With the official release date of September 19th, Apple's new iPhone 17 series and the all-new iPhone Air offer more choices than ever for those looking to upgrade their phone. These four new models differ in screen, camera, processor, and weight/feel, so here are our top recommendations.
iPhone 17: A new benchmark for mainstream flagships
The iPhone 17 continues its standard model positioning, equipped with an A19 processor and a 6.3-inch screen. This time, ProMotion display technology is added for more stable display performance. It is protected by Ceramic Shield 2 tempered glass and constructed of aluminum alloy. The main camera system maintains a dual-lens design, focusing on low-light shooting and the next-generation Smart HDR. This is sufficient for users who don't need a telephoto lens and mainly use it for social media photos. The price remains the most affordable option in the entire series, suitable for general users or first-time iPhone buyers, and it also offers a variety of appearance options.
However, compared to other models, the iPhone 17 only uses 8GB of memory capacity, which means it can only meet the most entry-level specification requirements of the "Apple Intelligence" service. If you want to use more complete AI application services in the future, or if you often use video and audio editing functions, you may want to choose Pro models or above.
Another key update this time is the replacement of the video camera with an 1800-megapixel sensor and support for the "Center Stage" function design, allowing users to record selfies in higher resolution. It can also use deep learning to keep the subject in the selfie centered, and automatically adjust the picture performance of group photos. At the same time, the square photosensitive element adopted this time also allows users to keep the phone held upright with one hand and automatically switch to landscape mode for shooting. In addition, the front and rear cameras can be used simultaneously during recording, which is suitable for fun shooting experiences such as live streaming.
iPhone 17 Pro: The balance between professional features and portability
If you want to experience Apple’s flagship updated optical telephoto shooting performance this year, or need a better image shooting experience, the iPhone 17 Pro is a better choice.
This new phone abandons the titanium material used in the past and instead uses an one-piece aluminum metal body. It is equipped with an A19 Pro processor and memory capacity increased to 12GB. In addition, it adds a VC liquid cooling system for the first time to allow computing performance to be more stable. At the same time, it can also meet longer high-resolution video recording needs. The screen adopts a 6.5-inch design and is covered with Ceramic Shield 2 tempered glass on the front and back. Basically, the main difference from the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the screen size.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Pursuing the Ultimate Flagship Experience
The basic difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro is that the screen uses a 6.9-inch specification, and the battery capacity has also become larger, so the battery life can be up to 39 hours. The processor is also equipped with A19 Pro, and it is equipped with 12GB of memory, and even provides an additional storage capacity of up to 2TB.
However, with the stacking of many specifications, the overall weight of the iPhone 17 Pro Max has also increased to 233 grams, making it Apple’s heaviest iPhone model.
Like the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max also features the Apple Log 2 image capture format and supports the Genlock synchronization phase lock function, allowing users to use the iPhone 17 Pro series to collaborate with professional cameras that also support the Genlock function. It also includes a four-array microphone that supports studio-level recording.
iPhone Air: A lightweight alternative
The iPhone Air, which debuted for the first time, is Apple’s most talked-about new model this year. It combines a 6.5-inch screen with a thinner body, making it lighter than the standard iPhone. However, it uses an A19 Pro processor (compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s processor specifications, it has one less core in the GPU) and also has 12GB of memory. Its biggest feature is its thinner body design, making it Apple’s lightest iPhone model ever.
Compared to other models released, the iPhone Air maintains its titanium material for a more robust body design, but the main camera only maintains a single 4800-megapixel lens. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for users who want a lightweight body and are easy to carry, but do not particularly value shooting functions.
On the other hand, the market believes that the iPhone Air is actually designed by Apple for the foldable model "iPhone Fold" that it is preparing to launch in 2026. Some even jokingly say that combining two iPhone Airs can experience the upcoming "iPhone Fold".
iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air specifications comparison
| model | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone Air |
| Screen size and display features | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, supports ProMotion 120Hz, automatic adjustment of refresh rate, Always-On display and other functions | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display + ProMotion 120Hz; materials and heat dissipation design are more advanced than the standard version | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED + ProMotion 120Hz, with the largest heat dissipation and battery size in the series | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, supports ProMotion 120Hz, always-on and other special effects. The body thickness is 5.6mm, which is the thinnest among all new models. |
| weight | 177 grams | 206 grams | 233 grams | 165 grams |
| Camera configuration | Dual 4800-megapixel main camera lenses (wide angle + ultra-wide angle), 1800-megapixel front camera, supports Center Stage | Triple lens + telephoto + LiDAR; rear lens: 4800-megapixel main lens + perspective telephoto + ultra-wide angle; front lens: 1800-megapixel Center Stage | Triple lens + telephoto zoom capability (4-8x zoom or periscope lens) + 4800-megapixel main lens + ultra-wide angle + front 1800-megapixel Center Stage | Single rear camera system: 48MP main camera + 1800MP front camera (Center Stage); no telephoto lens, most advanced shooting functions are concentrated in the main camera |
| Battery life/usage time | Approximately 30 hours of video playback | Approximately 33 hours of video playback | The longest video in the series is approximately 39 hours long | Approximately 27 hours of video playback time; MagSafe battery accessory extends playback time to approximately 40 hours (depending on the device) |
| Processor/RAM | The processor is A19 chip; the memory is 8GB | The processor is A19 Pro chip; the memory is 12GB | Processor A19 Pro; memory 12GB | A19 Pro processor (one less GPU core); 12GB of memory |
| Storage capacity options | Storage capacity starts at 256GB, with 512GB available | Storage capacities range from 256GB to 1TB | Storage capacities range from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB to 2TB | Storage capacities range from 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |
| Price (Taiwan New Taiwan Dollar)＊ | 256GB: Starting from NT$29,900 512GB：NT$36,900 |
256GB: Starting from NT$39,900 512GB：NT$46,900 1TB: NT$53,900 |
256GB: Starting from NT$44,900 512GB：NT$51,900 1TB: NT$58,900 2TB: NT$72,900 |
256GB: Starting from NT$44,900 512GB：NT$51,900 1TB: NT$58,900 2TB: NT$72,900 |
Purchase suggestion: Think clearly about your needs before you start
If price and general usage needs such as daily photography are important, the iPhone 17 is a fairly safe choice. However, the downside is that you may not be able to fully use the "Apple Intelligence" service function in the future, and it will be more difficult to use apps that occupy a large amount of memory. If you consider a more complete function and shooting experience, it is recommended to directly choose a Pro series model. As for those who want a lighter and more convenient to use experience, you can choose the iPhone Air, but you may have to sacrifice some shooting functions.
