I tested the iPhone air for a week, and here is the 17 Pro Max users that do not sleep on it

Key takeaways of zdnet

• The thinnest and lightest iPhone provides pro display at the procurement $ 999 price point yet.
• It is designed to feel burdened, and it is the biggest reason for buying a one on the iPhone 17 series.
• All you have to do is settled for only one camera, average battery life and a single-firing speaker.

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The iPhone “Pro” label has always represented the bleeding edge of the industrial design of Apple. I upgrade the pro model every year because it started six years ago, and at this time, Apple’s formula is so sophisticated and polished that investment is almost always worth it.

Therefore, earlier this month was going to Apple’s amazing phenomenon, my focus was reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, both launched with a new vapor chamber cooling system-resolving a long-term issue of overheating on the model as well as a rejected and better camera system. But the keynote speaker ended with me focusing his focus on a separate iPhone.

Also: I tested the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and here is a big reason for a year-on-year upgrade.

See, what Apple did is best: Marketing. It introduced iPhone wind, With a dramatic nature, balanced at the tip of a finger in the Steve Jobs theater, for a chorus of “ooh and ah”. In my pocket, the iPhone 16 Pro Max was feeling heavier than another.

Let me be clear: iPhone Air is the first generation product, and I have been burnt by many efforts. However, the thinnest and lightened iPhone is a very enclosed approach to design it makes it worth my time. But is it worth you?

An iPhone that will not crack under pressure

I want to think that I am one of the few people who are able to test both iPhone Air and its Android competitive, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, so the experience was strangely familiar when I first held the iPhone when I first held the iPhone.

The ultraopeportability of the device chooses anyone, but for me, seeing the flow of fluid liquid glass animation on the 6.5 -inch OLED screen, when the reality was actually set, it is the same that was the same for iOS 26.

Also: iPhone Air vs Samsung S25 Edge: I compared two ultra-slim phones, and here is the winner

The idea of ​​an ultra-split and light iPhone has been foreign over the years. In fact, keeping the iPhone Air I remembered other Titanium-prison models in recent years and more and more of the iPhone 6 Plus from 2019. Subsequently, such a form factor was between normal and risky. It was a fashionable position symbol and a tool that gave under pressure.

I hope that to continue with the previous two segments-the iphone-iphone air, its near-neccessful side profiles (this is just 5.6 mm thick) and with the eccentric camera plateau represent one of the most burdened-free iPhones with a delayed camera plateau. For bendgate, I am not very worried about it – and Apple does not appear either.

After September Kenot, the company showed its durability test facility to media members, which included a machine in which 130 pound force was applied at the focal point of the iPhone air. It was embossed, but ever got stuck in torn or half, and even straightened himself after a while. This is a will for both the titanium frame that wraps around the phone and performs a ceramic shield layering back and forth.

If you are more interested in a real -world stress testing, I recently sat down with the iPhone wind in my back pocket, and the device did not show any signs of delicateness. And I am a six -foot man who is more than 130 pounds. If there is a phone that you should use without any case, let it be one.

A supporter phone without branding

There is little weight that an iPhone does not have a pro monin; You hope that it will have shortcomings, less facilities and simply a serviceable experience. It sets the air up for the room to affect the room, along with the same A19 Pro chip operated by the same A19 Pro chip that resumes the iPhone 17 Pro and the Pro Max model.

Apart from this: iOS 26 is now live – It is mentioned here how to download it (and which iphones support it)

After allowing my iPhone Air to work through all its initial setup functions and app download, I painted it through a series of display benchmarks with my iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Edge. Here are the results.

Pay attention to relativity. From my test, the iPhone Air competes well with the old and potential new iPhone Pro model, and is even better against the S25 Edge. However, its biggest weakness is efficiency and prolonged power management. I have noticed the camera plateau, where most processing components fit, often become heated after a intensive charge of a few minutes.

It is less noticeable on other phones, including the S25 edge, as the heat is scattered evenly throughout the body, but by condensing everything within a strip of glass and metal, and not having a similar vapor room cooling system found on the iPhone 17 Pro model, takes a hit during air extended use.

This battery takes into life. It is not an all -day endurance phone, not without any charge or two or without magasaf battery pack, which is pitching air with Apple. The big tech is that I definitely find myself looking for a charger, when I was on my iPhone 16 Pro Max and other thick handsets. But it is expected to be so thin from a phone.

Also: iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: I compared two flagship models, and here is the winner.

My work desires that Apple added the same 40W wired charging rate to the iPhone 17 Pro model to the air, but it would possibly open another can of insects about thermal and battery fall. With the already small capacity of air, you can’t simply take that risk.

Iphone high and low point of air

The cameras of the iPhone Air are both high and low points. I am a fan of the 18MP Center Stage Front Camera, as it can conducively remove the field of view and give the selfie depth level and embrace which has long been missing on the phone for a long time.

For the past two months, I have been taking group photos and pictures with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 as the external display serves as a visual -visible for rear wide and ultravide cameras. The iPhone Air and its new square sensor fundamentally acquire the same thing, but with low camera tap, unfolding, and other exercises are required.

Also: I tested the iPhone 17 for 24 hours, and I am already questioning if I need a Pro.

A paid sensor also gives more space to the selfie camera for electronic stabilization, which means that the video appears less stuttering and unstable than the previous year’s iPhone.

On the other hand, the rear 48MP camera leaves for a sensor or two to be desired. Color accuracy, contrast, and shadow details are still the fort of iPhone (as depicted in the above samples), but there were many moments when I pierced the more distant optical zooming of the pro model, especially when Live events recording And far away subjects.

The absence of an ultravide lens also means that you can not regularly tell landscape and beautiful ideas in macro-level details, $ 200-less iPhone 17,

ZDNET purchase advice

So, who should buy iPhone AirIn $ 1,000, you are mainly paid for ultraPortability and innovation factor. Of all the four new iPhones released this year, the iPhone AIR feels that we are in the future with the most likely context, when the pro model – and potentially foldables – are built under a similar outline.

If you want a camera enthusiastic, power user, or an iPhone, which may not require a battery swap after 2-3 years, I will consider your other options this year, including Base model,

Also: I compared iPhone 17, iPhone Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max: Here is the best purchase for you

I eventually expect to tip the scales on the side of the wind, when the curious shopkeepers lift the device and feel the absence of thickness and bulk. (For those who take care, you can also see that the air comes in a black color, but not 17 Pro.)

The iPhone Air is a device that you have to see in the person to understand your importance. When you do, switching between it and any other model will only enhance the idea that the second model will soon be a matter of the past.