iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Air comes down to the screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPhone Air starts at £687.30, £521.70 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch.
- The iPhone Air has a lighter build: 165 g vs 233 g.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger and higher resolution screen, making it a strong choice for users who value a bigger display for watching videos or browsing. It also supports physical SIM cards alongside eSIM and comes in larger storage options up to 2TB, suiting those with extensive storage needs. The iPhone Air is lighter, slimmer, and smaller, appealing to those who prefer a more compact device that is easier to carry. Both phones have the same RAM and camera capabilities, so they perform similarly for everyday use and photography.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability covers the core software and physical resilience aspects that impact how well a phone stays current and functional over time.
Operating System And Updates
This means you can enjoy the newest Apple features and security improvements on either device throughout their supported lifespan.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your phone. Both devices offer high refresh rates and premium screen technology but differ in size and resolution, which can influence your viewing experience.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels, making it larger and sharper. This suits users who prefer more screen space for watching videos, reading, or multitasking. The iPhone Air features a 6.5 inch screen with 2736 by 1260 pixels, offering a slightly smaller but still very clear display that fits better for those wanting a more compact phone.
Refresh Rate And Screen Type
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate and use Super Retina XDR screens. This ensures smooth scrolling and vibrant colours on each device, so whether you choose the larger or smaller screen, you get fluid visuals and excellent display quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air camera
Audiovisual specs determine the quality of your photos and video calls. Both phones share the same camera resolutions, meaning they capture images with equal detail and clarity.
Camera Resolutions
The front cameras on both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air have 18 megapixels, which is well suited for detailed selfies and video calls. Their main cameras both feature 48 megapixels, supporting high detail in photos and videos. This makes either phone capable of producing sharp, clear images.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air size and design
This section covers physical size, weight, connectivity, and storage options, which affect portability, network use, and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Size And Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is larger at 163.4 by 78 millimetres and thicker at 8.8 millimetres, weighing 233 grams. This size suits users who want a bigger phone and do not mind the extra bulk. The iPhone Air is smaller at 156.2 by 74.7 millimetres and slimmer at 5.6 millimetres, weighing 165 grams, making it easier to carry and handle for those who prefer a lighter, more compact device.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM card and eSIM, offering flexibility if you want to use multiple phone numbers or switch carriers easily. The iPhone Air supports eSIM only, which works well if you prefer managing your mobile plans digitally without a physical SIM.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in larger storage options including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, ideal for users with extensive app libraries, media collections, or work files. The iPhone Air offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, which suits most everyday users who need ample but not the largest storage capacity.
Connectivity And Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, letting you connect to fast mobile data wherever available. They both use USB-C connectors, so charging and data transfer use the same standard.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £687.30, £521.70 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (165 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks and works like new, with many impressed by its condition and battery health. They find it easy to set up and appreciate the phone's quality and performance for everyday use. Some mention occasional network issues but overall recommend it for multitasking and media enjoyment.
For the iPhone Air, customers highlight the excellent condition and battery health, often receiving the phone as if it were new. Its size makes it popular for those who want a less bulky device. Users find it reliable for daily use with enough storage and smooth performance. The phone's design and screen are praised for being clear and vibrant.
Both phones suit different types of users: the iPhone 17 Pro Max appeals to those who want a larger screen and more storage, while the iPhone Air is ideal for users who prefer a lighter, smaller device without sacrificing performance or camera quality.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Air comes down to the screen size and weight. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch. The iPhone Air has a lighter build: 165 g vs 233 g.
The iPhone Air is cheaper refurbished, from £687.30 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
