The iPhone Air is Apple's latest attempt to bring a particularly slim and lightweight smartphone to its lineup. While its compact design is impressive, the question of battery life remains. A recent test by Tom's Guide reveals how the iPhone Air compares to the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and especially the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
For many users, an iPhone's battery life is the deciding factor in their purchase decision. Those who work on the go, stream videos, or simply want to go long periods without a charger pay more attention to endurance than other details. A direct comparison between the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly shows how different Apple's strategies are with the new models. While the Air focuses on lightness and design, the Pro Max showcases its strengths in battery capacity.
Battery life test by Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide tested all four new models under the same conditions: continuous surfing over 5G, with the display brightness set to 150 nits, until the battery was empty. The results:
- iPhone Air: 12 hours and 2 minutes
- iPhone 17: 12 hours and 47 minutes
- iPhone 17 Pro: 15 hours and 32 minutes
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 17 hours and 54 minutes
This means the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts around 48.5 percent longer than the iPhone Air. With almost 18 hours of battery life, it lasts almost 1.5 times longer than the ultra-thin model.
Comparison with the official Apple figures
Apple itself traditionally provides figures for offline video playback. A similar picture emerges here, too:
- iPhone Air: up to 27 hours
- iPhone 17: up to 30 hours
- iPhone 17 Pro: up to 33 hours
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 39 hours
The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 44.5 percent longer video playback than the iPhone Air.
Practical relevance of the test results
Nobody uses a smartphone exclusively to surf the internet for hours on 5G or watch videos for two days straight. Nevertheless, such tests provide a clear guide. Those who need maximum battery life will find it in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone Air, on the other hand, is the choice for those who prefer a light, elegant device and are willing to accept slightly shorter battery life.
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iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro Max – Design versus endurance
The iPhone Air scores with its design and weight, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max scores with its sheer endurance. Lab tests show a difference of almost six hours in continuous use. Those who value lightness will be happy with the iPhone Air. On the other hand, those who prioritize long battery life will find the iPhone 17 Pro Max a must-have. Both devices serve different needs but each delivers strong results. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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