iPhone Air iphone Air vs iPhone Pro

[gomakoto]

I’m still not decided on what phone either. I have the 15 pro max. Do I want the air or 17 pro max? I have a trip to Disney next year planned and Ariana Grande concert. Will I miss the pro cameras? Helpppppp

What do you take pictures of? Of yourself mainly? Or do you like to zoom into things? I only take pictures of myself. I am not a shutterbug. I am more like lets document I was here, but otherwise I just enjoy the event and watch. I don't snap photos all the often. So the Air is what I want.

If you're snapping photos and zooming in on things, then definitely get the pro.

 

[Petey07]

I just ran the same analysis and was pretty surprised. I looked at the last two years on my 15PM and 16PM and found that 18.7% were ultrawide, 77.3% was main lens, and only 4% were with the telephoto.

The amount of ultrawide being so high and telephoto being so low were surprising. It does make me wonder if I’ll miss the ultra wide. The telephoto photos are nothing spectacular. But some of the ultrawides are good photos that couldn’t have been captured as easily or fully with the main lens.

That does push me back towards the Pro some.

Just like me, I noticed that some of my close-up food pictures were taken using the ultrawide lens.


Today, I tried taking photos both with and without the ultrawide, and the main camera just doesn’t cut it — I really need the ultrawide for the details (especially with the 0.5x zoom).

 

[Petey07]

I really like the design and thinness for everyday use, but I’m not quite sure about missing the ultrawide lens, the lack of a vapor chamber for cooling, and some of the other features found on the other 17 model. (Coming from a 15 Pro Max.)

 

[Harmonious Zen]

The smaller battery in and of itself is enough to steer me towards the Pro. The lack of an ultra wide lens just seals the deal.

The Air also looks like a huge fingerprint magnet. I'll have a case on my phone regardless, but then if I'm going to put on a case, the Air loses its thin appeal?

 

[JPack]

Just like me, I noticed that some of my close-up food pictures were taken using the ultrawide lens.


Today, I tried taking photos both with and without the ultrawide, and the main camera just doesn’t cut it — I really need the ultrawide for the details (especially with the 0.5x zoom).

iPhone so seamlessly switches lenses, to the point where many people don't even know they're using ultrawide. People only realize what they're missing when they actually try to use a single lens.

 

[Petey07]

iPhone so seamlessly switches lenses, to the point where many people don't even know they're using ultrawide. People only realize what they're missing when they actually try to use a single lens.

I agreed and was one of them—until I learned how to check the details of each photo. That’s when I realized most were actually taken with the main camera, but quite a few were shot using the ultrawide.

Sadly, single lens is a no-no for me. 😢

 

[Luba]

No, the size of the Air camera sensor (1/1.56") is much smaller compared to the Pro (1/1.28"). This means low light shots will be less detailed.

A lot of people assume 48MP camera sensors are all the same. They're not. The iPhone 16e sensor is much smaller than iPhone 17/Air. And the 17/Air is much smaller than 17 Pro/Max.

I suspect a lot of people use the ultrawide lens without knowing it. The lens is selected automatically when taking close up shots, such as QR codes and printed pages.

What's the camera sensor size of the 17?

 

[JPack]

What's the camera sensor size of the 17?

1/1.56

 

[jessiejja2012]

What do you take pictures of? Of yourself mainly? Or do you like to zoom into things? I only take pictures of myself. I am not a shutterbug. I am more like lets document I was here, but otherwise I just enjoy the event and watch. I don't snap photos all the often. So the Air is what I want.

If you're snapping photos and zooming in on things, then definitely get the pro.

I zoom in at concerts sometimes and if I’m taking pics of far away objects I guess?

 

[4sallypat]

I’m still not decided on what phone either. I have the 15 pro max. Do I want the air or 17 pro max? I have a trip to Disney next year planned and Ariana Grande concert. Will I miss the pro cameras? Helpppppp

If you use the camera features alot, then get the Pro.

My wife has the 16 PM and she uses all those features.

I OTOH do not so it's a waste for me.

I am getting the Air, wife is getting the Pro.

 

[Webcat86]

I was initially tempted by the Air but I’ve decided to keep my 16 Pro. I don’t think there’s enough to warrant upgrading to a 17, and the Air is basically the beta of a brand new product. My guess is that it will be significantly improved next year with a better camera, speakers etc.

I got the 16 Pro for the microphones (being able to change where audio comes from in a video, layer recordings in Voice Memos, etc), and while I don’t use pro features every day I do like having them and they give the device longevity. I don’t think the Air has that same longevity and £1k is a lot to spend on novelty.

But I’m very pleased to see Apple innovating and I’m curious to see where the Air goes in the upcoming iterations.

 

[Silickon]

Before the event, I was going to decide between Pro and Pro Max. Never had a Pro model before.
After the event, I think I will go with the Air ö
I'm coming from a 13 (not Pro) and the Air got much better battery than my current phone - så it will be a huge upgrade to me.

I'm really living on my phone, use it all the time on my workday, and after work.
After the event I was kind of "Only 1 camera lens!? " Doesn't work for me. I take a LOT of photos, my album count over 17.000 photos of trips, my children and so on - but I don't really think I use the extra camera lenses. I never use the zoom, and I'm pretty glad for my iPhone 13 camera, and as far as I can see, the Air is way better than my iPhone 13 camera. The battery is much better than my iPhone 13 - and the Air is just so beautiful, huge screen and lightweight.

 

[Payton34]

The 2 most important things in a phone for me are the camera and battery. For those reasons alone, the Pro wins over the Air.

 

[Donkey Man]

Easily the Air.

- Camera improvements are extremely overhyped and redundant unless you’re some TikToker or YouTuber;
- titanium chassis;
- much lighter and thinner;
- much more beautiful;
- ProMotion like the pros;
- USB-C like others; faster transfers are equally overhyped;
- no stereo - so what? Who the heck listens to music or video on a phone without headphones?
- cooling chamber? Nobody needed or cared about it until now;
- battery life as good as or better than all iPhones except the newest pros.

And the cherry on top: I will be upgrading from my still excellent and fully functional XR - every single aspect is improved.

 

[treimche]

So how many of you made the switch from a Pro/Pro Max to the Air and have some real world experience now?

Since I am on the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, I can just turn in my 16 Pro Max and get a new phone in a few days, and I really don't see a reason to get the 17 Pro Max. There are barely any improvements over the 16, and I am not a fan of the massive plateau on the back. I'm going to the Apple Store to fondle the new iPhones but already am thinking I want to try the Air. If it sucks, I can return it or just keep it for the next year and upgrade again next year. I think the one thing I might miss is the wide angle camera lens, but I can always use my gf's iPhone if needed for that purpose. The thinness and light weight of the Air are extremely appealing to me. I'm kind of tired of a big heavy phone, but love having a large screen as my eye sight slowly degrades. Also not worried about battery life as I don't live on the iPhone, I prefer a computer for many things.

 

[Webcat86]

So how many of you made the switch from a Pro/Pro Max to the Air and have some real world experience now?

Since I am on the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, I can just turn in my 16 Pro Max and get a new phone in a few days, and I really don't see a reason to get the 17 Pro Max. There are barely any improvements over the 16, and I am not a fan of the massive plateau on the back. I'm going to the Apple Store to fondle the new iPhones but already am thinking I want to try the Air. If it sucks, I can return it or just keep it for the next year and upgrade again next year. I think the one thing I might miss is the wide angle camera lens, but I can always use my gf's iPhone if needed for that purpose. The thinness and light weight of the Air are extremely appealing to me. I'm kind of tired of a big heavy phone, but love having a large screen as my eye sight slowly degrades. Also not worried about battery life as I don't live on the iPhone, I prefer a computer for many things.

Imagine removing the display from the Pro Max. That’s what the Air is like to hold and interact with. It’s a sublime experience.

Battery reports seem to vary based on who’s using it, and the quality of the camera is great if you can live without the other lenses.

 

[surferfb]

So how many of you made the switch from a Pro/Pro Max to the Air and have some real world experience now?

Since I am on the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, I can just turn in my 16 Pro Max and get a new phone in a few days, and I really don't see a reason to get the 17 Pro Max. There are barely any improvements over the 16, and I am not a fan of the massive plateau on the back. I'm going to the Apple Store to fondle the new iPhones but already am thinking I want to try the Air. If it sucks, I can return it or just keep it for the next year and upgrade again next year. I think the one thing I might miss is the wide angle camera lens, but I can always use my gf's iPhone if needed for that purpose. The thinness and light weight of the Air are extremely appealing to me. I'm kind of tired of a big heavy phone, but love having a large screen as my eye sight slowly degrades. Also not worried about battery life as I don't live on the iPhone, I prefer a computer for many things.

In my opinion, it's entirely cameras. I am more than fine from a battery POV (see below for today, which has been slightly lighter than usual for a work day, but still involved being out and about for about an hour, connecting to bluetooth in my car, etc.). Phone hasn’t been charged at all since being taken off this morning. I'm coming from a 16 PM that had great battery life.

Holding the phone is fantastic. If you can get over the camera situation I think it's a no brainer, especially if you are "kind of tired of a big heavy phone".

 

[thatJohann]

Love the Air, but these little issues are starting to add up. I know it’s a first-gen product, so I’m not shocked, but they’re stacking into a real honeymoon-phase killer:

• Battery life – expected to be short, but it drops faster and more inconsistently than I thought
• MagSafe dependence – needing the Battery Pack to get through the day just makes the Air bulky again
• Speaker quality – past 50% volume, the single speaker starts crackling
• Heat – a 45-min Teams call left the top scorching hot, had to put it down to cool off
• Display shift – tilt it downward and you catch a vertical color shift that makes the screen look subpar

Still got 1.5 weeks to figure out whether I keep the Air or the 17 Pro.

 

[Petey07]

Love the Air, but these little issues are starting to add up. I know it’s a first-gen product, so I’m not shocked, but they’re stacking into a real honeymoon-phase killer:

• Battery life – expected to be short, but it drops faster and more inconsistently than I thought
• MagSafe dependence – needing the Battery Pack to get through the day just makes the Air bulky again
• Speaker quality – past 50% volume, the single speaker starts crackling
• Heat – a 45-min Teams call left the top scorching hot, had to put it down to cool off
• Display shift – tilt it downward and you catch a vertical color shift that makes the screen look subpar

Still got 1.5 weeks to figure out whether I keep the Air or the 17 Pro.

I'm still undecided. I have about a week left to choose whether to keep the iPhone Air or return it and go back to my 15 Pro Max.

So far, the only aspect of the Air I genuinely enjoy is its form factor. Beyond that, nearly everything else feels like a step down from the 15PM.

I’ve been using the Air daily since release, and while overall performance is solid, I’ve noticed some apps feel slightly glitchy or laggy. It’s hard to say whether that’s due to the device itself or apps that haven’t yet been fully optimized.

That said, the battery life has been impressive, typically lasting from around 9 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m.

I’m still weighing my options. One additional factor is that my 15 Pro Max’s battery health has dropped to 84%, and I’ve started to notice a decline in performance. That deterioration adds another layer to the decision.

 

[Stev150]

Love the Air, but these little issues are starting to add up. I know it’s a first-gen product, so I’m not shocked, but they’re stacking into a real honeymoon-phase killer:

• Battery life – expected to be short, but it drops faster and more inconsistently than I thought
• MagSafe dependence – needing the Battery Pack to get through the day just makes the Air bulky again
• Speaker quality – past 50% volume, the single speaker starts crackling
• Heat – a 45-min Teams call left the top scorching hot, had to put it down to cool off
• Display shift – tilt it downward and you catch a vertical color shift that makes the screen look subpar

Still got 1.5 weeks to figure out whether I keep the Air or the 17 Pro.

Same situation and im leaning towards the pro , i just feel overall the pro is just more solid overall , i want the air but i feel I’m battery watching a lot and every now then miss the other cameras , speaker is a non issue for me , screen is amazing , heat I haven’t come across yet but does concern me.

Then i pick the air up and feel i can make this work 😂

 

[thatJohann]

Same situation and im leaning towards the pro , i just feel overall the pro is just more solid overall , i want the air but i feel I’m battery watching a lot and every now then miss the other cameras , speaker is a non issue for me , screen is amazing , heat I haven’t come across yet but does concern me.

Then i pick the air up and feel i can make this work 😂

haha exactly. I think the screen on the Air is more immersive than the Pro, and the camera for me isn't an issue. My biggest thoughts are screen quality (my Air has an LG screen, yuck vs my 17 Pro having a nice Samsung screen), and battery hasn't been an issue today for some reason. So, in my ideal world, I'd have the Air with a great display, but that seems impossible to come by so I'm torn cause the Pro feels so awful in the hand to me.

 

[Stev150]

haha exactly. I think the screen on the Air is more immersive than the Pro, and the camera for me isn't an issue. My biggest thoughts are screen quality (my Air has an LG screen, yuck vs my 17 Pro having a nice Samsung screen), and battery hasn't been an issue today for some reason. So, in my ideal world, I'd have the Air with a great display, but that seems impossible to come by so I'm torn cause the Pro feels so awful in the hand to me.

See for me the pro feels great in the hand and i do like the look i have deep blue ,but the air is another level it’s something else. What do i do

 

[thatJohann]

See for me the pro feels great in the hand and i do like the look i have deep blue ,but the air is another level it’s something else. What do i do

Hmm based on your concerns, I’d keep the Pro then. If I found the Pro comfortable to hold, I’d consider it.