iPhone Air Reviews: Is the Ultra-Thin Design Worth the Compromises?

[A.F]

I like what i'm seeing personally
I don't need bestest, i don't get tech for tech's sake, i don't need a class leading phone for my personal life, nor for work.
Most importantly?
I'm also not rich, or so i'd describe anyone living on non-US wages spending 3-4 months rent on a phone.
So..

- Pro motion display? Not even my M4 MBA has that? Check.
- The Usual Apple experience? OS, sound quality, etc.? Check.
- Extra bonus for your average EU peasant? Like me, yeah, lol. Apple Classical! We went from 'now on iOS' to 'exclusively on iOS'
(the bastards are doing it on purpose, i know they are)

P.S. Haven't checked the available configs yet, but, i've heard that down here at least it can purportedly go up to 1500euro, which is a far cry from the advertised 1K.

 

[jmpage2]

On the other hand, if you compare iPhone Air to its direct competitor - Samsung Galaxy Edge - the Samsung design really looks superior:
- much higher battery capacity
- dual speakers
- dual cameras (and 200MP vs 48MP for Air)
- 6.7" vs 6.5" screen
- two grams lighter than Air
- just 0.2mm thicker than Air
- $700 vs $1000

MSRP on the Galaxy Edge is $1100. The Air is just releasing and already there are trade in deals with carriers for people who have not upgraded their device in a while (AT&T is giving me $840 in billing credits for trade in of my 14 Pro with a busted screen).

The Edge definitely has a better camera.

The Edge battery actually tested worse in the EU certification testing regardless of claimed performance, it is rated for more charge/discharge cycles which is important for those who keep their phones for a long time.

Size wise the devices are almost identical... you point out that the Edge is slightly thinner but it is also slightly wider and longer to accommodate the larger screen. I believe it also might have done worse in drop tests (scoring a C where the Air scored a B).

The Edge is a good device, but I don't want to run Android.

 

[Naraxus]

This continues to be my #1 frustration with Tim Cook Apple.

Human hands have not changed sizes.

It's crazy to not be offering ANYTHING that caters to those who value single handed use, light weight, smaller size, etc, as #1 priorities for this type of device.

As has been explained ad nauseaum in multiple threads, Apple is going to cater to, wait for it, whatever makes them the most money. They have the numbers and clearly those numbers indicate that, despite a vocal minority, the smaller phones don't sell in numbers that would justify the cost of manufacture.

People don't want smaller iPhones. It's that simple.

 

[cateye]

Valid points. I get my Air on Friday. I will use it for a good and then post my honest thoughts and I will not be comparing to to Pro models.

Well, know that your measured, intelligent, balanced take I'd look forward to, even though I already know the Air is not a device for me and so not really a product I'm spending a lot of time thinking (or worrying) about. At least I feel like I'd learn something from your evaluation. And for that, I appreciate your efforts!

 

[macjaffa]

As has been explained ad nauseaum in multiple threads, Apple is going to cater to, wait for it, whatever makes them the most money. They have the numbers and clearly those numbers indicate that, despite a vocal minority, the smaller phones don't sell in numbers that would justify the cost of manufacture.

People don't want smaller iPhones. It's that simple.

Speak for your self. I want a smaller phone. So does turbineseaplane. There's literally dozens of us.

 

[falainber]

MSRP on the Galaxy Edge is $1100. The Air is just releasing and already there are trade in deals with carriers for people who have not upgraded their device in a while (AT&T is giving me $840 in billing credits for trade in of my 14 Pro with a busted screen).

The Edge definitely has a better camera.

The Edge battery actually tested worse in the EU certification testing regardless of claimed performance, it is rated for more charge/discharge cycles which is important for those who keep their phones for a long time.

Size wise the devices are almost identical... you point out that the Edge is slightly thinner but it is also slightly wider and longer to accommodate the larger screen. I believe it also might have done worse in drop tests (scoring a C where the Air scored a B).

The Edge is a good device, but I don't want to run Android.

Do not confuse "deals from carriers" with the prices from the retailers like Amazon. Those deals are always there for all phones. When will the Air be $700 on Amazon? Never?

 

[jmpage2]

Do not confuse "deals from carriers" with the prices from the retailers like Amazon. Those deals are always there for all phones. When will the Air be $700 on Amazon? Never?

When does any iPhone have the same discounting as a Samsung or Pixel family device?

The answer is pretty much never, because Apple devices sell without those kind of discounts.

 

[drbroom]

think i will save my money and stick with my iPhone 12 mini & iOS 17 (wish I could go back to 5both phone and OS)! the new iPhone are FUGLY!! they offer nothing of importance for the money AND iOS is just plain awful!

As someone who "bled in 6 colors" since 1977... i'll wait for Jony Ive's new device before I make any changes to my "mobile" information access and "contact" device. As for pictures i'll buy a camera! I like them better!

 

[Naraxus]

Speak for your self. I want a smaller phone. So does turbineseaplane. There's literally dozens of us.

It seems you missed this part of my post:

They have the numbers and clearly those numbers indicate that, despite a vocal minority, the smaller phones don't sell in numbers that would justify the cost of manufacture.

 

[macbookj0e]

AIr has the battery life of an iphone 15 pro so good enough

I thought it was the same as the 16 Pro? Should be better than a 15 Pro by 4 hours according to apples figures…

 

[macjaffa]

It seems you missed this part of my post:

They have the numbers and clearly those numbers indicate that, despite a vocal minority, the smaller phones don't sell in numbers that would justify the cost of manufacture.

I read your post perfectly, thanks. You didn't say that though. You said people didn't want small iphones. Now you are saying there is a vocal minority. So that's some people then.

 

[grovertdog]

I expect a phone with a smaller battery, fewer camera options, one less speaker, etc. to be cheaper than $100 less than the Pro version of the same phone. The pricing on this thing just doesn’t make sense, especially with how good the base iPhone is this year.

Why? How do you make a smaller, lighter phone without a smaller battery? Physics still applies, even to Apple. If the phone you "expect" was the same size/form as the Pro, with the fewer options/speaker/etc., then your expectations would be realistic. But the Air is not that at all, so your expectations really don't seem grounded in reality, rather in checkboxes/wishlists.. Very simple, don't pay the premium if you don't think it's worth it.

 

[grovertdog]

On the other hand, if you compare iPhone Air to its direct competitor - Samsung Galaxy Edge - the Samsung design really looks superior:
- much higher battery capacity
- dual speakers
- dual cameras (and 200MP vs 48MP for Air)
- 6.7" vs 6.5" screen
- two grams lighter than Air
- just 0.2mm thicker than Air
- $700 vs $1000

Read more reviews. Outside of the second camera, the Air trounces the Edge.

 

[Supermallet]

So tell me again, what was the point of that device’s existence?

To replace the Plus, which would have eaten into the Pro Max sales this year with the addition of Pro Motion and the center stage selfie camera. I know I would have switched from Pro Max to 17 Plus if it had been available.

 

[waquzy]

On the other hand, if you compare iPhone Air to its direct competitor - Samsung Galaxy Edge - the Samsung design really looks superior:
- much higher battery capacity
- dual speakers
- dual cameras (and 200MP vs 48MP for Air)
- 6.7" vs 6.5" screen
- two grams lighter than Air
- just 0.2mm thicker than Air
- $700 vs $1000

$700?! It was over a grand when the Edge launched. It just shows that 3 months later the value has decreased drastically as is always the case with Samsung.

 

[ghanwani]

Temperature comparisons are meaningless because all it takes is one software update to change it all.

 

[robotphood]

For those constantly scared of the mediocre battery life a first comparison. Fast forward to 12:20m
If he's right the Air's battery performance is within 5% difference compared to the regular iPhone 17.

This is great considering the 17 has a ~17% bigger battery.

I thought it was the same as the 16 Pro? Should be better than a 15 Pro by 4 hours according to apples figures…

That's video playback which isn't the same as everyday mixed usage.

 

[DrJR]

My concern is it will make my butt look big.

 

[Corefile]

Anybody doneth a bend test. Not a pretend bend test but more a "bend it like Beckham" style.

 

[jmpage2]

This is great considering the 17 has a ~17% bigger battery.



That's video playback which isn't the same as everyday mixed usage.

The Air is using a different type of battery that has never been used by Apple in a phone before.

 

[azhava]

Short and simple answer for the title question: For some people, yes; For some people, no.

 

[Musocat]

Compared to my current 15 Pro, the Air has a bigger screen, better battery life, faster chip, and it's lighter and thinner. It has a better front camera, and the rear camera is pretty much the same (99% of the time - I hardly use the other focal lengths). Oh, and it costs less.

Not too shabby.

Oh, and I just noticed: Today is my 20th year on Mac Rumors. Happy Anniversary to me.

 

[LordArchie]

This is great considering the 17 has a ~17% bigger battery.



That's video playback which isn't the same as everyday mixed usage.

Was hoping someone would post that video. He does a pretty complete review.. I'm pretty happy with my decision to go with the Air

 

[Wahlstrm]

I like what i'm seeing personally
I don't need bestest, i don't get tech for tech's sake, i don't need a class leading phone for my personal life, nor for work.
Most importantly?
I'm also not rich, or so i'd describe anyone living on non-US wages spending 3-4 months rent on a phone.
So..

- Pro motion display? Not even my M4 MBA has that? Check.
- The Usual Apple experience? OS, sound quality, etc.? Check.
- Extra bonus for your average EU peasant? Like me, yeah, lol. Apple Classical! We went from 'now on iOS' to 'exclusively on iOS'
(the bastards are doing it on purpose, i know they are)

P.S. Haven't checked the available configs yet, but, i've heard that down here at least it can purportedly go up to 1500euro, which is a far cry from the advertised 1K.

Based in today’s exchange rate.

Apple.com $999 +Sales tax (€843 + tax)
Apple.ie €1007 +VAT ($1194 + VAT)

(On Apples.se it's the eq of $1200 + VAT as well).

In terms of %, that’s probably one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen from Apple.
(A few % to cover currency fluctuations is expected but not 20%..)

 

[dbwie]

I see many reviewers asking who is the iPhone Air for. I preordered one. I work from home full time, so on most days, I’m home on WiFi with plenty of chargers around, don’t need to worry about the battery. I also don’t play games or do much that would stress the phone. I read eBooks and Apple News stuff, and this screen and light weight is great for readers. The appeal to me is how thin and light it is, and it has a Pro level chip in it. I loved that long ago iPhone with the bumper case. As for photos, I have a M4 iPad Pro with its camera system if I want a spatial video, which is rare. I have bought iPhone Pros in the past. This might be a fun spaceholder phone until the folding iPhone comes out. Maybe I just need to buy a second Air and stick them together, LOL.