iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Design, price, display, battery and more

The highly anticipated iPhone 17 series is set to be unveiled during the “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, showcasing exciting innovations in both the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While Apple has kept details under wraps, numerous leaks have surfaced, offering insights into the design and features of these new devices. This year, both models are expected to sport a horizontal camera arrangement. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a compact pill-shaped cutout, reminiscent of Pixel devices, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max may boast a larger rectangular cutout dominating the upper section of the phone. In terms of build, the differences are notable. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to weigh around 145 grams and measure approximately 5.5mm in thickness. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could tip the scales at over 220 grams and have a thicker profile of about 7.75mm. Camera capabilities are another area of distinction. Both devices are likely to include a 24MP front-facing camera with impressive cropping capabilities. However, the iPhone 17 Air might come equipped with a single 48MP rear camera, lacking both telephoto and ultra-wide angle options. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is likely to showcase a significant upgrade in its telephoto lens, potentially upgrading from a 12MP sensor in its predecessor to a 48MP sensor, allowing for a possible triple 48MP camera setup on the back. When it comes to display, both models are expected to feature a 120Hz ProMotion OLED screen. The iPhone 17 Pro Max may offer a larger 6.9-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Air is predicted to come with a 6.6-inch screen. Performance-wise, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be powered by the A19 Pro chipset, utilizing TSMC's advanced 3nm architecture, which should enhance performance and battery efficiency compared to its predecessor. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to utilize the A19 chipset as well, similar to the standard iPhone 17. Both models are anticipated to support 12GB of RAM, improving multitasking capabilities and enhancing Apple’s AI features. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could see a battery upgrade to 5,000mAh, an increase from the 4,676mAh featured in the previous model, promising better battery longevity. However, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to house a smaller battery, ranging from 2,800-3,000mAh, which may not provide a full day of usage on a single charge. In terms of pricing, leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could maintain a starting price of $899, similar to the iPhone 16 Plus. Conversely, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might see a price increase of $50, leading to a starting price of $1,249 in the US, attributed to rising component costs influenced by tariffs. Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17 series as its launch date approaches, including detailed information on pricing, features, and availability for all models.