iPhone Air Review: the joy of thin done properly

The iPhone Air is the most confident “less is more” phone Apple has shipped in years. It prioritises slimness, comfort and a first-rate display without feeling compromised. You still get modern performance and a capable camera, but the real hook is how pleasantly invisible it feels in daily life—until you look at the screen, which is anything but.

Design & Display: featherlight, not lightweight

At around 5.6mm thin and ~165g, the Air is startlingly svelte. The titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass keep it reassuringly rigid, while softened corners and flat edges make long sessions easier on the hand. The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED runs at 120Hz, with peak brightness high enough to stay legible in tough sunlight. HDR content glows; iOS animations feel syrup-smooth.

Performance & Battery: fast where it counts

Apple’s latest silicon pairs with iOS to deliver instant app launches and swift edits of short 4K clips. Games hum along nicely. Under sustained camera or gaming loads the chassis warms, and the ultra-slim body naturally limits battery headroom. Expect a comfortable day for typical use; creators who shoot and share heavily may want a slim MagSafe pack on busy days.

Cameras: one excellent eye with smart support

Apple opts for a single 48MP main camera, leaning on high-resolution capture, thoughtful processing and sensible crops rather than multi-lens complexity. In bright light the Air produces crisp detail and balanced colour; portraits impress with skin-tone rendering and subject separation. Low-light images are solid if not class-leading, and the absence of ultra-wide/optical telephoto is the known compromise. Video remains a highlight: stable, sharp and share-ready straight off the phone.

Front camera, reframed

The 18MP selfie camera brings cleaner detail and smarter framing—useful for vlogs and group selfies. It can gently reframe to suit solo or group shots, and manual controls remain a tap away when you want to take over.

Everyday Experience: the comfort dividend

Thin changes behaviour. The Air disappears in pockets, feels lighter on the wrist during one-hand use, and is kinder in long reading or navigation sessions. If recent flagships have felt a bit brick-like, this is a refreshing antidote. Durability anxiety is reasonable, but the materials, stiffness and IP rating inspire confidence—pair it with a slim MagSafe case to keep the aesthetic.

Software & Ecosystem: minimal in pocket, modular on demand

iOS feels particularly fluid at 120Hz, and the camera UI suits a one-lens philosophy. MagSafe completes the story: snap-on stands and mounts, a neat wallet for nights out, and battery add-ons for travel. The ecosystem complements the hardware’s restraint.

Verdict

The iPhone Air is a confident, opinionated device. It doesn’t try to be all things to all people—and that’s precisely why it’s compelling. Premium build, a superb screen, flagship-class speed and an over-achieving main camera—all in a body so slim it resets expectations.

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FAQs

Is the iPhone Air durable despite being so thin?

Yes. It uses a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield glass and carries an IP rating. Add a slim MagSafe case if you want extra drop protection without spoiling the slim feel.

How good is the iPhone Air camera?

The 48MP main camera captures sharp, natural images in good light and very stable video. Low-light is solid, and while there’s no ultra-wide or optical telephoto, everyday shots look excellent.

What’s the battery life like?

Comfortable for a full day of typical use. Long 4K recording or gaming sessions can drain it faster, so creators may want a slim MagSafe battery for heavy days.

Who is the iPhone Air for?

Anyone who values comfort, a top-tier display and a great main camera over multi-lens complexity and maximum battery life. If you need telephoto or two-day stamina, consider a Pro model.