Apple is set to launch its slimmest iPhone to date later this year, measuring just 5.5mm in thickness. While this innovative model will involve some trade-offs to achieve nearly half the usual thickness, many features will remain intact. This article will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this release.
Advantages
#1: Battery Performance
One might assume that a thinner iPhone would result in significantly shorter battery life. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests otherwise:
Thinner devices often necessitate slimmer batteries, resulting in reduced battery longevity. Apple prioritized battery performance, leading engineers to rework display and silicon components as well as optimize software for enhanced efficiency.
Rumors indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will come equipped with a 6.6-inch display. While it may not match the battery life of the Plus models, it is expected to deliver adequate battery performance typical of standard iPhones, which should suffice for most users.
#2: Cost
Despite its state-of-the-art design, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to maintain a sub-$1000 price point similar to the outgoing iPhone 16 Plus, according to various reports.
#3: Display Technology
The thinnest iPhone will not skimp on display technology. It is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with LTPO, a first for non-Pro iPhones. This means users can look forward to excellent display capabilities, including 120Hz ProMotion and always-on functionality.
#4: MagSafe Compatibility
Following the removal of MagSafe from the iPhone 16e, many speculated that it might be excluded from the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air. However, recent dummy model leaks confirm that MagSafe will indeed be included in the iPhone 17 Air.
Disadvantages
#1: Camera Features
Although the iPhone 17 Air will showcase a flagship 48MP rear sensor, that’s the extent of its camera capabilities. The device will utilize a single-camera setup. While the 48MP sensor offers the option of 2x optical zoom shots, users won’t have the versatility of an ultra-wide lens.
A native telephoto lens will also be absent, a typical limitation for non-Pro iPhones. For photography enthusiasts seeking the best camera performance, other models in the iPhone 17 lineup may be more suitable.
#2: Audio Quality
The iPhone 17 Air is reported to feature only a single speaker. According to The Information, the slim design makes it impossible to accommodate a second speaker. Instead, Apple plans to enhance the earpiece speaker to address this deficit.
For a better audio experience, users may prefer to use AirPods Pro instead of relying solely on the built-in speaker.
#3: Connectivity Limitations
This model will transition to Apple’s first proprietary modem, known as the C1 chip. Consequently, the iPhone 17 Air will not support mmWave in the United States, a feature available in the outgoing iPhone 16 Plus. This could result in a reduced range of supported cellular bands compared to the previous model, but real-world performance may not be significantly impacted.
#4: Absence of Physical SIM Card Slots
While Apple removed the physical SIM card tray from U.S. iPhones a couple of years ago, other regions have continued to offer this feature. However, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to eliminate the physical SIM tray in all markets due to its ultra-thin design. As noted by The Information:
Current engineering efforts have yet to yield a physical SIM card tray suitable for the slim design of the device, according to several individuals involved in the project.
This may pose a challenge for the iPhone 17 Air’s sales, especially since China mandates that devices support physical SIM cards.
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