iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air?
iPhone 17 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone Air starts at £687.30, £26.04 less than the iPhone 17.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPhone Air has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are both 2025 models with similar core features like 5G support, Super Retina XDR screens with 120 Hz refresh rates, and unlocked USB-C connectors. The iPhone Air offers a larger and higher resolution screen, which suits users who prefer more viewing space for videos or browsing. It also has 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps running smoothly at once, and comes in a 1TB storage option for those needing extra space. The iPhone 17 is more compact and heavier, with 8 GB of RAM that is well suited for everyday use. It supports a physical SIM card alongside eSIM, which is useful if you need a traditional SIM slot. Both phones receive software updates up to iOS 27, so support is equal.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability is important for how long your device stays current and fits your network needs. Both phones share several durability features, but a few details set them apart.
Software Updates
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air receive software updates supported up to iOS 27. This means both devices will continue to get new features and security improvements for the same length of time, helping them stay current with Apple's ecosystem.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 offers both a physical SIM card and eSIM, which is ideal if you want the flexibility of a traditional SIM slot alongside a digital one. The iPhone Air supports only eSIM, which suits users who prefer a fully digital SIM setup without a physical card.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your phone daily. Both phones have high refresh rates and the same screen technology, but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen, making it better suited if you want a larger display for watching videos or reading. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen, which may be more comfortable to hold and easier to use one-handed.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 2736 by 1260, the iPhone Air provides a sharper image than the iPhone 17's 2622 by 1206. This means finer details will look clearer on the Air, making it a good choice for photo viewing or detailed apps.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air camera
Both phones deliver strong audiovisual features with matching camera resolutions, so your photos and video calls have similar quality.
Camera Quality
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air each have an 18 megapixel front camera and a 48 megapixel main camera. This means both devices capture detailed photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air size and design
Other important differences cover dimensions, weight, and connectivity options which affect how the phones feel and fit your needs.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 is shorter at 149.6 mm and narrower at 71.5 mm but is thicker at 8 mm and heavier at 177 g. The iPhone Air is taller at 156.2 mm, wider at 74.7 mm, yet thinner at 5.6 mm and lighter at 165 g. If you prefer a lighter, slimmer phone with a larger screen, the Air suits you. If you want a smaller footprint, the iPhone 17 fits better in hand or pocket.
RAM and Storage
The iPhone Air comes with 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps active and running smoothly, making it good for multitasking. The iPhone 17 has 8 GB of RAM, which handles everyday apps well. Regarding storage, the iPhone Air offers an additional 1TB option for those needing more space, while the iPhone 17 is available up to 512GB.
Connector and Carrier
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible carrier. The iPhone 17 supports a physical SIM card alongside eSIM, while the iPhone Air supports eSIM only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £687.30, £26.04 less than the iPhone 17
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
What our customers say
Users appreciate its condition and find it an easy upgrade from previous models. The phone is described as perfect for everyday use, and several customers mention that it feels like a new device for a good price. The iPhone 17's size and performance are well received, with users commenting on smooth operation and a straightforward setup. Some highlight the phone's weight and thickness as part of its feel in hand.
The iPhone Air also earns praise for quality and condition, with many customers noting it looks almost brand new and has excellent battery health. Users enjoy the larger screen for photography and staying in touch, with smooth performance for daily tasks and enough storage for their needs. The phone's slim profile is appreciated, with some customers mentioning the search for the right case due to its thinness. The Air suits people wanting a lightweight device with a roomy display and ample storage options.
Both phones attract buyers who value a like-new experience from refurbished devices. The iPhone 17 suits those who prefer a compact size and physical SIM card flexibility, while the iPhone Air appeals to users who want a larger screen, more RAM, and extra storage choices.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 17 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone Air is cheaper refurbished, from £687.30 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
