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iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 8 Plus

Quick answer

The iPhone 8 Plus is 1.86 millimetres0.07 inches thicker and 37 grams1.31 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17 Air.

The iPhone 17 Air on Amazon (paid link) feels easier to hold and lasts noticeably longer on a charge. Its modern software and speed make it a reliable daily driver, while the iPhone 8 Plus (paid link) is stuck on old updates despite the lower cost. This is the right choice for anyone needing modern performance.

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Easier one-handediPhone 17 Air

PocketiPhone 17 Air

Weight differenceNoticeable

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HeightWidthDepthWeight17 Air156.2 millimetres6.15 inches74.7 millimetres2.94 inches5.64 millimetres0.22 inches165 grams5.82 ounces8 Plus158.4 millimetres, 2.2 millimetres more6.24 inches, 0.09 inches more78.1 millimetres, 3.4 millimetres more3.07 inches, 0.13 inches more7.50 millimetres, 1.86 millimetres more0.30 inches, 0.07 inches more202 grams, 37 grams more7.13 ounces, 1.31 ounces more

Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, 8 Plus 158.4 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, 8 Plus 6.24 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, 8 Plus 78.1 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, 8 Plus 3.07 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, 8 Plus 7.50 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, 8 Plus 0.30 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, 8 Plus 202 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, 8 Plus 7.13 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 8 Plus. Differences are given against iPhone 17 Air.
Specification17 Air8 Plus
Height156.2 millimetres6.15 inches158.4 millimetres, 2.2 millimetres more6.24 inches, 0.09 inches more
Width74.7 millimetres2.94 inches78.1 millimetres, 3.4 millimetres more3.07 inches, 0.13 inches more
Depth5.64 millimetres0.22 inches7.50 millimetres, 1.86 millimetres more0.30 inches, 0.07 inches more
Weight165 grams5.82 ounces202 grams, 37 grams more7.13 ounces, 1.31 ounces more
Volume65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches92.8 cubic centimetres, 27.0 cubic centimetres more5.66 cubic inches, 1.65 cubic inches more
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.90 percent67 percent, 23 percent less
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.5 inches5.5 inches, 1.0 inches less
Resolution1260 × 27361080 × 1920
Pixel density460 pixels per inch401 pixels per inch, 59 pixels per inch less
CutoutDynamic IslandNone
Rear main48MP12MP
Rear ultra-wide——
Rear telephoto——
Front camera12MP7MP
ChipA19 ProA11 Bionic
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.27 hrs14 hrs
PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth4G LTE · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth
Water resistanceIP68 (6m for 30 min)IP67 (1m 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 2025Sep 2017
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 8 Plus is 2.2 mm (0.09 in) taller, 3.4 mm (0.13 in) wider, 1.86 mm (0.07 in) thicker and 37 g (1.31 oz) heavier 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 8 Plus measures 158.4 × 78.1 × 7.50 mm (6.24 × 3.07 × 0.30 in) and weighs 202 g (7.13 oz).

Questions about these phones

How much bigger is the iPhone 8 Plus than the iPhone 17 Air?

The iPhone 8 Plus is 2.2 mm taller, 3.4 mm wider, and 1.86 mm deeper than the iPhone 17 Air.

Is the iPhone 17 Air lighter than the iPhone 8 Plus?

Yes, the iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 g while the iPhone 8 Plus weighs 202 g, making the weight difference noticeable.

Which phone has a larger screen, the iPhone 17 Air or the iPhone 8 Plus?

The iPhone 17 Air has a 6.5 inch display, which is 1 inch larger than the 5.5 inch screen on the iPhone 8 Plus.

Which phone is better for one-handed use?

The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use one-handed and better for small hands compared to the iPhone 8 Plus.

Will the iPhone 17 Air fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?

The iPhone 17 Air fits in a typical men's jeans pocket and is considered more pocketable than the iPhone 8 Plus.

Is upgrading from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for size alone?

Yes, the size only upgrade is worth it because the iPhone 17 Air offers a larger screen in a lighter body.