# iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air: An In-Depth Comparison
iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air? This year, many iPhone purchasers face a tougher choice than ever before. Here’s a thorough comparison of Apple’s latest premium models, emphasizing the critical differences.
## Displays
For the first time, Apple has provided ProMotion support to non-Pro iPhone models. Both iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models come with the same ProMotion features, such as a 120Hz variable refresh rate and an always-on display. The Super Retina XDR displays share identical specifications, with the sole distinction being their screen size:
– **iPhone Air**: 6.5 inches
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 6.3 inches
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 6.9 inches
All models also enable the option to disable PWM if it induces any discomfort.
## Size and Weight
Size and weight represent key distinctions between the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models:
| Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|—————-|———————|———————|———————|
| Height | 6.15 in (156.2 mm) | 5.91 in (150.0 mm) | 6.43 in (163.4 mm) |
| Width | 2.94 in (74.7 mm) | 2.83 in (71.9 mm) | 3.07 in (78.0 mm) |
| Depth | 0.22 in (5.64 mm) | 0.34 in (8.75 mm) | 0.34 in (8.75 mm) |
| Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) | 7.27 oz (206 g) | 8.22 oz (233 g) |
The iPhone Air features a newly designed ultra-slim and lightweight aesthetic, while the 17 Pro line has seen an increase in size and heft compared to past models.
## Battery Life
The variations in size and weight have a notable effect on battery life:
– **iPhone Air**: Up to 27 hours of video playback
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: Up to 33 hours of video playback
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: Up to 39 hours of video playback
The iPhone Air’s 27 hours of playback equals that of the iPhone 16 Pro and exceeds the entry-level iPhone 16’s 22 hours, yet it lags behind the 17 Pro models.
## Camera Systems
Camera systems could be a decisive factor for prospective buyers. The iPhone 17 Pro showcases three rear cameras, whereas the iPhone Air includes just one. Both boast a 48MP Fusion Main camera, but the Air lacks the Telephoto and Ultra Wide cameras, leading to the following absent features:
– No Macro photos or video
– No Spatial photos or video
– No ProRAW photos or video
– No Cinematic Mode for video
– No studio-quality four-mic array
– No LiDAR Scanner
– No Pro-focused video functions like Genlock or Apple Log 2
Additional camera features include:
| Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro |
|———————–|——————–|———————|
| Optical zoom | 1x, 2x | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x |
| 4K Dolby Vision | 60 fps | 120 fps |
| Slow-mo video | 1080p | 4K Dolby Vision |
| Flash | True Tone | Adaptive True Tone |
| OIS | Sensor-shift OIS | 2nd gen sensor-shift OIS |
The new Center Stage front camera is featured on both devices.
## Performance
Both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air come equipped with the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM. Nonetheless, the 17 Pro models surpass the iPhone Air due to:
1. A 6-core GPU versus the 5-core in the iPhone Air.
2. The incorporation of a newly designed Apple vapor chamber for cooling in the Pro models, enabling enhanced sustained performance.
## Design and Colors
The iPhone 17 Pro showcases a fresh aluminum unibody design, which has received varied responses. Available colors include:
– Cosmic Orange
– Deep Blue
– Silver
In contrast, the iPhone Air maintains a titanium chassis, providing a refined look. Available colors include:
– Sky Blue
– Light Gold
– Cloud White
