iPhone Air Return Air and go back to Pro(Max)??

[CHI-M]

So I’ve been rocking a ProMax for as long as they existed. Upgraded from 16promax.

Bit the bullet and thought I would try the Air. I’m always about thing/light, and I would say the ProMax has been getting chunky every year.

However, after only 2 days with the Air, I’m still torn on this device. Anyone else considering returning theirs? I have 2weeks to decide.

Things that are irking me:

Single camera, I thought I could get away with it, but yesterday after being outside and taking some photos, I noticed right away I miss the .5x so I don’t have to walk back to get a certain shot. Also my pics seem more blurry now, not sure if there is something in ProMax that was dealing with my hand moving while taking a photo?

Speakers - I think I can live with this downgrade, you definitely notice the difference, the base is almost non-exsistant and you can tell audio is coming from one side, but it’s not horrible.

Battery - on Saturday my 1st full day, off the charger at 6am, and was out of juice at around 6pm. I had the battery pack so I filled up there and also in car that evening. ProMax usually gets me 1.25ish days on no charge. However again, i would say I can also live with this downgrade. - I would say borderline acceptable. But after some time and charge cycles when battery is wore out, tihs will be unusable.


So in conclusion, the camera is my deal killer for me and I can’t see to get over that hump.

Anyone with an Air considering returning and getting the ProMax??

 

[Adelphos33]

I played a bit with the Air in the Apple Store today. IMO it is the weakest offering in the lineup this year. It is thin and all, and the sides look good, but it’s not a small phone. If you want a smaller phone, either the 17 or regular Pro seem like better buys

 

[Thor_9]

Yes. Absolutely. If it’s not fitting your needs now, it won’t change in the future.

 

[menist]

The iPhone Air is a nice phone, but when I held it at the store and seeing its compromise's, I'll rather wait for a Air 2. I got a 17 Pro instead.

 

[RolexConnoisseur]

I bought the Air and returned it for the 17 Pro.

The mono speaker was literally making me nauseas when watching YouTube in land scape. It feels uncomfortable hearing sound from only one side for extended periods.

I also didn’t realize the camera isn’t capable of taking up closer photos. I was taking a photo of a clothing label with really small text and the single camera was incapable of even taking the photo and that’s when I decided to return it. I’m not even a pro photographer. I just needed to take pictures of something to sell something on eBay.

 

[iPaper]

I almost got the Air but ordered the Pro Max. I finally went to Apple this morning and tested out all the new models, the Air felt great in my hands but I wouldn't get one. I honestly preferred the regular 17 over the Air.

If you're having buyers remorse now, I would swap to the Pro Max before it's too late.

 

[darthbane2k]

Or just keep the 16 Pro Max and wait until the more interesting iPhones such as fhe Fold next year. Personally, I find the 17 Pros hideous, looks cheap, has an anodised finish that is scratching like crazy. In terms of experience it’s not going to offer you anything much over your 16PM. Wait for the real upgrade.

 

[dizmonk]

So I’ve been rocking a ProMax for as long as they existed. Upgraded from 16promax.

Bit the bullet and thought I would try the Air. I’m always about thing/light, and I would say the ProMax has been getting chunky every year.

However, after only 2 days with the Air, I’m still torn on this device. Anyone else considering returning theirs? I have 2weeks to decide.

Things that are irking me:

Single camera, I thought I could get away with it, but yesterday after being outside and taking some photos, I noticed right away I miss the .5x so I don’t have to walk back to get a certain shot. Also my pics seem more blurry now, not sure if there is something in ProMax that was dealing with my hand moving while taking a photo?

Speakers - I think I can live with this downgrade, you definitely notice the difference, the base is almost non-exsistant and you can tell audio is coming from one side, but it’s not horrible.

Battery - on Saturday my 1st full day, off the charger at 6am, and was out of juice at around 6pm. I had the battery pack so I filled up there and also in car that evening. ProMax usually gets me 1.25ish days on no charge. However again, i would say I can also live with this downgrade. - I would say borderline acceptable. But after some time and charge cycles when battery is wore out, tihs will be unusable.


So in conclusion, the camera is my deal killer for me and I can’t see to get over that hump.

Anyone with an Air considering returning and getting the ProMax??

You wrote exactly what I'm thinking with one caveat. I'm REALLY tired of how big and weighty these PM's are getting. I'm trying to decide if the camera trade-off with the reduced weight and bulk is a trade-off I want.

 

[chanerz]

Switch to Pro Max. Carrying a battery pack for Air is crazy.

 

[Apple_Robert]

You need to test your usage about 2-3 days after you first set it up. Less than 24 hours after set up and the phone is still indexing etc.

 

[fjd726]

Even the base 17 is better than that phone. The weight is very similar when holding both in hand. The battery is larger, you have the extra camera, and you get the stereo speakers. After the novelty wears off in the air, most will return it for a better capable phone in the base 17 or the pros.

 

[JPack]

It's like choosing between a girlfriend and a wife. Which will really last you a few years?

A lot of people don't realize they're using the UW lens because the camera app switches to it automatically.

If you look at actual, varied battery tests, the Air lasts about 2 hours less than even the regular 17 model.

 

[dave006]

Battery - on Saturday my 1st full day, off the charger at 6am, and was out of juice at around 6pm. I had the battery pack so I filled up there and also in car that evening.

If you check in Setting you should still see the Optimizing message this early in your iPhone 17 Air life. Check back on Monday to see if it is done optimizing, and the try your all day test.

For the camera limitations that is a non-starter for me in 2025.

Dave

 

[cababah]

I find these "what did you choose" threads amusing. Each person has different needs, wants, priorities, preferences, usage, financial circumstances, etc. What is "right" for someone may be "wrong" for another and that's completely fine.

It seems like a lot of people post as means to justify their choice or get some sort of validation which I guess the forums provide an outlet for.

The bottom line, however, is that the current iPhone lineup is nearly perfected to where there is a perfect iPhone for almost every type of user.

 

[JPack]

I find these "what did you choose" threads amusing. Each person has different needs, wants, priorities, preferences, usage, financial circumstances, etc. What is "right" for someone may be "wrong" for another and that's completely fine.

It seems like a lot of people post as means to justify their choice or get some sort of validation which I guess the forums provide an outlet for.

The bottom line, however, is that the current iPhone lineup is nearly perfected to where there is a perfect iPhone for almost every type of user.

How boring would it be without discussion and debate?

Some people say the YouTubers opinions are skewed or whatever.

Are posters supposed to arrive with Ipsos poll results or something?

 

[Mike2128]

After the novelty wears off in the air, most will return it for a better capable phone in the base 17 or the pros.

That’s an absurd thing to say.

 

[4sallypat]

I find these "what did you choose" threads amusing. Each person has different needs, wants, priorities, preferences, usage, financial circumstances, etc. What is "right" for someone may be "wrong" for another and that's completely fine.

It seems like a lot of people post as means to justify their choice or get some sort of validation which I guess the forums provide an outlet for.

The bottom line, however, is that the current iPhone lineup is nearly perfected to where there is a perfect iPhone for almost every type of user.

100% agree!

Everyone is different and entitled to their opinions.

I love my Air - best thing since moving away from the thick 16 Pro.

 

[C. Robert]

never crossed my mind. I could in no way spend that kind of money for a 16pro. They are a very weak upgrade.

 

[ArchEtech]

I suggest you don't make this a bigger decision than it should be in your life. Both will work just FINE for you.

If you want more battery and camera - pro
If you want something smaller and lighter at the cost of battery, camera and some other things that are not important to you - AIR.

 

[bill-p]

Even the base 17 is better than that phone. The weight is very similar when holding both in hand. The battery is larger, you have the extra camera, and you get the stereo speakers. After the novelty wears off in the air, most will return it for a better capable phone in the base 17 or the pros.

No. Hand feel between base 17 and Air is not close. You’d think so based on weight but based on density, base 17 is in fact 18% more dense because it’s smaller. It is very noticeable. When both are in cases, which add to the size, base 17 feels as chonky as older 14 PM.

Also for my use case, battery life is similar between the 2. Base 17 will be going back Monday at this point. It’s smaller but still quite a bit heavier and chonkier. If I cared about battery life, the separate battery pack allows me to top Air up and the overall package is actually the same weight as my old 14 PM while lasting almost 2x longer. But the kicker is: I don’t have to keep the battery pack and Air together all the time. Each one can be in different pockets, which distributes weight better and doesn’t pull down my pants like current Pro phones. Too bad the battery pack doesn’t fit base 17.

So base 17 is being returned to Apple on Monday. I’m keeping Air. Camera compromises I can live with because I have a separate “real” camera. But also pro tip for those who don’t know how to do this with their Air:

1. Use 2x camera for close up photos. The final shot is 12MP which is the same exact resolution as whatever 14 PM could take. You don’t have to get that close to the subject.

2. For wider shots, if it’s a static scene, use Pano mode. Then no one has to take a step back. Alternatively, it’s weird but you can also just make use of the front-facing camera for a single shot.

3. For speaker use in landscape, make a cupped hand next to the front-facing camera to reflect sound back to the center.

 

[4sallypat]

......
1. Use 2x camera for close up photos. The final shot is 12MP which is the same exact resolution as whatever 14 PM could take. You don’t have to get that close to the subject.

2. For wider shots, if it’s a static scene, use Pano mode. Then no one has to take a step back. Alternatively, it’s weird but you can also just make use of the front-facing camera for a single shot.

3. For speaker use in landscape, make a cupped hand next to the front-facing camera to reflect sound back to the center.

Thanks - loved these tips.

Hardly use the speakers except for voice speaker phone calls.

For me, I don't use the camera much - planning next month when I go to Hawaii and fly some single engine planes over the islands to take some pix then!

 

[cardfan]

If the thin and lighter design isn’t overriding all those concerns for u, then return it. Thats the only benefit of the Air.

 

[vi2867]

I agree the Air is not for everyone. If you can’t compromise on the 3 short comings (Battery, Camera and Speaker). Go pro. As for me, I’m fine.

 

[Webcat86]

it’s weird but you can also just make use of the front-facing camera for a single shot.

How do you see what’s in shot though, are you just keeping yourself out of shot while pointing it at you?

 

[bill-p]

How do you see what’s in shot though, are you just keeping yourself out of shot while pointing it at you?

You mean when using the front facing camera? I guess just peek over it once to have a general idea of the field of view. I have only tried this once. It works but it’s also a bit clunky. Also 1:1 in that mode gives an even wider field of view.