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iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 12

Quick answer

The iPhone 12 is 9.5 millimetres0.37 inches shorter and 1.76 millimetres0.07 inches thicker than the iPhone 17 Air.

The iPhone 12 on Amazon (paid link) feels more compact in hand, but the 17 Air (paid link) is built to last through whole days without a charger. You will notice the performance jump and the AI features exclusive to newer silicon. If you want a daily driver that keeps up, pay for the new model; if you want value, the old one still holds up.

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Easier one-handediPhone 12

PocketiPhone 12

Weight differenceNot noticeable

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HeightWidthDepthWeight17 Air156.2 millimetres6.15 inches74.7 millimetres2.94 inches5.64 millimetres0.22 inches165 grams5.82 ounces12146.7 millimetres, 9.5 millimetres less5.78 inches, 0.37 inches less71.5 millimetres, 3.2 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.13 inches less7.40 millimetres, 1.76 millimetres more0.29 inches, 0.07 inches more164 grams, 1 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.04 ounces less

Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, 12 146.7 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, 12 5.78 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, 12 71.5 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, 12 2.81 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, 12 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, 12 0.29 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, 12 164 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, 12 5.78 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 12. Differences are given against iPhone 17 Air.
Specification17 Air12
Height156.2 millimetres6.15 inches146.7 millimetres, 9.5 millimetres less5.78 inches, 0.37 inches less
Width74.7 millimetres2.94 inches71.5 millimetres, 3.2 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.13 inches less
Depth5.64 millimetres0.22 inches7.40 millimetres, 1.76 millimetres more0.29 inches, 0.07 inches more
Weight165 grams5.82 ounces164 grams, 1 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.04 ounces less
Volume65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches77.6 cubic centimetres, 11.8 cubic centimetres more4.74 cubic inches, 0.72 cubic inches more
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.90 percent86 percent, 4 percent less
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.5 inches6.1 inches, 0.4 inches less
Resolution1260 × 27361170 × 2532
Pixel density460 pixels per inch460 pixels per inch, the same
CutoutDynamic IslandNotch
Rear main48MP48MP
Rear ultra-wide——
Rear telephoto——
Front camera12MP12MP
ChipA19 ProA14 Bionic
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.27 hrs17 hrs
PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0
Water resistanceIP68 (6m for 30 min)IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Storage256 GB – 1 TB64 – 256 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.999 dollars799 dollars, 200 dollars less
ReleasedSep 2025Oct 2020
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 12 is 9.5 mm (0.37 in) shorter, 3.2 mm (0.13 in) narrower, 1.76 mm (0.07 in) thicker and 1 g (0.04 oz) lighter than the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air measures 156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (6.15 × 2.94 × 0.22 in) and weighs 165 g (5.82 oz). The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.40 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in) and weighs 164 g (5.78 oz).

Also compared with iPhone 17 Air

Questions about these phones

How much taller is the iPhone 17 Air than the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 17 Air is 9.5 mm taller than the iPhone 12. It measures 156.2 mm in height.

Is the iPhone 17 Air wider than the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 17 Air is 3.2 mm wider than the iPhone 12. It has a 6.5 inch display compared to 6.1 inches on the iPhone 12.

Which phone is lighter and thinner?

The iPhone 12 is 1 g lighter but 1.76 mm thicker than the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air has a depth of 5.64 mm.

Which phone is easier to use one-handed?

The iPhone 12 is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 17 Air. It is more compact and fits average adult hands better.

Do these phones fit in a typical jeans pocket?

Both fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a women's pocket. The iPhone 12 is more pocketable overall.

Is the iPhone 17 Air a size upgrade from the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 17 Air is larger, but the iPhone 12 remains more compact. Size alone may not make the iPhone 17 Air a better fit.