Updated on 13 November 2026
The iPhone 17 generation (September 2025) consists of three very different phones: the iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. For most people the regular iPhone 17 is the smartest choice; you choose the Air for its design and the Pro for camera and battery. Here are the differences at a glance.
The short answer
- iPhone 17: best value, now with a 120 Hz display and two 48 MP cameras.
- iPhone Air: extremely thin and light, but one camera, eSIM only and the shortest battery life.
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: the best camera with telephoto, the fastest chip and the longest battery life.
The differences at a glance
| iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3 inch, 120 Hz | 6.5 inch, 120 Hz | 6.3 inch (Pro Max: 6.9 inch), 120 Hz |
| Chip | A19 | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Rear camera | 2x 48 MP (wide and ultra wide) | 1x 48 MP | 3x 48 MP, including telephoto up to 8x |
| Thickness and weight | 7.95 mm, 177 g | 5.6 mm, 165 g | 8.75 mm (Pro Max is larger and heavier) |
| SIM (NL/BE) | Nano-SIM + eSIM | eSIM only | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Battery life | Good | Shortest | Longest (especially Pro Max) |
| Storage from | 256 GB | 256 GB | 256 GB |
Which one should you choose?
iPhone 17: for almost everyone
The biggest change from earlier regular iPhones is the 120 Hz ProMotion display, previously only on Pro models. With the 48 MP ultra-wide camera and the new front camera that adapts when you hold the phone sideways, you have everything you need day to day.
iPhone Air: if thin and light matter most
At 5.6 mm the Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. In return you get one rear camera, no SIM tray (eSIM only) and a smaller battery. Heavy users usually need a power bank or a top-up during the day.
iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max: for camera and battery
The Pro has a telephoto lens with up to 8x high-quality zoom, vapour-chamber cooling for heavy games and video, and the largest batteries. The Pro Max lasts the longest of all iPhones in this generation.
Is the iPhone 17 still the latest?
No. In September 2026 the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo were released. A regular iPhone 18 is expected in spring 2027, so for now the iPhone 17 remains the most recent regular iPhone. All iPhone 17 models get iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence.
Buying refurbished at iUsed
The refurbished iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air at iUsed are usually in Like new condition. You get a 3-year warranty, a battery of at least 80% and a SIM-free phone.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone Air have a SIM tray?
No, the iPhone Air works with eSIM only. See eSIM and dual SIM on the iPhone.
What's the difference between the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max?
Only size and battery. The Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch display and lasts longer; camera and chip are the same.