Which iPhone Is Better? Apple iPhone 17 Models Compared

Choosing the best iPhone from Apple’s latest lineup can feel overwhelming. Apple has shaken up its roster with the iPhone 17 series, featuring the iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the big iPhone 17 Pro Max. Whether you care most about camera quality, battery life, or how the phone feels in your hand, each version offers its own strengths (and trade-offs). By the end, you’ll know exactly how the four models stack up, and which one truly deserves a spot in your pocket.

iPhone 17: The base model

Reasons to buy	Reasons not to buy
Big upgrade: 120Hz display & much brighter screen for easy reading outdoors. Improved cameras on par with last year’s Pros (48MP lenses). Faster chip and 2x storage with no price increase – excellent value. Solid battery life and faster charging than previous base models.	Lacks a dedicated telephoto camera (no optical zoom beyond 2x). No ultra-premium build material (aluminium frame instead of steel/titanium). Still uses a traditional mute switch (no Action Button). Base model doesn’t support the fastest USB-C data speeds that Pro models do.

The iPhone 17 may be Apple’s base model, but there’s nothing basic about it anymore. At a glance, it looks similar to last year’s iPhone 16, but it’s been packed with Pro-level upgrades across the board. It has nearly everything the more expensive models do, just minus the telephoto lens. For many, that’s not a deal-breaker. That’s why many reviewers are calling this “the phone most people should get.”

Bigger, brighter, smoother display

The display now measures 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches, with ultra-thin bezels for a sleeker look. Even better, it finally gets 120Hz ProMotion, so everything, from scrolling to gaming, feels silky-smooth. Brightness hits up to 3000 nits, making outdoor use effortless, and a new anti-reflective coating improves visibility under sunlight.

Performance that keeps up

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s blazing-fast A19 chip, delivering about 20% faster performance than the previous generation. Whether you’re multitasking, editing videos, or playing games, it handles it with ease.

Cameras that shine

This year’s model borrows camera tech straight from the Pros. You get a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, both perfect for capturing crisp, vibrant shots. Up front, the new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera automatically tracks and frames you in both portrait and landscape modes – a major plus for FaceTime and social content creators.

Double storage, same price

Apple also doubled the base storage to 256GB and kept the starting price at S$1,299. That’s more value without paying a cent more.

Longer battery, faster charging

Battery life has taken a leap forward. You’ll get up to 8 hours more video playback than with the iPhone 16. And when it’s time to recharge, fast charging via USB-C gives you 50% power in just 30 minutes.

Apple iPhone 17 specifications
Display	6.3-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR (120Hz ProMotion)
Processor	A19 chip (6-core CPU, next-gen Neural Engine)
Rear Cameras	Dual 48MP (Wide & Ultra-Wide), 2x optical-quality zoom
Front Camera	18MP Center Stage (auto-framing, landscape/portrait flexible)
Battery	“All-day” battery (approx. ~20+ hours video playback)
Charging	USB-C port, up to ~27–30W fast charging (50% in ~30 min)
Starting Price	From $1,299 – same as last year’s base model

iPhone 17 Air

Reasons to buy	Reasons not to buy
Unbelievably thin & light – a stunning design statement at 5.6mm. Largest display outside the Pro Max, but in a much sleeker form. Same A19 Pro chip as Pro models – top performance in a non-Pro phone. Premium build (titanium frame, Ceramic Shield glass) feels luxurious in hand.	Trade-offs for thinness: smallest battery = just-ok battery life (heavy users will need a charge). Only one rear camera – no ultrawide or optical zoom, limiting photography options. Mono audio – lacks stereo speakers for rich sound. Slower charging and potentially more heat throttling (less room for cooling inside).

With a price tag around $1,549, the iPhone Air stands out as Apple’s most design-driven iPhone yet. It’s crafted for users who want something more stylish and unique than the standard or Pro models. It’s light, it’s beautiful, and it’s fast. But it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re big on camera variety or need maximum battery life.

The thinnest iPhone ever

At just 5.6 mm thin and weighing only 165g, the Air is Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date – even thinner than a pencil. But don’t let the size fool you. It packs a gorgeous 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, complete with 120Hz ProMotion and up to 3000 nits brightness, so you’re getting premium visuals without compromise.

Premium build, pro-level performance

The Air features Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back for added durability, plus a glossy titanium frame that feels luxurious in hand. And inside? It’s powered by the A19 Pro chip – the same blazing-fast processor found in the iPhone 17 Pro. In short, this phone isn’t just about looks. It’s a performance powerhouse wrapped in a design-forward shell.

Trading off some features

Of course, that ultra-thin build comes with trade-offs. The battery is smaller than any other iPhone 17 model. While Apple claims “all-day battery,” it’s more on par with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro. Heavy users may find themselves reaching for a MagSafe battery pack by afternoon.

Single camera and mono audio

Another sacrifice? Only one rear camera. The Air features a solid 48MP main “Fusion” lens, but there’s no ultra-wide or telephoto. That’s a bold choice for a phone at this price. You also lose stereo speakers, meaning audio plays in mono – a surprising omission in 2025.

What you still get

Not all the Pro-level perks are gone. You still get the Action Button, which is great for launching shortcuts, camera, or apps in a snap. Plus, the Air runs Apple’s latest software and supports most flagship features outside of photography and advanced media handling.

Apple iPhone 17 Air specifications
Display	6.5-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR
Processor	A19 Pro chip
Rear Camera	48MP Fusion Main (f/1.6) – uses AI for 2x zoom
Front Camera	18MP Center Stage selfie
Battery	Smallest of iPhone 17 lineup (≈ “all-day” but less than iPhone 17)
Charging	USB-C, max ~20-25W charging
Starting Price	From $1,599

iPhone 17 Pro

Reasons to buy

Reasons not to buy

Performance beast – top-tier A19 Pro chip with new cooling for sustained speed. Massive battery life jump (easily a day and beyond) – no more range anxiety. Triple-camera system is versatile and improved (sharper 4x telephoto, great low-light, pro video options). Sturdy pro design (aluminium body, Ceramic Shield 2) built for durability and heavy use. Handy extras: Action Button, fastest data transfer (USB 3 via USB-C) – great for creators.

Bulkier and heavier than last gen – an 8% thicker phone for the sake of battery. Premium price tag – among the most expensive 6-inch phones. Design is utilitarian; not as svelte or “flashy” as the iPhone Air or previous Pros. Overkill for basic users – many pro features (RAW video, etc.) won’t matter if you just text and browse.

If you want all the bells and whistles, the iPhone 17 Pro is where the magic happens. This year, Apple went all-in on making the Pro feel truly “pro” again with bold design changes, better battery life, and serious performance upgrades. It’s ideal for photographers, creators, power users, or anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on battery, speed, or camera. Just know that it’s not as slim or flashy as the Air. But if performance is your priority, the iPhone 17 Pro is your best bet.

Heavier, thicker, stronger

Unlike the ultra-slim Air, the 17 Pro takes a function-over-form approach – thicker and heavier, but purposefully so. The unibody brushed aluminium chassis replaces last year’s titanium, but with good reason: aluminium disperses heat 10x better, which, along with a new vapour chamber cooling system, helps sustain performance without overheating.

Apple even redesigned the phone’s back. Instead of full glass, it’s now mostly metal with a small ceramic window for wireless charging. The result? More internal space allows for a much larger battery and stronger thermal efficiency. 

Performance? It’s a monster

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro runs on Apple’s powerful A19 Pro chip, and thanks to its revamped cooling, it delivers about 40% better sustained performance under load compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or editing 4K video, the phone runs smoothly without the usual heat throttling.

Display and design that mean business

The 17 Pro retains a compact 6.3-inch OLED display (same size as the base iPhone 17) but adds ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On, and seriously bright peak output – up to 3000 nits. That’s perfect for outdoor viewing.

The overall aesthetic is more utilitarian than flashy, with refined matte colours like Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue. It’s not trying to be the slimmest iPhone; it’s trying to be the most capable. And it is.

Pro cameras, reimagined

This year’s triple-lens camera system includes: 48MP Main camera (great in low light), 48MP Ultra-Wide, and an all-new 48MP Telephoto lens

Apple scaled back the optical zoom from 5x to 4x, but thanks to the higher resolution, it now delivers sharper zoom shots and can digitally reach up to 8x optical-quality zoom. Plus, for the first time, this Telephoto system is available on both the Pro and Pro Max models – no more camera gap between sizes. The 18MP Center Stage front camera returns here too, perfect for auto-tracked selfies and group video calls.

Creator-ready features

Beyond photography, the iPhone 17 Pro doubles as a powerful mobile studio. It supports ProRes RAW recording and introduces a new Apple Log format for improved dynamic range and post-production flexibility. For those shooting high-quality content, the phone allows external 4K60 video capture through its USB-C port – an ideal setup for professionals using external monitors or recorders.

Apple also included genlock sync for precise multi-camera coordination. These tools won’t matter to most casual users, but for those producing professional content on the go, they bring serious capability to a smartphone.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro specifications
Display	6.3-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR
Processor	A19 Pro chip
Rear Cameras	Triple 48MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto 4x optical)
Front Camera	18MP Center Stage (auto-tracking video calls, 4K selfie video)
Battery	~33 hours video playback
Charging	USB-C, up to 35–40W support
Starting Price	From $1,749 for 256GB

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Reasons to buy

Reasons not to buy

Huge, gorgeous display – fantastic for videos, gaming, reading (almost tablet-like). Best battery life of any iPhone, ever – truly multi-day longevity in moderate use. Powerful triple-camera setup identical to Pro (no feature sacrifices for choosing bigger size). Top performance and thermals – can handle anything, great for productivity and creative work. Option for 2TB storage solves space issues for extreme users.

Very large and heavy – not pocket-friendly for all, one-handed use is challenging. Premium price – the most expensive iPhone; not a good value choice if you don’t need the extra screen/battery. Bulky design may not appeal; essentially the 17 Pro stretched out (no distinct design beyond size). Overkill for casual users – meant for those who truly utilise the big screen and battery (others might be fine with a smaller model).

If you believe “bigger is better,” the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone. It takes everything the iPhone 17 Pro offers – same cameras, same processor, same display tech – and scales it up. Starting at $1,899 for 256GB, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most expensive iPhone, but also its most capable. And what you get is a no-compromise powerhouse designed for users who want maximum screen space, battery life, and overall capability.

Massive, beautiful display

The 17 Pro Max features a colossal 6.9-inch OLED display, making it the largest iPhone screen to date. It’s ideal for watching videos, gaming, or even handling work tasks on the go. Like the smaller Pro, it supports 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On Display, up to 3000 nits brightness, and offers excellent colour accuracy. It’s not just big – it’s incredibly sharp and smooth.

Best battery life yet

Thanks to its larger body, the Pro Max houses a significantly bigger battery than the regular Pro. Apple rates it for up to 39 hours of video playback, which translates to two full days of moderate use. In Tom’s Guide’s battery test, it lasted nearly 18 hours of nonstop web browsing over 5G, setting a record for any iPhone. If battery life is a priority, this is the iPhone to beat.

Performance you can push

The A19 Pro chip also powers the Pro Max, and it benefits from the same vapor chamber cooling and aluminium unibody as the 17 Pro. However, because of its larger chassis, the Pro Max can sustain peak performance even longer. More internal space means better heat dissipation, making it ideal for intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering.

Same cameras, bigger advantage

Camera-wise, the Pro Max shares the same triple 48MP system as the 17 Pro: wide, ultra-wide, and a new 4× telephoto lens. It also has the 18MP Center Stage front camera. You don’t get extra features here, but the larger screen offers real benefits – framing shots is easier, and the extra weight can help with stabilisation. Apple also added an exclusive 2TB storage option, perfect for videographers or anyone who wants to avoid ever seeing a “storage full” alert.

Big phone energy

This is a large phone, no doubt about it. It’s hefty (over 240g) and built for two-handed use. The aluminium body makes it lighter than it would be with steel or titanium, but still – it’s a brick. For many, though, that’s a fair trade for a tablet-like screen, unmatched battery life, and top-end features. If you’re the type to multitask on your phone, watch movies, or edit photos regularly, the Pro Max feels like a mini workstation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max specifications
Display	6.9-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR (120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision)
Processor	A19 Pro chip
Rear Cameras	Triple 48MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto 4x optical)
Front Camera	18MP Center Stage (auto-pan during video calls, 4K/60 video support)
Battery	Longest ever in an iPhone: ~39 hours video playback (roughly 25–30% more than 16 Pro Max)
Charging	USB-C, fast-charge ~50% in 20 min
Starting Price	From $1,899 for 256GB base model

What is the best iPhone to get right now?

After comparing the iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro models, the iPhone 17 (standard model) emerges as the best iPhone for most buyers. It strikes the ideal balance of price and features: you get a fast new processor, big high-refresh display, and excellent cameras – all at a lower cost than the Pro variants. It covers all the bases for everyday use and even power use, without forcing you to pay the “Pro premium” for features you might not need.

That said, “best” can be subjective. If you’re an enthusiast who demands the absolute top-of-the-line, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be considered the best – it has the largest screen and longest battery life (and no other model outshines it in any spec). Photographers and heavy users who want the best camera and battery should indeed look at the Pro Max or 17 Pro. But if you prioritise having a compact yet powerful phone, the iPhone 17 Pro might be your sweet spot, as it offers Pro capabilities in a slightly smaller form. And for those who value style and slimness above all, the iPhone Air might feel like the best iPhone due to its unique design – as long as you’re okay with its compromises.

Apple iPhone 17: Specifications side-by-side

Specification	iPhone 17	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone 17 Pro
Display	6.3″ Super Retina XDR 2622 x 1206 resolution OLED (460 ppi) ProMotion 120Hz Always-On Dynamic Island	6.5″ Super Retina XDR 2736 x 1260 resolution OLED (460 ppi) ProMotion 120Hz Always-On Dynamic Island	6.3″ Super Retina XDR 2622 x 1206 resolution OLED (460 ppi) 120Hz Always-On Dynamic Island
Dimensions (mm)	149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95	156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64	150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75
Weight (g)	177	165	206 (heavier than 16 Pro’s ~188g due to battery)
Processor	A19 chip 6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine	A19 Pro chip 6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine	A19 Pro chip 6‑core CPU, 6‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
Rear camera system	Dual 48MP Fusion cameras 48 MP Main (ƒ/1.6) + 48 MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2) Main camera supports 2x optical-quality telephoto (crop) 4x total optical zoom range (0.5×–2×).	Single 48MP Fusion camera 48 MP Main (ƒ/1.6) only, with 2x optical-quality telephoto via sensor crop. No dedicated ultra-wide lens Sapphire lens cover True Tone flash.	Triple 48MP Pro Fusion cameras 48 MP Main (ƒ/1.78) 48 MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2) 48 MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8) 4xoptical Telephoto (100 mm) with tetraprism periscope Supports 8x optical-quality zoom (200 mm crop) LiDAR scanner for AR and Night mode.
Front camera	18 MP TrueDepth Center Stage camera (ƒ/1.9) 4K Dolby Vision video up to 60 fps Ultra-stabilised video Dual Capture (front/rear simultaneously)	18 MP Center Stage TrueDepth (ƒ/1.9) Enables wider field of view selfies and AI-powered auto-framing 4K HDR ultra-steady video Dual Capture support	18 MP Center Stage TrueDepth (ƒ/1.9) Same as all iPhone 17 models, just with advanced features like 4K60 ProRes video with external recorder, Apple Log profile.
Battery life (Video Playback)	Up to 30 hours offline video (~8 hours longer than iPhone 16) Supports fast charge ~50% in 20 min with 40W USB-C adapter Wireless MagSafe charging up to 25W	Up to 27 hours video (all-day use; slightly lower than 16 Plus due to ultra-slim battery) Supports ~50% charge in 30 min with 20W+ adapter (Air limits charging to 20W for thermal reasons) MagSafe/Qi2 wireless up to 20W max. External iPhone Air MagSafe Battery extends video up to 40 hours	Up to 33 hours video (~6 hours longer than 16 Pro) Up to 39 hours on Pro Max (best ever battery life on iPhone) Support ~50% charge in ~20 min with 40W adapter MagSafe wireless up to 25W on both
Design & build	Aluminium frame with contoured edges Ceramic Shield 2 front glass (3x more scratch-resistant) Durable colour-infused glass back IP68 water/dust resistant (6m for 30 min)	Grade-5 Titanium chassis, polished with mirrored finish Ceramic Shield 2 front and back for extreme durability New internal “plateau” design for camera/speaker maximises battery space. IP68 rated	Aerospace aluminium unibody design (no separate frame) for improved thermals Brushed finish with integrated antenna band and full-width camera plateau Ceramic Shield 2 front and back (4x more crack-resistant back than glass) Thicker build to house larger battery & vapour-chamber cooling IP68
Colours	Black White Lavender Sage Mist Blue	Space Black Cloud White Light Gold Sky Blue	Cosmic Orange Deep Blue Silver
Storage options and price	256GB: From $1,299 512GB: From $1,599	256GB: From $1,599 512GB: From $1,899 1TB: From $2,199	256GB: From $1,749 512GB: From $2,049 1TB: From $2,349

So, which iPhone is better for you?

Ultimately, which iPhone is better for you depends on your priorities. The standard iPhone 17 will be the sweet spot for most, offering high-end features at a reasonable price. Power users and photographers might lean toward the Pro or Pro Max for the extra camera and battery advantages, while style-conscious folks could be tempted by the sleek iPhone Air. 

No matter which you choose, you can upgrade smart: for instance, consider trading in your old device through Shopee to save on your new phone. And once you’ve got your shiny new iPhone, don’t forget to protect it with some of the best iPhone cases to keep your investment safe and stylish.