iPhone 17: Which Model Should You Buy?

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is shaking things up in 2025, introducing a new ‘Air’ model alongside the standard and Pro versions. With a range of options, deciding which iPhone 17 to buy can be overwhelming. This article will guide you through the key differences and similarities between the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, helping you make an informed decision.

From the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air to the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro Max, each model caters to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability, camera capabilities, or performance, understanding the unique features of each iPhone 17 version is crucial. This comprehensive guide breaks down the specs, design, and key selling points of each model, ensuring you find the perfect fit.

In this article, we will cover:

• Similarities across all iPhone 17 models
• Key differences in design, performance, and camera
• A detailed comparison table
• Who each model is best suited for
• Where to buy the iPhone 17 unlocked and carrier deals

You Don’t Need to Upgrade

If you own a recent iPhone, upgrading to the iPhone 17 might not be necessary unless your current device has significant issues. Before rushing to buy the latest model, consider exploring options like battery replacements or software troubleshooting. It is important to evaluate if the new features truly justify the cost of upgrading.

However, if you’re set on buying an iPhone 17 model, consider trading in your old device responsibly. If you are giving it to a friend or family member, we have guides on how to transfer your data. We also have tips on how to maintain the new device to get the most out of it.

The Similarities

All iPhone 17 models share several core features. Understanding these commonalities helps narrow down your choice based on the unique aspects of each model.

Display

All iPhone 17 models boast OLED screens (Super Retina XDR display) with ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. This is the first time the non-Pro models have ProMotion, which is essentially a 120-Hz refresh rate.

All models also feature Ceramic Shield 2 front glass for enhanced scratch resistance and an antireflective coating to reduce glare. Peak brightness reaches up to 3,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

Camera (Front)

The front-facing selfie camera is identical across the iPhone 17 lineup. It features a new square-shaped 18-megapixel sensor for detailed selfies and a smart zoom-out feature for group shots. All models support Dual Capture, allowing simultaneous shooting with front and rear cameras.

Usual Specs

All iPhone 17 models are IP68 water- and dust-resistant, feature Face ID, Camera Control button, Action Button, USB-C port, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe). They start with 256GB of storage and include Apple Intelligence, Emergency SOS via Satellite, Crash Detection, and Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip.

The Differences

Here’s where the iPhone 17 models diverge, impacting your decision based on specific needs and priorities.

iPhone 17

The 6.3-inch iPhone 17 is the best option for most people, featuring a slightly larger screen, more storage, and Apple’s ProMotion 120-Hz technology. Powered by the A19 chipset, it handles most apps and games smoothly. It features Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front.

While the iPhone 17 has the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front to protect the screen, it doesn’t use the original Ceramic Shield on the back glass; that’s exclusive to the Air and Pro models. The 48-MP main camera may sound similar to the others, but it’s not going to deliver the best results, though the ultrawide camera has been upgraded to 48 megapixels and should match the quality of the Pro iPhones.

iPhone Air

The iPhone Air stands out with its thin and lightweight design (5.6 mm and 165 grams). Constructed from titanium for durability, it features a 6.5-inch screen and the original Ceramic Shield on the back. You only get a single 48-MP camera.

You only get a single 48-MP camera, the same as on the iPhone 17, but no ultrawide or telephoto. It lacks Cinematic mode for video and spatial video recording, both of which are available on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone Air does enjoy a slight bump in performance with the A19 Pro chipset versus the A19 in the iPhone 17, though we’ll have to wait to see if it’s a minimal one or not.

The Air has the worst battery life according to Apple’s claims compared to the rest of the new iPhones, but it still supposedly matches the iPhone 16 Plus from 2024, so we’ll have to wait and see how it fares. Like the iPhone 17, the USB-C still only supports USB 2 data transfer speeds, meaning you’re limited to 480 Mbps. It charges more slowly, hitting 50 percent in 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone 17 can do that in 20 minutes (with the right charging adapter). Even wirelessly, it only supports 20-watt Qi2 charging instead of 25 watts.

This is the only iPhone with Apple’s new C1X modem. It’s very efficient, but it means this iPhone doesn’t support millimeter wave 5G, just sub-6 5G. (Read our article on 5G to learn the differences.) That may not be a big deal since you only encounter that faster 5G in high-traffic areas, airports, and stadiums, but it’s something to keep in mind.

iPhone 17 Pro

The iPhone 17 Pro has an aluminum unibody for improved heat dissipation. The iPhone 17 Pro retains its 6.3-inch display but now has an aluminum unibody instead of titanium, supposedly for improved heat dissipation. Like the iPhone Air, it also employs Ceramic Shield on the back glass, in addition to Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. It also looks different! There’s a two-tone design on the back highlighting the mix of metal and aluminum, not to mention the “Camera Plateau” that spans across.

These are the first iPhones with a vapor chamber cooling system. This is a heat dissipation technology we’ve seen on Android phones for years; there’s a single drop of water inside the iPhone that moves through the chamber from vapor to liquid to keep the iPhone cooler for longer, and disperses heat better. That should deliver better sustained performance, and so should the A19 Pro. Unlike the A19 Pro on the Air, it has one extra graphics core here.

The telephoto camera has been upgraded to 48 megapixels, so now you have an entire triple-camera array with 48-MP sensors. It delivers 4X optical zoom and up to 8X optical-like quality. It’s still the only iPhone model that can shoot 4K at up to 120 frames per second, and there are numerous exclusive video features aspiring filmmakers may find useful, like Genlock and ProRes RAW. It has better image stabilization than the other models, a better flash, and nicer microphones, and Apple still only offers the Lidar scanner on these Pro models.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max mirrors the iPhone 17 Pro except in size, featuring a 6.9-inch screen and the largest battery, offering up to 39 hours of video playback. It also offers a 2TB storage option.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max mirrors the iPhone 17 Pro except in size. It sports a 6.9-inch screen, making it the heaviest iPhone, but it also has the biggest battery, boasting up to 39 hours of video playback compared to 33 hours on the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s also the only iPhone with a 2-terabyte storage option, if you need that much local space.

Like the smaller Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max features USB 3, so you can take advantage of up to 10 Gbps data transfer speeds, a big boost over the iPhone Air and iPhone 17.

What’s Right for You?

• iPhone 17: Most people will be more than satisfied with the iPhone 17, especially with the welcome 120-Hz upgrade and boosted 256 GB of storage.
• iPhone Air: If you want to experience Apple’s lightest iPhone ever, and you don’t particularly use the camera all that much, you’ll probably enjoy the Air.
• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: You want the best Apple has to offer. If you use many of Apple’s camera features and various zoom levels, these iPhones will deliver the best experience. If you’re a heavy gamer, you’ll also enjoy the improved thermals and extra power of the iPhone 17 Pro. For a big screen and the best battery life, buy the Pro Max. For a more reasonable phone size, get the Pro.

How to Get the iPhone 17 Unlocked

Purchasing an unlocked iPhone offers flexibility in switching carriers and using international SIM cards. iPhones bought directly from Apple’s storefront are typically unlocked, except when financed through AT&T.

I always recommend you buy your iPhone unlocked. It makes switching carriers a breeze, and you’ll have no hassles if you swap to an international SIM when traveling. The iPhones sold via Apple’s storefront are unlocked, with one exception: If you buy through an AT&T installment plan, your iPhone will be network-locked. Buying the iPhone 17 unlocked increases the price by $30 to $829 instead of $799, but it’s well worth it.

Deals on Network-Locked iPhone 17 Models

If you prefer purchasing from a carrier, consider these promotions, keeping in mind that bill credits often tie you to a multiyear contract.

• T-Mobile: T-Mobile is offering up to $1,100 off any iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro model, including the Air, if you trade in an eligible phone in any condition. New customers can switch to T-Mobile and get up to $830 off any iPhone 17 model. T-Mobile says you can use its T-Life app to order the iPhone 17 range instantly.
• Verizon: Verizon similarly is offering up to $1,100 off an iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air with an eligible trade-in, no matter the condition of the device; you’ll also need to be on an eligible unlimited plan. You can also bundle an Apple Watch SE 3 or Apple Watch Series 11 (or get $500 off the Apple Watch Ultra 3), though you’ll have to get a service plan for the watch.
• AT&T: AT&T will cover up to $1,100 for the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, or up to $830 off the iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, but you’ll need to trade in an eligible phone (in any condition).
• Boost Mobile: Boost Mobile customers can get up to $830 off the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air if they’re on the Infinite Access Plan. This promotion gets bumped up to $1,000 off if you buy from Apple.com and choose Boost Mobile at checkout.
• Best Buy: Best Buy offers the entire iPhone range, but these are locked to AT&T or Verizon. You can save up to $830 via an eligible trade-in for the iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, and up to $1,100 for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. You also get three months of Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+ with your purchase, but you’ll be charged monthly after that.

Conclusion

Choosing the right iPhone 17 model depends on your individual needs and priorities. The iPhone 17 offers a balanced experience for most users, while the iPhone 17 Air stands out with its ultra-thin design. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max provide advanced features for photography enthusiasts and power users.

Consider your budget, desired features, and usage patterns when making your decision. Whether you prioritize portability, camera capabilities, or performance, the iPhone 17 lineup offers a compelling option for everyone. By understanding the key differences and similarities between each model, you can confidently choose the iPhone 17 that best fits your lifestyle.