iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro: Price, Specs, Features Compared

Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, and the spotlight isn’t just on the Pro models this time. The brand-new iPhone Air is Apple’s slimmest phone ever at only 5.6mm, combining premium design with flagship-level performance. It has created a buzz in the market for its thinness, but also for its price point starting at Rs. 1,19,900 in India.

The big question for buyers is whether the Air is worth choosing over the iPhone 17 Pro. Both devices run on the same A19 Pro chip with Apple Intelligence features, but they differ in design, camera power, and performance. Here’s a closer look at how the two models compare.

Price in India: How Much Do They Cost?

The iPhone Air starts at Rs. 1,19,900 for the 256GB model, followed by Rs. 1,39,900 for 512GB and Rs. 1,59,900 for the 1TB version. It is clearly positioned as a premium device while staying slightly more affordable than its Pro sibling.

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The iPhone 17 Pro starts at Rs. 1,34,900 for 256GB, Rs. 1,54,900 for 512GB, and Rs. 1,74,900 for 1TB. That puts each Pro model around Rs. 15,000 higher than the Air at every storage tier.

This makes the Air the more cost-effective option, but whether that saving is worth it depends on what features you prioritize most.

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Design and Display: Slim vs Solid

The iPhone Air takes the crown for innovation in design. At 5.6mm thickness, it is the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever made. Its titanium and glass body feels luxurious, and Ceramic Shield 2 protection ensures strength against scratches.

The iPhone 17 Pro is thicker with an aluminium unibody and a noticeably large camera bump. It may not have the slim appeal of the Air, but it does look and feel more rugged in the hand, appealing to those who value sturdiness.

On display quality, both models deliver. The Air comes with a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro offers a 6.3-inch panel. Both share 120Hz refresh rates and reach up to 3000 nits brightness, meaning neither compromises on visual experience.

Camera: Simplicity vs Pro-Level System

The iPhone Air is equipped with a single 48MP Fusion camera, paired with a 12MP optical-quality 2x telephoto feature. It delivers crisp, clear images for most users and keeps the photography experience straightforward.

The iPhone 17 Pro, on the other hand, is built for those who want more. With its triple-camera setup—48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 8x optical zoom—it offers unmatched versatility.

For selfies and video calls, both models share the same 18MP Centre Stage front camera. While the Air is good enough for everyday photography, the Pro stands out for professionals and creators.

Performance and Battery: Flagship Power

Both phones are powered by Apple’s latest A19 Pro chip and the new N1 wireless networking chip. Everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking run smoothly on both, making them equally capable for regular use.

The difference comes in GPU performance. The Air has one fewer GPU core than the Pro, giving the Pro an advantage in graphics-heavy applications and gaming. Most casual users may not notice, but power users will.

Battery life is another key separator. The iPhone Air promises up to 27 hours of video playback, while the Pro pushes that number up to 31 hours. The Pro’s larger frame allows for a bigger battery, making it a better fit for heavy users.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The iPhone Air is a design marvel and appeals to those who value thinness, style, and a lighter device. It delivers flagship performance at a lower price, making it a strong choice for most everyday users.

The iPhone 17 Pro, however, remains the ultimate all-rounder. With its triple-camera system, better GPU, and longer battery life, it is built for photographers, gamers, and anyone who pushes their phone to its limits.

In short, the iPhone Air is perfect for those seeking elegance and a futuristic slim design, while the iPhone 17 Pro is for those who want uncompromising performance and pro-level features.