iPhone Air The Air just feels great to use, all the hate is so forced.

[El Cabong]

You're arguing the semantics.

The article is not negative, but it is not positive either. "Can't look past any of the criticisms" is a copout for the fact that the article's conclusion is "I still don't think most people should buy it", clearly illustrating what the author felt despite the fact they tried to remain "fair". This is even mentioned up front.

Apologies, I misunderstood your original post. You said: "Go find me one article about Air that does not contain the word "compromise" or "red flag" or "concern"."

You should have instead said, "Go find me an article that is completely uncritical of the Air." Unfortunately, I will have to concede to this article probably does not exist, since any review worth publishing would need to include both positives and negatives.

 

[El Cabong]

I’m sure that physical limitations will have prevented Apple from using the larger sensor, but for me trade-off isn’t worth it.

I would also add that many people are not ‘trying’ to hate, but rather want to spend their money wisely. These are not cheap devices and they’re actually getting more expensive, plus the value of the Air is somewhat confusing given how its positioned in the line-up.

Agree with all your points. I think that the compromise on the cameras may additionally be a matter of Apple (a) trying to keep costs below the Pros while (b) testing the waters/demand for the Air in the first place (e.g., would it still sell like hotcakes even with an inferior camera system).

I think the value proposition of the Air is where people are getting bent out of shape. It is more expensive than the base 17, and therefore people going with the Air can't imagine why people would see the base 17 as having better value.

 

[msackey]

There's discussion but I'm not seeing much hate. Everyone pretty much agrees it's lovely to look at and hold but that it has compromises to achieve it. People disagree on how much those compromises affect them. That's about it

I agree. I was wondering what hate was OP talking about. There isn't a general trend to hate the iPhone Air; not that I've seen.

 

[chmania]

I agree. I was wondering what hate was OP talking about. There isn't a general trend to hate the iPhone Air; not that I've seen.

Oh, he is trying to justify his purchase.

 

[KUKitch]

I bought the Air and just returned it last week before the period closed for the Max. I love the Air as a phone and the design and the way it is to use - it would be fantastic if not for the two major items that everybody knew about beforehand… the camera is subpar, which I probably would have dealt with if not for the bigger issue, the battery life. For me, it was absolutely atrocious - I even got the battery pack and that still didn’t help alleviate my problem. Perhaps others see manageable battery life, but neither I nor my wife saw anything approaching reasonable - so unfortunately they went back. That said, I do think it’s a picture of future phones and if they can build on current state it’s going to be great.

 

[maxoakland]

Critique ≠ hate

I welcome criticism and disagreement, but some of these people can’t help themselves from making jabs at the phone and telling everyone that their Pro or 17 is better every chance they can get. That’s what I don’t get. It sounds like you just want to conflate what I said with something else.

Making jabs and saying a different phone is better is standard critique. Not sure why you have a problem with it, it’s just a phone. It’s not a personal insult to criticize a phone you like

 

[kulan]

Agree with all your points. I think that the compromise on the cameras may additionally be a matter of Apple (a) trying to keep costs below the Pros while (b) testing the waters/demand for the Air in the first place (e.g., would it still sell like hotcakes even with an inferior camera system).

I think the value proposition of the Air is where people are getting bent out of shape. It is more expensive than the base 17, and therefore people going with the Air can't imagine why people would see the base 17 as having better value.

No one with the Air is saying it has more value than the base 17, because we don’t care what phone you buy. And we also don’t care about the price-to-feature ratio. It’s about having the best design and chip in one package.

It seems only Pro and base 17 owners are getting bent out of shape over the fact that some people picked the Air, paid more money for it, and are still happy with it.

 

[kulan]

Oh, he is trying to justify his purchase.

Lol, maybe you have to justify your purchases but I don’t.

 

[Cyberguycpt]

I agree. I was wondering what hate was OP talking about. There isn't a general trend to hate the iPhone Air; not that I've seen.

Agreed, I actually made this argument earlier when someone tried to highlight 5 post they felt were hating on the Air. When I looked at every post to me none were actually hating but instead making observations or simply having discussions.

 

[kulan]

My main gripe is the camera.

The Air is priced in Pro territory and even has some features that would typically be in that segment, such as the use of titanium and the Pro version SoC.

But to not have a main camera with the larger sensor that is found on the Pro is a dealbreaker for me, because the Air is already limited to just one lens. That means that cropping an image is going to be a lot more destructive.

Now I’m not saying that the Air’s camera is poor in anyway, rather it’s what you’re getting for the money. And keep in mind that the regular 17 has the same main camera and the addition of an ultra-wide, at a smaller price.

I’m sure that physical limitations will have prevented Apple from using the larger sensor, but for me trade-off isn’t worth it.

I would also add that many people are not ‘trying’ to hate, but rather want to spend their money wisely. These are not cheap devices and they’re actually getting more expensive, plus the value of the Air is somewhat confusing given how its positioned in the line-up.

If people want to spend their money for a phone with the best price-to-feature ratio, get the base 17. Simple choice. I can easily admit that is the best phone to get if you’re worried about cost.

If I want a cutting-edge design and the flagship chip in one device at the expense of cameras and battery? Oh but these people can’t possibly imagine that others have the money to spend for that.

Get what you want with the features you want! Why play armchair accountant for me?

The way others want to spend their money freely without being locked into the strict “features = value” mindset is what confuses these people bringing up the price of the Air over and over. Or they willingly ignore that others don’t have that same mindset.

Don’t worry about us! We can afford it. They should buy what they can afford and what they think is a reasonable value proposition, not try to convince others what they’re doing doesn’t make financial sense. As many others have said, it’s just a phone. We don’t care about your analysis on whether it’s economical.

 

[thefrost]

I'm not sure I am seeing much hate towards the iPhone Air. Criticism? Sure. It depends on what people value.

 

[El Cabong]

No one with the Air is saying it has more value than the base 17, because we don’t care what phone you buy. And we also don’t care about the price-to-feature ratio. It’s about having the best design and chip in one package.

It seems only Pro and base 17 owners are getting bent out of shape over the fact that some people picked the Air, paid more money for it, and are still happy with it.

You're missing the point.

You clearly value the Air more than the base 17. Otherwise, you would have bought the base 17. That's because you put more value on design and uniqueness than on specs and features. To some degree, that's what we as Apple users all have in common.

The point is, some people place more value in specs and features, while others place more value in design and novelty, and they spend their money accordingly. I don't see people perplexed at why someone would prefer having an Air over a Pro or a base 17 - they simply point out reasons that it's not for them (and often include reasons they're otherwise tempted by the Air). I don't see it as being much different from discussing the differences between iPad models, for example. In any case, it's interesting to see people perceive any criticism of a product they happen to own as some kind of personal attack.

 

[kulan]

You're missing the point.

You clearly value the Air more than the base 17. Otherwise, you would have bought the base 17. That's because you put more value on design and uniqueness than on specs and features. To some degree, that's what we as Apple users all have in common.

The point is, some people place more value in specs and features, while others place more value in design and novelty, and they spend their money accordingly. I don't see people perplexed at why someone would prefer having an Air over a Pro or a base 17 - they simply point out reasons that it's not for them (and often include reasons they're otherwise tempted by the Air). I don't see it as being much different from discussing the differences between iPad models, for example. In any case, it's interesting to see people perceive any criticism of a product they happen to own as some kind of personal attack.

The criticism is all fair, the people that say it’s not for them, all great points they’re making. But there’s literally a guy in this thread telling me I wasted my money. There was another thread saying that the components will wear out and we’re all going to regret our decision to buy the Air.

Don’t feign ignorance of the fact that some people are going past criticism and just straight up judging others for buying a phone they don’t like themselves.

 

[chmania]

I am not going to buy a phone with just one mono speaker in 2025, whether it is Apple's new experiment or not. The first phone with stereo speakers appeared on the market in 2005, the LG VX-9800, 20 years ago. This Air is just days old; no one really knows how it will perform in the next 2-3 months, or how many Airs have been returned to date.

Of course, Apple won't own up, but will likely start discussing a foldable phone in due time, which is also an old standard today.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

As many others have said, it’s just a phone. We don’t care about your analysis on whether it’s economical.

This is a forum open for discussion, so if we’re playing on semantics then others may not care about your own opinions or analysis. And that’s fine, but if you disagree then you should do so respectfully.

 

[Biro]

I am not going to buy a phone with just one mono speaker in 2025, whether it is Apple's new experiment or not.

No one is asking you to. You do you and be happy. How many comments have you posted to this string? It sounds like you have a problem with others who like and buy the iPhone Air. And it seems to be making you unhappy. That’s the kind of thing it’s good to get away from.

 

[chmania]

And it seems to be making you unhappy.

Actually, it makes me happy to see all these first-release experimenters defending their decision. Let's see how it plays out in 2-3 months.

 

[blairh]

I had a 17 Pro Max delivered on launch day, but it’s 2 weeks later and I had to return it because of the speaker noise issue when charging. That was a little too disappointing to keep the device. While I still think the Pro/Pro Max is the “best” iPhone you can buy, the Air just feels so much better to use.

I really wanted to like the Pro Max, because it is such a beast of a phone and I am ordinarily a spec chaser. Thermals, battery, cameras, performance, it was all top of the line. I would have kept it if it wasn’t for the speaker issue.

Of course this is subjective, but the Pro Max does not seem to be designed for use with one hand. I know some people can only use it with two hands. It’s doable, manageable, but not pleasant. I was often using it flat on a table and hunching over to face the display, almost like it was a mini tablet.

The design of the Pros this year was also pretty disappointing, for someone who has always appreciated the elegant, minimalist design of Apple products. I wouldn’t have wanted to use it without a case. Not because of “scratchgate” or “aluminum sucks” but the glass cutout on the back is really what bothered me. I wish they could have color matched the glass better on the Silver model or made the unibody in a different way.

The Air on the other hand is so sleek, the Space Black is so classy and this phone is just beautiful. I realized I really don’t need all the cameras and battery life on the Pro Max. All I do nowadays is text, call, email, and browse the web, barely taking photos here and there.

The Air is simply a little joy to use for this average use case. I don’t understand why so many people are trying to hate on this phone and point out every single one of its flaws over and over. I think this is actually a sign that Apple did something unique and new, which usually bothers people who are used to seeing more of the same.

You don’t seem open to hearing about the Air’s flaws. I really don’t understand the defense of the Air. If it works for you, great. But yes, this forum is a place where I and others can also speak for the obvious flaws of the Air.

It’s honestly like people who like their Airs get defensive and don’t want to hear a single negative thing. Truly puzzling.

Moving forward I don’t really plan on engaging with too many Air lovers because they don’t want to hear anything negative.

 

[Simmias]

Say it with me:

“Size. and. weight. are. specs”

They are measurable. They are functional. Arguably they are THE most important specs for a device that you hold in your hands when in use and carry in your pocket when not in use. More important than USB transfer speeds. More important than stereo sound. Maybe even more important than telephoto zoom.

The whole form and function distinction is specious. Apple led the keynote with “design is how it works” for a reason. Products are bundles of design trade offs. There’s no such thing as “compromise free” - either you are trading light weight for more battery, or you are trading more battery for lighter weight. We can argue about what the right trade offs are, or which trade offs are right for you, but not that one device makes tradeoffs while another didn’t.

The Air works differently from the Pro - it doesn’t just look different. Choosing a lighter device doesn’t mean you are choosing based on emotion, looks or style. It is a rational consideration that affects every interaction. Every time you pick up and use the device, the size and weight will be the first things you notice. It’s not aesthetics. It’s not novelty. It’s the essential characteristics of a mobile device.

Just needed to get that off my chest.

 

[kulan]

You don’t seem open to hearing about the Air’s flaws. I really don’t understand the defense of the Air. If it works for you, great. But yes, this forum is a place where I and others can also speak for the obvious flaws of the Air.

It’s honestly like people who like their Airs get defensive and don’t want to hear a single negative thing. Truly puzzling.

Moving forward I don’t really plan on engaging with too many Air lovers because they don’t want to hear anything negative.

I heard all of the flaws and I really didn’t mind. But do you like hearing the same negativity over and over? Maybe you do, but I’m certainly going to embrace positivity over that.

I’d say I’m hardly defending the Air, rather I’m defending my choice to buy one and enjoy it and not have miserable people pop up to say it has a mono speaker for the millionth time. We already knew that.

 

[chmania]

I’d say I’m hardly defending the Air, rather I’m defending my choice to buy one and enjoy it...

So, you thought you should open a thread in the internet forum to defend your own personal decision while simultaneously attacking those who might eventually disagree...The heading of your thread has that attacking tone.

 

[kulan]

So, you thought you should open a thread in the internet forum to defend your own personal decision while simultaneously attacking those who might eventually disagree...The heading of your thread has that attacking tone.

Hahaha, dude you are so victimized by other people being happy with a phone. My post is saying I don’t get what the point of being so overly critical of it is, it’s overdone. And you took offense to that 😂

 

[youchew]

Comparing the main camera between the 17 Pro and Air, pictures seem indistinguishable and photographers say the sensor change isn’t as major as people are making it out to be apart from the smaller lens size when taking photos and potentially a little less noise in low light. Also, the front facing cameras now can act as an ultrawide for when that’s needed

Of course it’s unfortunate it doesn’t have the pro camera array but i’m glad battery life wasn’t sacrificed to fit 2 more cameras, personally..
Apart from the premium form factor, you’re still getting the A19 pro and +4GB of ram over the 17 to help with longevity, as well as the C1X which seems to do a lot for battery life over cellular, so I wouldn’t say the air does less over a base 17, which seems to be the narrative being spewed (“you pay more for less”), it just doesn’t have the second camera over the 17

 

[bill-p]

Apologies, I misunderstood your original post. You said: "Go find me one article about Air that does not contain the word "compromise" or "red flag" or "concern"."

You should have instead said, "Go find me an article that is completely uncritical of the Air." Unfortunately, I will have to concede to this article probably does not exist, since any review worth publishing would need to include both positives and negatives.

You don't have to be snide.

Again, there is a difference between recognizing the worth of something, versus not. The article you quoted did not ultimately recognize the worth of the device since it went on to not recommend. It's really that simple.

I guess this is what's escaping you and many others. Everything has positives and negatives. But going out of the way to not recommend the device and instead pushing all of the other ones in the same review is exactly what we are finding to be "the problem".

 

[Allen_Wentz]

My personal opinion is... the "compromises" are not actual compromises. Air is basically a "super" version of the iPhone 6 from a decade ago. Back when we used to have thinner and lighter phones. We have actually "compromised" on thickness all in the name of more battery life and more cameras. Sort of like going backward too far into the early 2000s when we had bricks for cell phones.

I guess some are okay with that but I've always thought for decades that as technology progresses, we should get thinner, lighter and more capable devices. But we've hit a plateau. We can either go backward with thickness and weight to try and have more capabilities or we can have thin and light with less capabilities. Looks like the "thicker and more cameras" camp is winning in reality.

That is fine, but I think a lot of younger folks forget Apple's golden years were with thinner, lighter and smaller phones that barely lasted through just one day. The cameras were just workable back then. Now people get a single 48MP sensor and they're thinking "it's not enough", which is comical to me.

No, it is not that "Now people get a single 48MP sensor and they're thinking "it's not enough", which is comical to me." People just think paying +$200 for one camera instead of two "is not enough."