iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Air
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 Air is 2.61 millimetres0.10 inches thinner and 62 grams2.19 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Air on Amazon (paid link) sheds a remarkable amount of weight and thickness compared to the heavy iPhone 16 Pro Max (paid link), making it immensely easier to live with in one hand. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max fights back with a larger canvas, maximum endurance, and a versatile telephoto lens, the iPhone 17 Air offers a vastly more comfortable everyday carry. Choose the featherlight design for pocketability, or stick with the massive Pro for all-day stamina.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17 Air
Pocket: iPhone 17 Air
Weight difference: Noticeable
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 163 by 77.6 by 8.25 millimetres, 227 grams. iPhone 17 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams.
16 Pro Max, 17 Air shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
from $1,199 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16 Pro Max 163.0 millimetres, 17 Air 156.2 millimetres.Height: 16 Pro Max 6.42 inches, 17 Air 6.15 inches.Width: 16 Pro Max 77.6 millimetres, 17 Air 74.7 millimetres.Width: 16 Pro Max 3.06 inches, 17 Air 2.94 inches.Depth: 16 Pro Max 8.25 millimetres, 17 Air 5.64 millimetres.Depth: 16 Pro Max 0.32 inches, 17 Air 0.22 inches.Weight: 16 Pro Max 227 grams, 17 Air 165 grams.Weight: 16 Pro Max 8.01 ounces, 17 Air 5.82 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 Pro Max | 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.0 millimetres6.42 inches | 156.2 millimetres, 6.8 millimetres less6.15 inches, 0.27 inches less |
| Width | 77.6 millimetres3.06 inches | 74.7 millimetres, 2.9 millimetres less2.94 inches, 0.11 inches less |
| Depth | 8.25 millimetres0.32 inches | 5.64 millimetres, 2.61 millimetres less0.22 inches, 0.10 inches less |
| Weight | 227 grams8.01 ounces | 165 grams, 62 grams less5.82 ounces, 2.19 ounces less |
| Volume | 104.4 cubic centimetres6.37 cubic inches | 65.8 cubic centimetres, 38.5 cubic centimetres less4.02 cubic inches, 2.35 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 91 percent | 90 percent, 1 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.9 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1320 × 2868 | 1260 × 2736 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 33 hrs | 27 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 1 TB | 256 GB – 1 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,199 dollars | 999 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
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Questions about these phones
How do the dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max compare?
The iPhone 17 Air is 6.8 mm shorter, 2.9 mm narrower, and 2.61 mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Air is 62 g lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What are the screen sizes of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Air features a 6.5-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen.
Is the iPhone 17 Air easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use with one hand and is better suited for small hands compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Do the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max fit in a pocket?
Both the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 16 Pro Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but neither fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 Air for the size change?
Upgrading from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 Air solely for the size reduction depends on whether you prefer the massive bulk reduction of the iPhone 17 Air over the maximum screen and battery of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.