iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Cheaper Phone Could Be The Better Pick?

During the ICC Women’s World Cup Final, Akash Ambani was spotted using the upcoming iPhone Air, a model featuring a single-camera setup, instead of Apple’s premium iPhone 17 Pro Max. His choice reflects a growing opinion that the iPhone Air, while simpler, might be the wiser choice for many users.

The iPhone 17 Air is priced at Rs 1,19,900 in India, whereas the Pro Max model starts at Rs 1,49,900. Apple recently announced the AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, along with the iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air.

“AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced!” — Tim Cook

Why Choose iPhone Air?

Camera simplicity: Most users do not need the advanced camera features of the iPhone 17 Pro such as 8x telephoto zoom, ProRAW editing, or ProRes video recording. These functions mainly benefit professionals or enthusiasts, while the Air’s single camera suffices for casual photography.
Practical pricing: The lower cost of the iPhone Air makes it more accessible without compromising the core user experience.
Design preference: Some appreciate the sleek and premium look of the iPhone Air more than additional features they may never use.

Context in the Market

The debate between choosing a basic but functional phone versus a feature-rich but expensive model highlights the trend of customers prioritizing value over high-end specifications.

Choosing the iPhone Air may suit everyday needs better than the Pro models for a large portion of users.

Mashable India — 2025-11-06