iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is 2.61 millimetres0.10 inches thicker and 62 grams2.19 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone 17 Air on Amazon (paid link) ditches bulk for an astonishingly featherlight build that makes the iPhone 16 Pro Max (paid link) feel like a brick in the hand. You are trading away absolute screen acreage and top-tier zoom flexibility for a slim profile that disappears effortlessly into daily carry. If you want maximum battery longevity and heavy-duty camera reach, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still the play; otherwise, the iPhone 17 Air delivers a refreshing shift in everyday handling.
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 16 Pro Max: 163 by 77.6 by 8.25 millimetres, 227 grams.
17 Air, 16 Pro Max 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 16 Pro Max
from $1,199 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, 16 Pro Max 163.0 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, 16 Pro Max 6.42 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, 16 Pro Max 77.6 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, 16 Pro Max 3.06 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, 16 Pro Max 8.25 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, 16 Pro Max 0.32 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, 16 Pro Max 227 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, 16 Pro Max 8.01 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Air | 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 156.2 millimetres6.15 inches | 163.0 millimetres, 6.8 millimetres more6.42 inches, 0.27 inches more |
| Width | 74.7 millimetres2.94 inches | 77.6 millimetres, 2.9 millimetres more3.06 inches, 0.11 inches more |
| Depth | 5.64 millimetres0.22 inches | 8.25 millimetres, 2.61 millimetres more0.32 inches, 0.10 inches more |
| Weight | 165 grams5.82 ounces | 227 grams, 62 grams more8.01 ounces, 2.19 ounces more |
| Volume | 65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches | 104.4 cubic centimetres, 38.5 cubic centimetres more6.37 cubic inches, 2.35 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 91 percent, 1 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.9 inches, 0.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 1260 × 2736 | 1320 × 2868 |
| 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 | A18 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 33 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. | 999 dollars | 1,199 dollars, 200 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
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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 16 Pro Max is 6.8 mm taller, 2.9 mm wider, and 2.61 mm thicker than the iPhone 17 Air. It also features a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the 6.5-inch screen on the iPhone 17 Air.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 g, making it 62 g lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max at 227 g. This substantial weight drop is immediately noticeable when holding both devices.
Do the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max fit in a pocket?
Both models fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but neither fits comfortably in a median women's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 Air is more pocketable overall due to its significantly thinner profile and lighter weight.
Which phone is better for one-handed use and smaller hands?
The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use with one hand and suits smaller hands better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its lower weight and smaller physical footprint make it much more manageable during daily use.
What are the screen sizes of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Air comes with a 6.5-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch screen for maximum viewing area.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for the size change?
Switching for size alone depends on your preference between maximum screen space and a much lighter, thinner build. The iPhone 17 Air trades 0.4 inches of screen space for a substantial reduction in weight and thickness.