Apple iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs Pro Max: Full Comparison

Apple has officially unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup at the September 2025 event, introducing four models — iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Each model brings unique features, pricing, and performance levels, giving buyers more choice than ever before. Here’s a complete comparison of the new iPhones to help you decide which one is right for you.

iPhone 17 Prices and Storage

Here’s how the new lineup is priced in the United States:

• iPhone 17 – $799. The price hasn’t changed from last year, but now it starts with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB.
• iPhone Air – $999. This model takes the place of the iPhone 16 Plus. It’s slimmer, lighter, and aimed at users who prefer portability.
• iPhone 17 Pro – $1,099. The only model with a small price increase ($100 more than the iPhone 16 Pro). However, it now starts at 256GB of storage.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max – $1,199. Surprisingly, there is no price increase here, even though the base storage has doubled to 256GB.

Overall, Apple has been careful with pricing. Only the Pro version is more expensive, while the rest offer better storage without higher costs. Preorders begin on Friday, and the phones will hit stores on September 19.

Design and Display Upgrades

The iPhone 17 series comes with noticeable design changes, especially when it comes to the camera layout and overall build.

• iPhone 17: The dual cameras are now placed vertically inside an oval-shaped bump, replacing the older square design.
• iPhone Air: Extremely thin at just 5.6mm, compared to the iPhone 17’s 7.9mm and the Pro models’ 8.75mm. It is also lighter at 165g, making it easier to carry. However, it only has a single rear camera.
• iPhone 17 Pro: Features a larger horizontal camera bump that stretches across part of the phone, plus an internal redesign with an aluminum frame for better heat management.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Similar horizontal camera bump across the full width of the phone, along with stronger internals.

Display Improvements

• iPhone Air: 6.5-inch OLED display (slightly smaller than last year’s 16 Plus).
• iPhone 17 and 17 Pro: Both now have 6.3-inch displays, up from 6.1 inches.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Largest at 6.9 inches.

All models feature ProMotion displays with adaptive refresh rates (1Hz–120Hz), stronger Ceramic Shield 2 protection, and 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making them much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight.

Battery Performance

Apple doesn’t reveal exact battery sizes, but instead provides video playback estimates:

• iPhone Air – up to 27 hours
• iPhone 17 – up to 30 hours
• iPhone 17 Pro – up to 33 hours
• iPhone 17 Pro Max – up to 39 hours

Despite being thinner, the iPhone Air still holds up well compared to the other models, though it has slightly less battery life.

Camera Comparisons

Apple has made big strides in the camera department this year:

• iPhone 17: Dual cameras — a 48MP main sensor and a new 48MP ultrawide lens. The selfie camera has also been upgraded to 18MP.
• iPhone Air: A single 48MP main rear camera.
• iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Both now feature 48MP telephoto zoom lenses (4x optical zoom) and 18MP front cameras.

Every model supports Apple’s Dual Fusion technology, which allows high-resolution shots at 48MP or cropped 2x zoom photos at 24MP.

Internal Design and Heat Management

The Pro models have undergone the most significant internal redesigns. Instead of titanium, Apple has switched to aluminum frames that are 20 times better at spreading heat. They also feature a vapor chamber cooling system, helping the phones sustain 40% better performance during heavy use.

Interestingly, the iPhone Air is the only model still made with a titanium frame, likely to keep it durable despite being so slim.

Colors

Apple has also refreshed its color options this year:

• iPhone 17: Lavender, light blue, dark gray, silver-white, green
• iPhone Air: Light blue, light gold, black, white
• iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: White, dark blue, bright orange

Performance and Chips

• iPhone 17: Runs on the A19 chip, which is 20% faster than the previous A18. It has a six-core CPU built on a 3-nanometer process, a stronger Neural Engine for AI tasks, and an updated Display Engine. Comes in 256GB or 512GB storage.
• iPhone Air: Surprisingly powerful, it uses the A19 Pro chip — the same as the Pro models. It also includes Apple’s C1 5G modem, an upgraded version that improves connectivity. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
• iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Powered by the A19 Pro chip, paired with new thermal designs for smoother performance. Storage options go up to 2TB for the Pro Max, though this top model costs $2,000.

Apple doesn’t reveal RAM, but since Apple Intelligence (AI features) requires at least 8GB, it’s safe to assume all iPhone 17 models come with that.

Software and AI Features

All iPhone 17 models ship with iOS 26, which introduces:

• A redesigned Liquid Glass interface
• Improved iMessage
• A clearer lock screen
• An updated Camera app
• Enhancements to Safari, Photos, and Music

Apple is also doubling down on Apple Intelligence, its generative AI system introduced last year. While no brand-new AI tools were announced, the iPhone 17 series will support all existing AI features with faster performance thanks to the A19 chips.

The iPhone 17 lineup shows that Apple is moving beyond small tweaks and aiming for bigger, more exciting changes. The introduction of the iPhone Air is the biggest shift, giving customers a thinner and lighter option without losing too much power. Meanwhile, the Pro models focus on serious performance, better cameras, and advanced cooling systems.

For most users, the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air will offer great upgrades at reasonable prices, while power users and professionals will find the Pro and Pro Max worth the extra cost.

READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Apple September 9 Event