Many people are expected to make an expensive mistake this year.
The iPhone Air is an impressive flex. Just not the kind you want to buy into.
Scores
Photo
Video
Device Camera
Score Photo
Score Main
Ultra
Wide Selfie Zoom
Apple iPhone 17 150 156 84 24 28 21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 140 146 79 21 23 22
Apple iPhone Air 126 130 82 N/A 28 21
See the PhoneArena Camera Score page for more information on photo and video scores for all phones tested.
Scores
Photo
Video
Device Camera
Score Photo
Score Main
Ultra
Wide Selfie Zoom
Apple iPhone 17 150 156 84 24 28 21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 140 146 79 21 23 22
Apple iPhone Air 126 130 82 N/A 28 21
Scores
Photo
Video
Device Camera
Score Photo
Score Main
Ultra
Wide Selfie Zoom
Apple iPhone 17 150 156 84 24 28 21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 140 146 79 21 23 22
Apple iPhone Air 126 130 82 N/A 28 21
Device Camera
Score Photo
Score Main
Ultra
Wide Selfie Zoom
Apple iPhone 17 150 156 84 24 28 21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 140 146 79 21 23 22
Apple iPhone Air 126 130 82 N/A 28 21
Device Camera
Score Photo
Score Main
Ultra
Wide Selfie Zoom
Apple iPhone 17 150 156 84 24 28 21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 140 146 79 21 23 22
Apple iPhone Air 126 130 82 N/A 28 21
Device Camera Score
Video Score
Main (wide)
Ultra Wide
Selfie
Zoom
Apple iPhone 17
150
145
77
23
26
18
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
140
134
72
20
24
17
Apple iPhone Air
126
122
77
N/A
26
18
See the PhoneArena Camera Score page for more information on photo and video scores for all phones tested.
Its Photo score was 126, and its Video score was 122. In comparison to the iPhone 17’s 150/145 or the S25 Edge’s 140/134, the Air seemingly underperforms for the price. It lacks proper ultrawide and telephoto capabilities, which is hard to accept in this price range.
The new square sensor on the selfie camera is a good addition, enabling landscape selfies while holding the device upright. However, this is a minor feature that does not compensate for a missing camera. Furthermore, the new 18MP camera does not appear to have considerably superior image quality compared to the 12MP camera on prior models, based on comparisons.
There is also another downside to the iPhone Air that is a dealbreaker.
Sound and Daily Use
This stood out to me as a regular viewer of video content on my phone.
The iPhone Air features only one speaker. That is on a high-end phone in 2025. The audio experience is not good. Not only is stereo sound absent, but the sound lacks depth, bass, and volume. Playing a video on YouTube is like using a cheap phone. Listening to music while preparing for work is not enjoyable.
When combined with weaker haptics than the Pro models, the “premium” experience of the Air becomes evident. The audio quality on the iPhone Air, and the device in general, can be described as "shallow".
Unexpected Battery Performance
The iPhone Air was expected to perform poorly in battery tests. However, the lack of stereo speakers was not considered. Tests revealed that the Air's battery life was extended due to this disadvantage.
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
Battery Life
Charging
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
See the PhoneArena Battery Score page for more information on battery and charging for all phones tested.
The Air, with its 3,149 mAh battery, achieved 6 hours and 43 minutes in tests, slightly more than the S25 Edge (6 hours and 22 minutes).
While this is positive, the charging speed is a drawback. The Air is limited to 20W, which is less than the iPhone 17's 40W and the S25 Edge's 25W.
The difference is not significant. A full charge takes 1 hour and 36 minutes on the Air, compared to 1 hour and 16 minutes on the iPhone 17.
This battery life, however, is attained because of the phone's single speaker and poor audio quality.
Unnecessary Power
The Air features the A19 Pro CPU, with one less GPU core, yet it is still incredibly fast. According to Geekbench and 3DMark, it can compete with the Samsung S25 Edge's Snapdragon 8 Elite.
CPU Performance Benchmarks:
Geekbench 6
Single Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 173527
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2823
Apple iPhone Air3500
Geekbench 6
Multi Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 178798
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge9060
Apple iPhone Air8836
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895
The thin design lacks a vapor chamber for optimal temperature, and titanium is not ideal for heat dissipation. When performing demanding operations, the Air throttles more than the iPhone 17. While it performs well for casual social media use, it is not suited for video or photo editing.
Was the A19 Pro necessary for Apple to use? No way. The A18 would have sufficed, potentially lowering the price and making it easier to recommend. However, Apple chose the "luxury" approach.
Appreciate It, But Don't Purchase It
At the Apple Store, the iPhone Air stands out because of its titanium design. It is tempting to pick it up, spin it around, and show it off. However, it is likely that it will be sold within a year.
The iPhone 17 is next to the Air. While it is more familiar, it costs $200 less and has better cameras, quicker charging, and fewer compromises. It is arguably the best value iPhone from Apple in the last five years.
Although the Air is appealing, it is more of a statement piece than a great phone. Like fashion trends, its appeal will fade quickly. A second version would probably be less popular, even if the first one sells well.
The iPhone Air is also eSIM-only in all countries, which is not ideal for people who want a physical SIM card.
Consider it and handle it in the store, but only buy it if you are sure you will not regret it.
Battery Life
Charging
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
See the PhoneArena Battery Score page for more information on battery and charging for all phones tested.
Battery Life
Charging
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
Battery Life
Charging
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
Device Battery Life
estimate Browsing Video Gaming
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
6h 13min 16h 47min 7h 19min 9h 12min
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
6h 22min 16h 40min 7h 44min 9h 38min
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
6h 43min 16h 29min 9h 54min 7h 27min
Device
Full Charging
30 min Charge
Wired
Wireless
Wired
Wireless
Apple iPhone 17
3692 mAh
1h 16min
Untested
67%
Untested
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
3900 mAh
1h 6min
Untested
59%
Untested
Apple iPhone Air
3149 mAh
1h 36min
Untested
54%
Untested
See the PhoneArena Battery Score page for more information on battery and charging for all phones tested.
Geekbench 6
Single Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 173527
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2823
Apple iPhone Air3500
Geekbench 6
Multi Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 178798
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge9060
Apple iPhone Air8836
Geekbench 6
Single Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 173527
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2823
Apple iPhone Air3500
Geekbench 6
Multi Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 178798
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge9060
Apple iPhone Air8836
Geekbench 6
Single Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 173527
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2823
Apple iPhone Air3500
Geekbench 6
Multi Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 178798
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge9060
Apple iPhone Air8836
Geekbench 6
Single Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 173527
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2823
Apple iPhone Air3500
Geekbench 6
Multi Core (Higher is better)
Apple iPhone 178798
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge9060
Apple iPhone Air8836
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895
The thin design lacks a vapor chamber for optimal temperature, and titanium is not ideal for heat dissipation. When performing demanding operations, the Air throttles more than the iPhone 17. While it performs well for casual social media use, it is not suited for video or photo editing.
Was the A19 Pro necessary for Apple to use? No way. The A18 would have sufficed, potentially lowering the price and making it easier to recommend. However, Apple chose the "luxury" approach.
Appreciate It, But Don't Purchase It
At the Apple Store, the iPhone Air stands out because of its titanium design. It is tempting to pick it up, spin it around, and show it off. However, it is likely that it will be sold within a year.
The iPhone 17 is next to the Air. While it is more familiar, it costs $200 less and has better cameras, quicker charging, and fewer compromises. It is arguably the best value iPhone from Apple in the last five years.
Although the Air is appealing, it is more of a statement piece than a great phone. Like fashion trends, its appeal will fade quickly. A second version would probably be less popular, even if the first one sells well.
The iPhone Air is also eSIM-only in all countries, which is not ideal for people who want a physical SIM card.
Consider it and handle it in the store, but only buy it if you are sure you will not regret it.
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895
GPU Performance:
3DMark Extreme (High)
Apple iPhone 175172
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge5407
Apple iPhone Air4898
3DMark Extreme (Low)
Apple iPhone 173295
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge2628
Apple iPhone Air2895