iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs 17 Pro vs 17 Pro Max
Apple’s 2025 line-up splits four ways. iPhone Air pursues comfort and thinness; iPhone 17 is the sensible middle with two cameras; iPhone 17 Pro adds a true telephoto for optical reach; and iPhone 17 Pro Max goes all-in on screen size and battery. This guide highlights the practical differences and who each model suits.
At-a-glance picks
Best for most iPhone 17 — balanced price, two cameras, easy to pocket.
Best for comfort iPhone Air — thinnest, lightest, excellent single camera.
Best for creators iPhone 17 Pro — adds 48MP telephoto for real optical zoom.
Best battery & big screen iPhone 17 Pro Max — longest runtime and largest display.
Spec comparison (the bits that matter)
| Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design goals | Ultra-thin, feather-light, comfort first | Everyday balance of size, features & price | Premium build with pro-grade camera system | Big-screen productivity and longest battery |
| Display | High-quality OLED; smallest footprint | Bright OLED; the “standard” size most prefer | High-refresh OLED with pro motion tuning | Largest OLED in the family for media & maps |
| Cameras (rear) | Single 48MP wide (24MP default output) | 48MP wide + 48MP ultra-wide | 48MP wide + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto (optical) | Same triple system as Pro, bigger canvas for framing |
| Front camera | 18MP square-sensor selfie with Centre Stage | 18MP square-sensor selfie | 18MP square-sensor selfie | 18MP square-sensor selfie |
| Video | Up to 3K/30; crisp everyday clips | Up to 3K/30; wider FoV via ultra-wide | Up to 3K/30; optical telephoto gives cleaner zoomed video | As Pro; larger display helps manual control on the fly |
| Performance | Latest-gen Apple silicon, tuned for efficiency | Latest-gen Apple silicon for all-round speed | Pro-class Apple silicon with headroom for editing | Same Pro-class chip; best sustained performance |
| Battery outlook | Optimised for thinness; solid day for most users | All-day with typical use | All-day plus heavier sessions | Longest stamina of the set |
| Who it suits | Comfort-seekers, minimalists, first-time iPhone buyers | Most people: families, students, commuters | Creators, travellers, camera enthusiasts | Power users, media lovers, frequent flyers |
Cameras: what changes as you step up
The Air proves a single lens can still be excellent; 24MP default photos are detailed and low-light friendly. Moving to iPhone 17 adds an ultra-wide for landscapes and group shots. The Pro models bolt on a dedicated 48MP telephoto—true optical reach, so distant subjects stay sharp. If you shoot pets, kids’ matches or travel architecture, the Pro cameras are the upgrade you’ll feel every day.
Performance & battery: headroom vs thinness
All four feel quick. The Air trades sheer capacity for comfort, the iPhone 17 targets easy all-day use, and the Pro Max stretches the battery furthest. Heavy video work or long gaming sessions benefit from the Pros’ sustained performance.
Display & ergonomics
Air is the least fatiguing to hold. iPhone 17 hits the ergonomic sweet spot. Pro adds a smoother panel that’s lovely for scrolling and games. Pro Max is a two-hand phone, but perfect for maps, reading and editing photos on the go.
Where to buy in the UK
Three – iPhone Deals
O2 – iPhone Deals
EE – iPhone Deals
ASDA Mobile – iPhone
Currys – iPhone
Apple – Compare iPhone
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