iPhone 17 Pro Pro vs Air Decision

[Andeddu]

I tend to buy a phone for what it can do and the last 2 iPhones I've had have been the Pro Max. If I was upgrading this year, it would have been another Pro Max. My phone goes in a case straight away so the feel of the frame is completely irrelevant. The camera is the main pull for me and I don't really understand the few people I have seen on here who have swapped Pr's for the Ait because of 'how it feels' and this supposed 'premium' feel. I've handled the Air and sure its an iPhone like any other, but its entry level and for people who don't need the Pro features, its certainly not a serious replacement if someone wants or needs the best of what Apple can offer.

The Air is a strange combination of sub-entry level, entry level and pro-level. The single speaker/camera design is sub-entry level, the rest is entry level and the A19 Pro chipset is a Pro-feature.

I see it as a stylish phone which places form over function. There’s nothing wrong with that of course! Consumers should be given the option at the end of the day.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The Air is a strange combination of sub-entry level, entry level and pro-level. The single speaker/camera design is sub-entry level, the rest is entry level and the A19 Pro chipset is a Pro-feature.

I see it as a stylish phone which places form over function. There’s nothing wrong with that of course! Consumers should be given the option at the end of the day.

Indeed. I've watched a lot of reviews on the Air and one thing a few of them have said is that cooling is an issue with it, and this tends to prevent the A19 Pro chipset from reaching its full potential. I would imagine most using the phone are not gaming or doing anything particularly strenuous, so this is probably not an issue. Marketing over function too perhaps.

 

[SmugMaverick]

As a Pro users since the very first 11 Pro and X/XS owner, the Air is the future.

It feels like you're holding the screen, the camera is great, battery is on par with 16 pro and screen is incredible.

honestly, I wasn't sold until I got one and even after trying the 17 pro again I went back to the air.

 

[nepalisherpa]

As a previous Pro Max user, Air provides a breath of fresh air to me. I still get to enjoy a big(ger) screen while having a device that is very manageable. 15 Pro Max was so slippery that I had to slap on a case which made the phone even bigger/thicker. This Air, on the other hand (pun intended), has good enough grip that I have not used a case (yet) and I am hoping to keep it that way. I can always upgrade next year if I decide to.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Fully intended to get the air. Was tired of my 15 Pro Max (been using Pro Max/Plus sized phones since the 6+). I want a phone that feels good in my hand and can be held for a long time.

Went to an Apple Store and WOW the Air felt absolutely amazing. My wife was comparing the Pro to the Pro Max - we noted the screen had the same sized text just a few lines less of displayable area. I noted how great the Pro felt in the hand. She also went from a Pro Max to a Pro with me.

One of the Apple Geniuses said the entire store had been given Air Promo units and asked if I wanted to check it out - the speaker was underwhelming in the Apple Store while the Pro was annoyingly loud (and clear) at 75%. Already have had to use my speakerphone in a crowded area (with music) and am impressed at how loud it gets.

Tried out the 8x camera on the Pro and ... yeah that about sealed the deal for me. Speakerphone + cameras.

I've had the Pro now for a week and two days... I live next to a Verizon 5G UW tower so being able to hotspot that when my ISP is having problems is really nice too. And ... oh wow, that 8x camera is so useful when I follow my wife around while she birds.

More power to the Air owners. I'm jealous. Like some other posters here said, when the Air 2/3 comes out - I'm going to seriously be looking at them.

 

[techspin]

Fully intended to get the air. Was tired of my 15 Pro Max (been using Pro Max/Plus sized phones since the 6+). I want a phone that feels good in my hand and can be held for a long time.

Went to an Apple Store and WOW the Air felt absolutely amazing. My wife was comparing the Pro to the Pro Max - we noted the screen had the same sized text just a few lines less of displayable area. I noted how great the Pro felt in the hand. She also went from a Pro Max to a Pro with me.

One of the Apple Geniuses said the entire store had been given Air Promo units and asked if I wanted to check it out - the speaker was underwhelming in the Apple Store while the Pro was annoyingly loud (and clear) at 75%. Already have had to use my speakerphone in a crowded area (with music) and am impressed at how loud it gets.

Tried out the 8x camera on the Pro and ... yeah that about sealed the deal for me. Speakerphone + cameras.

I've had the Pro now for a week and two days... I live next to a Verizon 5G UW tower so being able to hotspot that when my ISP is having problems is really nice too. And ... oh wow, that 8x camera is so useful when I follow my wife around while she birds.

More power to the Air owners. I'm jealous. Like some other posters here said, when the Air 2/3 comes out - I'm going to seriously be looking at them.

If carriers made eSIM swaps easier, I’d have both phones.

 

[rui no onna]

If carriers made eSIM swaps easier, I’d have both phones.

eSIM Quick Transfer seems pretty easy the few times I've used it. Granted, carrier support is required.

 

[techspin]

eSIM Quick Transfer seems pretty easy the few times I've used it. Granted, carrier support is required.

My carrier site offers online eSIM transfer, but there’s a limitation of one transfer every 48 hours. The alternative is speaking to customer service and walking through their tedious verification procedures.

A more seamless option if you want two phones and more control, is paying for two lines and forwarding calls and texts as needed. Remember to unforward to avoid unfortunate Pizza Hut side chick drama lol.

 

[blairh]

Fully intended to get the air. Was tired of my 15 Pro Max (been using Pro Max/Plus sized phones since the 6+). I want a phone that feels good in my hand and can be held for a long time.

Went to an Apple Store and WOW the Air felt absolutely amazing. My wife was comparing the Pro to the Pro Max - we noted the screen had the same sized text just a few lines less of displayable area. I noted how great the Pro felt in the hand. She also went from a Pro Max to a Pro with me.

One of the Apple Geniuses said the entire store had been given Air Promo units and asked if I wanted to check it out - the speaker was underwhelming in the Apple Store while the Pro was annoyingly loud (and clear) at 75%. Already have had to use my speakerphone in a crowded area (with music) and am impressed at how loud it gets.

Tried out the 8x camera on the Pro and ... yeah that about sealed the deal for me. Speakerphone + cameras.

I've had the Pro now for a week and two days... I live next to a Verizon 5G UW tower so being able to hotspot that when my ISP is having problems is really nice too. And ... oh wow, that 8x camera is so useful when I follow my wife around while she birds.

More power to the Air owners. I'm jealous. Like some other posters here said, when the Air 2/3 comes out - I'm going to seriously be looking at them.

The Air will be a far worthier purchase in a year or two, for sure.

 

[Macdctr]

Coming from the 15 Pro Max, this time around . . . I was not into the shape and weight of the Pro series or choice of aluminum and available colors. I went with the Air this time because of the thin profile, weight and color choices. I also liked that the Air has 12GB memory and uses the A19 Pro processor as well as having the titanium frame giving a more premium look and feel in my opinion.

No, the Air is not a Pro level iPhone but then I don’t think it was meant to be with its single speaker, single camera setup and shorter battery life. I think the Air is more a niche phone suited towards people looking for a phone that is thinner and lightweight. Something different from what we have been seeing since the iPhone X but this is my opinion.

 

[Scott6666]

My carrier site offers online eSIM transfer, but there’s a limitation of one transfer every 48 hours. The alternative is speaking to customer service and walking through their tedious verification procedures.

A more seamless option if you want two phones and more control, is paying for two lines and forwarding calls and texts as needed. Remember to unforward to avoid unfortunate Pizza Hut side chick drama lol.

Att has number sync where a single number can be simultaneously installed to 2 phones.

 

[rui no onna]

Att has number sync where a single number can be simultaneously installed to 2 phones.

That's not how Number Sync works.

Number Sync will allow you to use the same number on Apple Watch, iPads, Macs, etc. over internet. No need to be on the same wifi network. You can't use it on 2 phones though.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Fully intended to get the air. Was tired of my 15 Pro Max (been using Pro Max/Plus sized phones since the 6+). I want a phone that feels good in my hand and can be held for a long time.

Went to an Apple Store and WOW the Air felt absolutely amazing. My wife was comparing the Pro to the Pro Max - we noted the screen had the same sized text just a few lines less of displayable area. I noted how great the Pro felt in the hand. She also went from a Pro Max to a Pro with me.

One of the Apple Geniuses said the entire store had been given Air Promo units and asked if I wanted to check it out - the speaker was underwhelming in the Apple Store while the Pro was annoyingly loud (and clear) at 75%. Already have had to use my speakerphone in a crowded area (with music) and am impressed at how loud it gets.

Tried out the 8x camera on the Pro and ... yeah that about sealed the deal for me. Speakerphone + cameras.

I've had the Pro now for a week and two days... I live next to a Verizon 5G UW tower so being able to hotspot that when my ISP is having problems is really nice too. And ... oh wow, that 8x camera is so useful when I follow my wife around while she birds.

More power to the Air owners. I'm jealous. Like some other posters here said, when the Air 2/3 comes out - I'm going to seriously be looking at them.

So I feel obligated to ... correct this.

If you're curious, my post on my iPhone Air conversion - today. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ions-mega-thread-merged.2466554/post-34265142

Basically 17 Pro was too small for my hands - and trying to read on it - it was too small and too heavy. Decided to return it on the 14th day of my return period and go with the Air. I wanted a thinner device with a larger screen. Camera is nice but I rarely use it these days.

And I thought the 17 Air would have no UW... but I have full strength Verizon 5G U/W (live next to a tower) and out and about.

Noticing no syncing issues I had with the 17 Pro - wifi is crazy fast - it got my same iCloud restore in less than half the time the 17 Pro did.

I'm done with big heavy phones. This Air is perfect.

 

[Lowe and Behold]

I had the 16PM and wanted something different, so I purchased the Air on a really great discount a few days after release. I absolutely love the Air - the look, the feel, perfect screen size, etc. It’s a pleasure to use it.

But… although battery life has been great in general, much better than anticipated, on days where I’m mostly on 5G, battery life does take a bit of a battering. I’ve noticed it more so with the Air than previous phones.

Also, while I do mainly use the main camera, over the weekend I looked back at some of my favourite pictures from Iceland, New York, etc., and a lot of those used the telephoto and wide lens.

It’s really got me thinking now, because I’m going on holiday on Friday and I’m now questioning how the Air might handle long days on 5G, taking pictures, videos, etc., also if I’ll regret not having the additional lenses when taking photos.

I work from home most days, so the Air is absolutely perfect in that regard and why I’ve had no issues, but this is the first real “test” for the Air. I’m now seriously thinking of buying a Pro or Pro Max from the Apple Store tomorrow and switching over, at least for the trip, then I can see how I get on and make a final decision when I get back.

As much as I love the Air, I think I probably should have waited until Air 2, as I think I might prefer a phone that only has a weight compromise, as opposed to compromises around camera, battery, etc.

Apologies for the ramble. Just suddenly had these thoughts swirling around my head over the weekend and it’s good to get it all done in writing - especially if any of you are in, or have been in a similar situation.

 

[techspin]

So I feel obligated to ... correct this.

If you're curious, my post on my iPhone Air conversion - today. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ions-mega-thread-merged.2466554/post-34265142

Basically 17 Pro was too small for my hands - and trying to read on it - it was too small and too heavy. Decided to return it on the 14th day of my return period and go with the Air. I wanted a thinner device with a larger screen. Camera is nice but I rarely use it these days.

And I thought the 17 Air would have no UW... but I have full strength Verizon 5G U/W (live next to a tower) and out and about.

Noticing no syncing issues I had with the 17 Pro - wifi is crazy fast - it got my same iCloud restore in less than half the time the 17 Pro did.

I'm done with big heavy phones. This Air is perfect.

Woo! Let’s go. Now we just need you to check back in on day 15 with the Air to confirm haha.

What helped me decide was wanting something that felt innovative. While the 17 pro is great and I really like the addition of the vapor chamber, the user experience is pretty much the same as the past 6 pro iPhones I’ve had.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I had the 16PM and wanted something different, so I purchased the Air on a really great discount a few days after release. I absolutely love the Air - the look, the feel, perfect screen size, etc. It’s a pleasure to use it.

But… although battery life has been great in general, much better than anticipated, on days where I’m mostly on 5G, battery life does take a bit of a battering. I’ve noticed it more so with the Air than previous phones.

Also, while I do mainly use the main camera, over the weekend I looked back at some of my favourite pictures from Iceland, New York, etc., and a lot of those used the telephoto and wide lens.

It’s really got me thinking now, because I’m going on holiday on Friday and I’m now questioning how the Air might handle long days on 5G, taking pictures, videos, etc., also if I’ll regret not having the additional lenses when taking photos.

I work from home most days, so the Air is absolutely perfect in that regard and why I’ve had no issues, but this is the first real “test” for the Air. I’m now seriously thinking of buying a Pro or Pro Max from the Apple Store tomorrow and switching over, at least for the trip, then I can see how I get on and make a final decision when I get back.

As much as I love the Air, I think I probably should have waited until Air 2, as I think I might prefer a phone that only has a weight compromise, as opposed to compromises around camera, battery, etc.

Apologies for the ramble. Just suddenly had these thoughts swirling around my head over the weekend and it’s good to get it all done in writing - especially if any of you are in, or have been in a similar situation.

I am someone who has 64,000+ photos and videos in my iCloud Photos. In the last few years I've really slowed down taking photos. My 17 Pro went birding with me and my wife last week and I was impressed with the 5x zoom - took a video of a hawk eating a small (not alive) bird. It came out really well. My wife was clicking away with her DSLR. So yeah, it's nice to have but her photos were a lot better than mine. The only other time I used the zoom was to read the 2100+ gallon sign on a massive generator next to a dam - otherwise all my photos were 1-2x.

I got the MagSafe battery for when I'm going to be out and about. But I wanted a phone that was enjoyable to hold and read / communicate with family on when at home.

Yeah there's a little voice going: "What if you need the 5x zoom or the .5x?" Sure enough, yesterday, I was taking a video of my mother in law's birthday on my iPhone Air. And ... I went from the 1x to the 2x and realized, I could just walk a little closer - so I did and got exactly the shot I wanted (going back to 1x). lol. So ok, just have to move a little more to get the shot I want, works for me. Pano for the .5x shots (which I prefer anyway cuz .5 was always warped and weird). Zoom? Only time I use that is when I'm birding with my wife and she's got a high end full frame DSLR.

Advantages? A phone that disappears in my pocket. A phone I can hold for hours and hours and read on comfortably. When I want more battery? Slap on a MagSafe and it's about equal? to the 17 Pro Max.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Woo! Let’s go. Now we just need you to check back in on day 15 with the Air to confirm haha.

What helped me decide was wanting something that felt innovative. While the 17 pro is great and I really like the addition of the vapor chamber, the user experience is pretty much the same as the past 6 pro iPhones I’ve had.

100% agree. I held the 17 Pro and it reminded me of my iPhone 8+. The 17 Air just feels AMAZING - like a plate of solid glass. Yesterday, during setup, I put it face down (and back down) on my Apple Studio Display's leg and it soaked the heat away. Restored my iCloud backup 2x faster than my 17 Pro did (not sure if it was the wifi or what).

And yes, 15th day - I will report back. There's a little voice: "Get the Pro Max! Just in case!" But I am so tired of massive phones. My sister and brother in law got the 17 Pro Max and good grief that thing is a brick (without any input from me, they used the words: "Feels like a brick" - lol). I thought the 17 Pro was too heavy.

The build quality on this phone is just astounding. I can't believe there's a battery in there. Love how the "plateau?" has all the computing. And finally... I have a phone that I can read my 600+ page non-fiction history books on.

 

[joshwithachance]

It’s now been 6 weeks of living with the Air as my daily driver and WOW… What a joy it’s been.

 

[Kjabean]

There is no guarantee of an air 2 or if there is it will have two cameras, the one camera look is kind of its signature. It will probably have mechanical zoom though if they do it.

 

[SmugMaverick]

I think the air 2 will happen but then I think it’ll be folded into the iPhone 20 in 2027 because that model will take the next step.

 

[Lowe and Behold]

I had the 16PM and wanted something different, so I purchased the Air on a really great discount a few days after release. I absolutely love the Air - the look, the feel, perfect screen size, etc. It’s a pleasure to use it.

But… although battery life has been great in general, much better than anticipated, on days where I’m mostly on 5G, battery life does take a bit of a battering. I’ve noticed it more so with the Air than previous phones.

Also, while I do mainly use the main camera, over the weekend I looked back at some of my favourite pictures from Iceland, New York, etc., and a lot of those used the telephoto and wide lens.

It’s really got me thinking now, because I’m going on holiday on Friday and I’m now questioning how the Air might handle long days on 5G, taking pictures, videos, etc., also if I’ll regret not having the additional lenses when taking photos.

I work from home most days, so the Air is absolutely perfect in that regard and why I’ve had no issues, but this is the first real “test” for the Air. I’m now seriously thinking of buying a Pro or Pro Max from the Apple Store tomorrow and switching over, at least for the trip, then I can see how I get on and make a final decision when I get back.

As much as I love the Air, I think I probably should have waited until Air 2, as I think I might prefer a phone that only has a weight compromise, as opposed to compromises around camera, battery, etc.

Apologies for the ramble. Just suddenly had these thoughts swirling around my head over the weekend and it’s good to get it all done in writing - especially if any of you are in, or have been in a similar situation.

So, very early initial thoughts, as I took delivery of the 17 Pro in blue this morning…

First things first, I went back and forth between silver and blue. Even though I hate the slab of white on the back, the silver is much easier to pair with cases and it does look great once in a case. I like to use the phone without a case when I’m at home though, so I’m really glad I opted for the blue as it’s a beautiful colour - really stunning. Easily my favourite colour of an iPhone so far.

When holding both the Air and the Pro, obviously I can feel the difference in weight, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. The difference tends to be felt more prominently in the first few seconds, then it kind of goes away for the most part - although it might help that I’m 6’5” and have fairly big hands.

Despite that, the Pro sits more nicely in my hand, I think due to the added thickness, and because the Pro isn’t as tall, it’s not resting on my pinky and I’m not having to manoeuvre to reach the top right hand corner.

I use the camera control button a lot and the Pro feels more comfortable using it. I think because the Air is so thin, it feels like I don’t have as much of a grip of the phone when holding it that way.

I’d read quite a few comments saying the Pro feels cheap, not premium, etc. I honestly couldn’t disagree more. To me it feels great. I don’t know if it’s the way it curves round now, but it’s so nice to hold. And I like and prefer the matte finish too. I’ve got the Space Black Air and while it’s by far my favourite colour of the Air, you only have to look at it and all of the sides are covered in smudges/fingerprints.

I haven’t taken the Pro outside and given it a real test yet (techwoven case doesn’t arrive until tomorrow), but based on using it this afternoon, I think I’m really tempted to keep the Pro.

It’s tough because I genuinely love the Air, but I don’t think I’m quite ready to sacrifice the additional cameras or the battery yet, not when I’ve now had the chance to hold the Pro and actually love the look and feel of it. Part of me was hoping I’d hate the colour or the new design, or the additional weight would be too much, but I absolutely love the Pro so far too.

Again, apologies for the ramble. Just throwing some thoughts out there.

 

[shady16]

i am on the fence with getting a 17 pro myself, i really love the air but i do kind of miss the cameras and the cosmic orange phone has really grown on me seeing them up close....

 

[techspin]

So, very early initial thoughts, as I took delivery of the 17 Pro in blue this morning…

First things first, I went back and forth between silver and blue. Even though I hate the slab of white on the back, the silver is much easier to pair with cases and it does look great once in a case. I like to use the phone without a case when I’m at home though, so I’m really glad I opted for the blue as it’s a beautiful colour - really stunning. Easily my favourite colour of an iPhone so far.

When holding both the Air and the Pro, obviously I can feel the difference in weight, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. The difference tends to be felt more prominently in the first few seconds, then it kind of goes away for the most part - although it might help that I’m 6’5” and have fairly big hands.

Despite that, the Pro sits more nicely in my hand, I think due to the added thickness, and because the Pro isn’t as tall, it’s not resting on my pinky and I’m not having to manoeuvre to reach the top right hand corner.

I use the camera control button a lot and the Pro feels more comfortable using it. I think because the Air is so thin, it feels like I don’t have as much of a grip of the phone when holding it that way.

I’d read quite a few comments saying the Pro feels cheap, not premium, etc. I honestly couldn’t disagree more. To me it feels great. I don’t know if it’s the way it curves round now, but it’s so nice to hold. And I like and prefer the matte finish too. I’ve got the Space Black Air and while it’s by far my favourite colour of the Air, you only have to look at it and all of the sides are covered in smudges/fingerprints.

I haven’t taken the Pro outside and given it a real test yet (techwoven case doesn’t arrive until tomorrow), but based on using it this afternoon, I think I’m really tempted to keep the Pro.

It’s tough because I genuinely love the Air, but I don’t think I’m quite ready to sacrifice the additional cameras or the battery yet, not when I’ve now had the chance to hold the Pro and actually love the look and feel of it. Part of me was hoping I’d hate the colour or the new design, or the additional weight would be too much, but I absolutely love the Pro so far too.

Again, apologies for the ramble. Just throwing some thoughts out there.

The 17 pro does feel nice and solid in the hand, and less heavy feeling than the 16 pro despite the technical specs. The pro is more comfortable than past iterations, and the Air feels slim and premium.

Also, the design and shape of the pro make it feel very toss-able, kinda like the iPhone 5C from back in the day. I had some irrational urges to drop the 17 pro on some surfaces or chunk it against the wall to test the durability. That may have been a problem for returning the phone lol.

 

[Lowe and Behold]

I’d say 85% of the time, the Air is the perfect phone - but it’s that 15%, where I need more battery when I’m on 5G all day, or the additional cameras when I’m on a trip, that really makes the difference I think. And while the speaker on the Air is fine and I was pretty happy with it, using a Pro again now, you do notice a rather significant difference.

The reason I’m testing out the Pro is because I’m going away on Friday and I don’t know if I’d be 100% confident relying on the Air. I don’t want to be caught short in terms of battery life, or not quite being able to capture the picture I really want to, for the sake of carrying 39 grams less in my pocket.

 

[JoeG4]

Ooh i forgot to change my vote in this lol. I initially ordered an iphone air and then canceled it and bought a pro max instead. I liked the light blue and gold options on the Air and liked how they felt in person, but really wanted the best possible camera option after having 2 phones that were excellent, but had crappy cameras.

I totally get that the iphone air does NOT have a crappy camera, it's actually a great camera... but I wanted an even better camera setup. So I got it. And a big ugly HEAVY orange phone hahaha. I've gotten used to that. It's okay.

If you asked me which other phone I'd want right now? A redmagic 11 pro. Holy crap that thing looks cool.