Choosing the right iPhone next year may present a challenge for many consumers. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are packed with impressive features, yet the new iPhone 17 Air is equally compelling. Here are four key benefits of the iPhone 17 Air over the iPhone 17 Pro.
Revolutionarily slim new design
This significant factor will play a crucial role in many shoppers’ choices among the iPhone 17 variants.
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be remarkably thinner, potentially becoming the slimmest iPhone that Apple has ever produced.
While precise dimensions remain unconfirmed, early reports suggest it could be 25% less thick than the current Pro models.
Previously, the thinnest iPhone was the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm, but the 17 Air is expected to be even leaner, likely measuring between 6mm and 6.5mm.
For comparison, here are Apple’s current models:
- iPhone 16: 7.8mm
- iPhone 16 Plus: 7.8mm
- iPhone 16 Pro: 8.25mm
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8.25mm
This reduced thickness may come at the cost of battery life and camera performance, but the ultra-sleek design will undoubtedly feel modern and innovative.
Screen size that strikes a perfect balance between Pro options
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, and the upcoming 17 Pro models are likely to maintain these sizes.
However, the iPhone 17 Air promises to deliver an appealing middle ground.
The 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch display, which is perfectly positioned between the two Pro sizes. This may be large enough to attract Pro Max users while still being compact enough for Pro users, especially with the added benefit of a reduced body size.
I generally prefer smaller iPhones, but if the 17 Air’s slim design allows for comfortable one-handed operation along with extra screen space, it will be a significant advantage.
A more budget-conscious price option
For quite some time, the price of the iPhone 17 Air was shrouded in confusion. Initial speculations hinted at an expensive ‘iPhone Ultra’-like model. However, as details emerged regarding its capabilities, the high-end price seemed less justified.
Currently, it appears that the iPhone 17 Air will be positioned similarly in the lineup as the Plus model it replaces. There’s a fair chance it will be pricier than the Plus, yet still more affordable than the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
If budget is a crucial factor for you, the 17 Air could be the suitable choice.
Apple’s proprietary 5G modem
This topic may be somewhat subjective, I’ll concede. The value of the modem largely rests on user preference.
While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are likely to continue utilizing Qualcomm’s existing 5G modem, the iPhone 17 Air is set to feature Apple’s long-anticipated in-house modem.
This first-generation 5G modem from Apple may not perform as well in some respects compared to Qualcomm’s, but it also opens the door to distinctive advantages.
For instance, Mark Gurman notes that “it will be tightly integrated with Apple-designed main processors to consume less energy, efficiently scan for cellular signals, and enhance on-device capabilities for satellite network connections.”
If the iPhone 17 Air is the initial device to implement Apple’s modem, it could carry some risk.
Fortunately, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will also use Apple’s modem and is expected to launch roughly six months prior to the 17 Air, giving Apple ample time to refine the capabilities and address potential software issues.
iPhone 17 Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro: conclusion
I continually weigh my options regarding which iPhone 17 variant might be my choice for next year. I suspect this indecision will linger until Apple reveals the new models in September.
Having the latest iPhone is important to me, but after numerous incremental updates, the iPhone 17 Air’s innovative, forward-looking design could be really appealing.
Which iPhone 17 model are you considering for your next purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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