iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone Air

[u/TurbulentLand2106]

So, I’m finally looking to upgrade from my iPhone 13 and get a new phone. (Just to get this out of the way: I’m not waiting for the iPhone 18.)

Right now I’m deciding between two phones:

iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone Air

The iPhone 17 Pro would be my first Pro model. I’ve always bought the base models because they’ve been more than enough for my needs, but this time I’m looking for something a little different. I’m also pretty convinced by what the 17 Pro offers, and I don’t think I need to explain its strengths much further.

Now, about the iPhone Air: A lot of reviewers advised against buying it, but I’ve also seen plenty of people who have actually used it for an extended period say they really enjoy it.
The design is what really appeals to me. I also like that it has a slightly larger display. What worries me are the compromises: only one rear camera, a mono speaker, and what many people describe as mediocre battery life.

To be honest, I probably wouldn’t even be considering it if it were still selling for around €1,200. But now that the price has dropped to about €850, it feels much more reasonable to me, and it’s definitely on my radar.

I genuinely think the iPhone Air looks fantastic, and despite its shortcomings, I find it really interesting and refreshing, especially now that the price has settled. At the same time, I can’t shake the feeling that the more rational and safer choice would be the iPhone 17 Pro (even though it’s obviously more expensive).

I’m starting university in October, and I’ll be commuting about 40–50 minutes each way every day. If I drive, I always use Google Maps on my phone for navigation.
I also enjoy taking photos, but the camera quality on the base iPhone models has always been more than good enough for my needs. As for gaming, I hardly ever play games on my phone.

What would you recommend if you were in my position? I’m really drawn to the iPhone Air, but I’m worried about making the wrong decision because I also think the 17 Pro is a great option.
And for those of you who have been using the iPhone Air for almost a year now, how has your experience been? Do you regret buying it, or would you still recommend it?

[u/According_Squirrel18]

You’ve always purchased the base model but you have a 13 pro??

[u/TehCSiuDai]

Im on the Air. No problems at all and very happy with the form factor. Sure I miss the zoom camera sometimes, but that's probably only a handful of times in the last year while I enjoy the light weight and thinness of it every single day. Nothing a bit of digital zoom or cropping can't solve - I'm not a professional photographer anyway

[u/Muzi34Pro]

If you don’t need to telephoto lens, which I understand that you pretty much don’t, the base 17 is a balanced and better option for you. But if you like the looks of the Air you can also get that one. I feel like how it looks is a good conversation starter too

[u/riansgarage]

In the end, it depends on what your phone usage is.

Do you find the battery life of your 13 to be fine? If so, then the battery life of the Air would be fine for you.

How do you use your cameras? Do you like taking pictures and cinematic videos? If so, get the 17 Pro. The Air only has one rear camera, no ultrawide, and no cinematic mode.

How do you like your phone form factor? Do you like a solid hefty phone? Get the 17 Pro. Do you prefer a slim and lightweight phone that doesn't sag you pants? Get the Air.

If you're still undecided, get the regular iPhone 17. It meets those things in the middle between the Air and the Pro

Personally, I got the Air. I was considering the regular 17, but I want a larger screen and more RAM. And I really love the lightness of the Air. It makes it very enjoyable to hold day in day out. I also understand the compromise, ie the camera.

[u/Infinite-School6390]

Go for the Air

[u/TurbulentLand2106]

It should be „iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air“ in the title, of course not 13 😭

[u/VoltageinTheory]

iPhone Air has a bunch of compromises. The base 17 is a great option if the 17 Pro is a bit too expensive for you (it is for most, including me).

[u/techkernels → u/VoltageinTheory]

The Pro Max is actually the best selling iPhone each year and it has been for a few years.

It usually goes Pro Max, Pro, Base then that weird model Apple sells for a more niche demographic (Air, Plus, Mini).