iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 17 Air
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 Air is 2.06 millimetres0.08 inches thinner and 43 grams1.52 ounces lighter than the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) has stopped receiving updates, while the iPhone 17 Air (paid link) ships with the newest version and a chip built for modern tasks. It feels lighter and lasts much longer on a single charge, making the switch worth it at the current list price.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17 Air
Pocket: iPhone 17 Air
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams. iPhone 17 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams.
XS Max, 17 Air shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: XS Max 157.5 millimetres, 17 Air 156.2 millimetres.Height: XS Max 6.20 inches, 17 Air 6.15 inches.Width: XS Max 77.4 millimetres, 17 Air 74.7 millimetres.Width: XS Max 3.05 inches, 17 Air 2.94 inches.Depth: XS Max 7.70 millimetres, 17 Air 5.64 millimetres.Depth: XS Max 0.30 inches, 17 Air 0.22 inches.Weight: XS Max 208 grams, 17 Air 165 grams.Weight: XS Max 7.34 ounces, 17 Air 5.82 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS Max | 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 157.5 millimetres6.20 inches | 156.2 millimetres, 1.3 millimetres less6.15 inches, 0.05 inches less |
| Width | 77.4 millimetres3.05 inches | 74.7 millimetres, 2.7 millimetres less2.94 inches, 0.11 inches less |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 5.64 millimetres, 2.06 millimetres less0.22 inches, 0.08 inches less |
| Weight | 208 grams7.34 ounces | 165 grams, 43 grams less5.82 ounces, 1.52 ounces less |
| Volume | 93.9 cubic centimetres5.73 cubic inches | 65.8 cubic centimetres, 28.1 cubic centimetres less4.02 cubic inches, 1.71 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 84 percent | 90 percent, 6 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1242 × 2688 | 1260 × 2736 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A19 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 27 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 256 GB – 1 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,099 dollars | 999 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 Air is 1.3 mm (0.05 in) shorter, 2.7 mm (0.11 in) narrower, 2.06 mm (0.08 in) thinner and 43 g (1.52 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS Max. 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). 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).
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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 phones have a 6.5 inch display.
Is the iPhone 17 Air lighter than the iPhone XS Max?
Yes, the iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 g while the iPhone XS Max weighs 208 g. The difference is 43 g.
Are the screens the same size on the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone XS Max?
Both the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone XS Max have a 6.5 inch screen. The iPhone 17 Air has a higher screen-to-body ratio.
Is the iPhone 17 Air easier to use one-handed than the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 Air is easier to use one-handed and better for small hands compared to the iPhone XS Max. Its narrower width helps with grip.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 17 Air fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 Air is considered more pocketable due to its thinner profile.
Is the upgrade from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 17 Air worth it for size alone?
Yes, the size only upgrade from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 17 Air is worth it. The iPhone 17 Air is lighter and thinner while keeping the same screen size.