The decision to buy an iPhone next year will be particularly difficult for many users. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have many advantages, but the new iPhone 17 Air will also be able to offer something special.
About 4 advantages of iPhone 17 Air over iPhone 17 Pro is told by RBC-Ukraine (Styler project) with reference to the leading news site about Apple 9to5Mac.
Radically new ultra-thin design
This is the main advantage, which will make many think about choosing between the iPhone 17 models. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be significantly thinner and will go down in history as the thinnest iPhone.
Exact dimensions are still unknown , but will reportedly be 25 percent thinner than current models Pro.
Previously, the thinnest iPhone was the iPhone 6 with a thickness of 6.9 mm. The iPhone 17 Air will be even thinner, probably between 6 and 6.5 mm.
For comparison, the current iPhone lineup has the following parameters:
- iPhone 16: 7.8mm
- iPhone 16 Plus: 7.8mm
- iPhone 16 Pro: 8.25 mm
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8.25 mm
Such thinness will, of course, require compromises, such as reducing battery capacity and reducing camera capabilities. However, the new ultra-thin design will feel like a step into the future.
The screen size is the perfect compromise between Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max displays are 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. Next year's 17 Pro models are expected to retain the same dimensions.
However, the iPhone 17 Air will most likely offer the perfect middle ground.
Its screen will be 6.6 inches in size, comfortably positioned between the two Pro models.
This size could be large enough to appeal to Pro Max users, but at the same time remain convenient for Pro owners, especially considering the thinner body.
More affordable price
For a long time, the price of the iPhone 17 Air caused the most questions. The first rumors suggested that it will be a premium device in the spirit of “iPhone Ultra”. However, after learning about some of the limitations of the device, it became clear that the high price is not entirely justified.
Now the latest rumors indicate , that the iPhone 17 Air will take the place in the lineup that was previously occupied by the Plus model. There is a possibility that it will be more expensive than the Plus, but still cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
If the cost for you important factor, then iPhone 17 Air may be the best choice.
Own 5G modem from Apple
This advantage is the most controversial, because it all depends on your preferences for modems.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain the current 5G modem from Qualcomm, while the iPhone 17 Air will receive the long-awaited own modem from Apple.
Apple's first 5G modem may be inferior to Qualcomm's solution in some ways, but it has unique advantages.
For example, as Mark Gurman notes, “it will be tightly integrated with Apple processors to reduce power consumption, more efficient network search and better support for satellite network connection features”.
If the iPhone 17 Air were to be the first device with the new modem, it could be risky. However, the novelty will first appear in the iPhone SE 4, which will be released about six months before the debut of the 17 Air. This will give Apple enough time to test new features and fix possible bugs.