iPhone 17 Range Comparison: Which Model is Right for You?
Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup introduces four distinct models: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. With all four models launching together, choosing the right iPhone can be confusing. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every difference to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Understanding the iPhone 17 Lineup
The iPhone 17 series marks a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, with four models designed for different users:
- iPhone 17: The standard model for everyday users who want the latest features without premium pricing
- iPhone Air: A new mid-tier option balancing performance and value with a larger display
- iPhone 17 Pro: Premium features for professionals and power users who need advanced capabilities
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: The ultimate flagship with the largest display and maximum performance
iPhone 17
The standard model for everyday users who want the latest features without premium pricing
- 6.3" Super Retina XDR display
- A19 chip
- Dual 48MP camera system
- 2x optical zoom
- All-day battery life
iPhone Air
A new mid-tier option balancing performance and value with a larger display
- 6.5" Super Retina XDR display
- A19 chip
- Dual 48MP camera system
- 2x optical zoom
- Titanium design
- Larger screen for better viewing
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
Premium features for professionals and power users who need advanced capabilities
- 6.3" or 6.9" ProMotion display (120Hz)
- A19 Pro chip
- Triple 48MP camera system
- 3x or 5x optical zoom
- Aluminum design
- Always-On Display
- Pro Max: Largest display & longest battery life
iPhone 17 (6.3")
- Super Retina XDR display
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Standard brightness and color accuracy
- Perfect for everyday use, reading, and media consumption
iPhone Air (6.5")
- Super Retina XDR display
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Larger screen than iPhone 17 for better viewing experience
- Ideal balance between size and price
iPhone 17 Pro (6.3")
- Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling
- Always-On Display for quick information access
- Professional-grade color accuracy
iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9")
- Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Largest display in the lineup
- Always-On Display
- Best for content creation and media consumption
iPhone 17 & iPhone Air: A19 Chip
- Powerful performance for everyday tasks
- Excellent for gaming, multitasking, and productivity
- More than sufficient for most users
- Efficient battery usage
iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max: A19 Pro Chip
- Enhanced performance for demanding tasks
- Better graphics performance for gaming and video editing
- Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities
- Optimized for professional workflows
iPhone 17 & iPhone Air: Dual Camera System
- 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom
- Excellent photo quality for everyday use
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- Portrait mode and Night mode
- Perfect for social media and personal photography
iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max: Triple Camera System
- 48MP main camera
- 48MP ultra-wide camera
- 48MP telephoto camera (3x on Pro, 5x on Pro Max)
- ProRes video recording for professional content
- Enhanced low-light performance
- Advanced computational photography
- Best for professional photography and videography
iPhone 17
- Aluminum frame
- Ceramic Shield front
- Multiple color options
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
iPhone Air
- Titanium frame for premium feel and durability
- Ceramic Shield front
- Premium color finishes
- Lightweight titanium construction
iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Aluminum frame
- Ceramic Shield front
- Premium color finishes
- Professional-grade construction
iPhone 17
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Trade-In Value Overview
All iPhone 17 models hold excellent resale value, but Pro models typically retain value better due to:
- Premium materials (aluminum for Pro models, titanium for Air)
- Advanced features that remain relevant longer
- Professional appeal maintaining demand
- Higher initial investment
When trading in your current device, get an instant quote at vendi to see how much you can save on your iPhone 17 upgrade.
iPhone 17
- Excellent all-day battery
- Optimized for everyday use
- Efficient A19 chip for power management
iPhone Air
- Similar to iPhone 17
- Slightly larger battery for the bigger display
- All-day battery life maintained
iPhone 17 Pro
- All-day battery with efficient A19 Pro chip
- Optimized for professional workloads
- ProMotion display with adaptive refresh rate
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Longest battery life in the lineup
- Largest capacity battery
- Best for heavy usage and content creation
Which iPhone 17 Model is Right for You?
iPhone 17: Standard & Value
- Best For: Everyday users who prioritize value and reliable performance.
- Latest iPhone features at an affordable price.
- Satisfied with a 6.3" display.
- You don’t require professional camera features or premium materials.
iPhone Air: Mid-Tier & Large Screen
- Best For: Value-conscious users who need a larger display.
- You want a larger display (6.5") without the Pro pricing.
- The “sweet spot” that balances features and cost.
- Ideal for media consumption and browsing.
iPhone 17 Pro: Premium & Performance
- Best For: Professionals, power users, and serious photographers/videographers.
- You demand maximum performance and advanced features.
- Wants the 120Hz ProMotion display and Always-On Display.
- Requires professional camera features like 3x telephoto and ProRes video.
- Values the premium aluminum build quality.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Ultimate Flagship
- Best For: The ultimate user who needs the largest screen, best camera, and longest battery life.
- You prioritize the largest possible display (6.9").
- Requires the best camera system, including 5x optical zoom.
- Essential for content creators who need maximum battery life and screen real estate.
Storage Recommendations
- 256GB: Base storage for all models, sufficient for most users
- 512GB: Ideal for power users, content creators, heavy media storage
- 1TB: Available on all models, for professionals with extensive storage needs
Key Differences Summary
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air
- Air has larger 6.5" display vs 6.3"
- Air costs £100 more
- Otherwise very similar features and performance
iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro
- Pro has ProMotion 120Hz display vs 60Hz
- Air has titanium design vs Pro has aluminum
- Pro has triple camera system vs dual
- Pro has Always-On Display
- Pro costs £100 more
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Pro Max has 6.9" display vs 6.3"
- Pro Max has 5x optical zoom vs 3x
- Pro Max has longer battery life
- Pro Max costs £200 more
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3" | 6.5" | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR with ProMotion | Super Retina XDR with ProMotion |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chip | A19 | A19 | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Camera System | Dual 48MP | Dual 48MP | Triple 48MP with Telephoto | Triple 48MP with Telephoto |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | 2x | 3x | 5x |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps | 4K ProRes at 60fps | 4K ProRes at 60fps |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Control Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium Design | No | Yes | No | No |
| Always-On Display | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | All-day | All-day | All-day | All-day (longest) |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Starting Price | From £799 | From £899 | From £999 | From £1,199 |
| Best For | Everyday users | Value-conscious users wanting larger screen | Professionals & power users | Maximum performance & largest display |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
- iPhone 17 trade-ins: Trade in iPhone 17 Pro Max | Trade in iPhone 17 Pro | Trade in iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 comparison: iPhone 16 Trade in Value
- Selling guides: How to Sell iPhone | Best Way to Sell iPhone | Where to Sell My iPhone
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