Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone Air
Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone Air works out £271.03 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max wins on display with a bigger 6.9" screen and a sharper 458 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone Air starts at £645.99 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max gives you more flexibility with 4 storage options to choose from.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone Air
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.5" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1206 x 2622 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 444 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | e- SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 165 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£44.29/mo
£99.00 upfront |
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £1094.99 | £645.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone Air is cheaper on contract at £890.93 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £159.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 444, and both use LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone Air has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £645.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Apple iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone Air uses the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two — it's 68g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone Air?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.