Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone Air
Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 17 works out £121.13 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone Air. The Apple iPhone Air has a bigger 6.5" screen, but the Apple iPhone 17 is sharper at 458 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone Air starts at £645.99 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone Air gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Apple iPhone 17
|
Apple iPhone Air
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.5" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 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 | 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 | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm |
| Weight | 177 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 |
£25.00/mo
£159.00 upfront |
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £697.00 | £645.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone Air cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper on contract at £769.80 over the life of the deal from £25.00 per month with £159.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 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 or Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 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 and Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone Air use?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 or Apple iPhone Air?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Apple iPhone 17 is more compact. It's 12g lighter at 165 grams, though the Apple iPhone 17 is actually the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 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 and Apple iPhone Air run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.