iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 2.06 millimetres0.08 inches thicker and 43 grams1.52 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) is stuck on its last version, so it will not get new software features. The iPhone 17 Air (paid link) feels significantly lighter and lasts longer through the day. If you want a phone that fits well and stays current, this is the year to move.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17 Air
Pocket: iPhone 17 Air
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.4 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 XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
17 Air, XS 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 XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Air | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 156.2 millimetres6.15 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 1.3 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.05 inches more |
| Width | 74.7 millimetres2.94 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 2.7 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.11 inches more |
| Depth | 5.64 millimetres0.22 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 2.06 millimetres more0.30 inches, 0.08 inches more |
| Weight | 165 grams5.82 ounces | 208 grams, 43 grams more7.34 ounces, 1.52 ounces more |
| Volume | 65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 28.1 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 1.71 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 84 percent, 6 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1260 × 2736 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A19 Pro | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 1 TB | 64 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 100 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 1.3 mm (0.05 in) taller, 2.7 mm (0.11 in) wider, 2.06 mm (0.08 in) thicker and 43 g (1.52 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 XS Max measures 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.70 mm (6.20 × 3.05 × 0.30 in) and weighs 208 g (7.34 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 17 Air
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Questions about these phones
How does the iPhone 17 Air size compare to the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 Air is 1.3 mm shorter and 2.7 mm narrower than the iPhone XS Max. Both devices share a 6.5 inch screen size.
Is the iPhone 17 Air lighter than the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 Air weighs 43 grams less than the iPhone XS Max. This weight difference is noticeable in daily use.
Do the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone XS Max have the same screen size?
Both the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone XS Max have a 6.5 inch display. The iPhone 17 Air offers a higher refresh rate and always-on capability.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone XS Max. It is also better suited for small hands.
Does the iPhone 17 Air fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
The iPhone 17 Air fits in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone XS Max has the same pocket fit profile.
Is upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for size?
The verdict indicates upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 17 Air is worth it for size and weight. The iPhone 17 Air is thinner and lighter.