight and durability. The iPhone 17 Air's titanium frame not only contributes to its sleek profile but also ensures robustness, weighing just 5.82 oz. This is lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which uses a combination of aluminum and titanium and weighs 7.81 oz. Titanium offers superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum, making it ideal for users who prioritize durability without the bulk. While the Pro Max benefits from its heavier build in terms of enhanced battery capacity and multi-camera options, the Air's lighter design is more conducive to one-handed use and portability. This choice of materials underscores Apple's commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

The inclusion of a 120Hz ProMotion display on the iPhone 17 Air democratizes a feature once reserved for Apple's Pro models. This adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, enhancing the overall user experience. The iPhone 17 Air's Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a resolution of 2736 x 1260 pixels, offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, which also features a 120Hz display, the Air provides a similar visual experience at a lower weight and cost. This makes it an attractive option for users who desire the fluidity of high refresh rates without the additional heft of Pro models.

The iPhone 17 Air features a single 48MP Fusion camera, which, while lacking the multi-lens versatility of the Pro models, leverages advanced computational photography to deliver high-quality images. The camera includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization and 100% Focus Pixels, ensuring sharp and detailed photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. This setup supports super-high-resolution photos at 24MP and 48MP, making it suitable for social media enthusiasts who prioritize quality over versatility. While the absence of dedicated Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses might seem like a drawback, the Air compensates with software-driven enhancements and a 2x optical-quality zoom. For users who primarily share images on social platforms, the Air's camera system offers more than enough capability.