iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 15 Plus
Quick answer
The iPhone 15 Plus is 2.16 millimetres0.09 inches thicker and 36 grams1.27 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone 17 Air on Amazon (paid link) introduces a radically slender profile and lighter build that is much easier to manage in the hand than the iPhone 15 Plus (paid link). While the iPhone 15 Plus is available renewed at a lower price point, the iPhone 17 Air brings modern performance leaps and a much more advanced display. Go with the iPhone 17 Air if you want a featherlight design and peak performance, or save money with the iPhone 15 Plus.
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 17 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams. iPhone 15 Plus: 160.9 by 77.8 by 7.8 millimetres, 201 grams.
17 Air, 15 Plus shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 15 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, 15 Plus 160.9 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, 15 Plus 6.33 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, 15 Plus 77.8 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, 15 Plus 3.06 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, 15 Plus 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, 15 Plus 0.31 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, 15 Plus 201 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, 15 Plus 7.09 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Air | 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 156.2 millimetres6.15 inches | 160.9 millimetres, 4.7 millimetres more6.33 inches, 0.19 inches more |
| Width | 74.7 millimetres2.94 inches | 77.8 millimetres, 3.1 millimetres more3.06 inches, 0.12 inches more |
| Depth | 5.64 millimetres0.22 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 2.16 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.09 inches more |
| Weight | 165 grams5.82 ounces | 201 grams, 36 grams more7.09 ounces, 1.27 ounces more |
| Volume | 65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches | 97.6 cubic centimetres, 31.8 cubic centimetres more5.96 cubic inches, 1.94 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 88 percent, 2 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.7 inches, 0.2 inches more |
| Resolution | 1260 × 2736 | 1290 × 2796 |
| 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 | A19 Pro | A16 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 26 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 | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 899 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2023 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
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Questions about these phones
How do the physical dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 15 Plus compare?
The iPhone 15 Plus is 4.7 mm taller, 3.1 mm wider, and 2.16 mm thicker than the iPhone 17 Air. It also features a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.5-inch screen on the iPhone 17 Air.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 g, making it 36 g lighter than the iPhone 15 Plus at 201 g.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use with one hand and is better suited for small hands due to its narrower and shorter frame.
Do the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 15 Plus fit in pockets easily?
Both the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 15 Plus fit inside a typical men's jeans pocket, but neither fits comfortably in a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 Air is more pocketable overall due to its ultra-thin build.
What are the screen sizes of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 17 Air has a 6.5-inch screen, while the iPhone 15 Plus comes with a larger 6.7-inch display.
Is the size difference noticeable when upgrading from the iPhone 15 Plus to the iPhone 17 Air?
The weight and thickness differences are noticeable, as the iPhone 17 Air features a significantly thinner and lighter profile while reducing screen real estate slightly.