iPhone 17 Series Comparison: Which Model is Right for You?
The iPhone 17 series, released in fall 2025, expanded consumer choices with three different models including the new 'iPhone 17 Air'. Let's look at the features and differences of each model.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Category | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | 139g, 6.1mm Aluminum-magnesium alloy |
167g, 7.3mm Aluminum frame |
198g, 7.9mm Titanium frame |
| Colors | Starlight, Pink, Blue Midnight, (PRODUCT)RED |
Black, White, Green Blue, Purple |
Natural/Black/White/Blue Titanium |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED 60-90Hz 1,600 nits(HDR) |
6.2-inch OLED 1-120Hz ProMotion 1,800 nits(HDR) |
6.9-inch Microlens OLED 1-120Hz ProMotion 3,000 nits(outdoor) |
| Processor/RAM | A19 chip, 6GB | A19 Pro chip, 8GB | A19 Pro chip, 12GB |
| Battery | 15 hours video playback | 19 hours video playback | 25 hours video playback |
| Charging | 20W wired/15W wireless | 27W wired/15W wireless | 35W wired/25W wireless Reverse charging |
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.6, OIS | 50MP, f/1.4, Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Additional Cameras | 12MP Ultra-wide | 12MP Ultra-wide Software 2X telephoto |
48MP Ultra-wide 12MP 5X telephoto LiDAR Scanner |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth Autofocus |
24MP TrueDepth |
| Video Features | 4K 60fps | 4K 60fps Action mode |
8K 30fps Spatial video recording |
| AI Features | Basic Apple Intelligence Enhanced Siri |
Improved AI processing Conversational Siri |
Apple Intelligence Pro Siri Pro Advanced Generative AI |
Storage and Pricing
| Storage | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $799 | $899 | - |
| 256GB | $899 | $999 | $1,199 |
| 512GB | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,399 |
| 1TB | - | $1,399 | $1,599 |
| 2TB | - | - | $1,799 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the iPhone 17 Air suitable for?
It's ideal for users who prioritize portability. Recommended for those who prefer lightweight devices and primarily use basic smartphone functions. It has limitations for high-end gaming or professional media work.
How significant are the actual performance differences?
The Pro Max outperforms by approximately 15% in CPU and 25% in GPU. While differences may not be noticeable in daily use, the Pro Max excels in high-end gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
How do battery durations differ?
The Air requires evening charging after a day of use, the 17 lasts all day, and the Pro Max can last 1.5-2 days even with intensive use.
What are the differences in Apple Intelligence features?
The Air offers only basic AI features, while the 17 supports most AI functions. The Pro Max performs all AI functions faster with enhanced processing capabilities and offers some Pro-exclusive features.
How do the camera systems differ in experience?
The Air is suitable for everyday photos, the 17 provides excellent results in most situations. The Pro Max delivers superior performance in low-light, telephoto, and macro photography, and supports 8K and spatial video.
.JPG "iPhone 17 Series (2025): Air, Standard, and Pro Max Models Compared") |
| < iPhone 17 Series (2025) > |
odel is Right for You?
| Model | Recommended for These Users |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Air |
|
| iPhone 17 |
|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|
It's important to choose a model that aligns with your usage patterns and priorities.