iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro Max - Bigger Doesn't Always Mean Better (Unboxing & First Look)

Summary

In this detailed unboxing and comparison, the creator dives into the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air, discussing their designs, features, and differences. The iPhone Air is praised for its sleek, lightweight build, while the Pro Max impresses with its powerful triple-camera system and ProRes RAW video capabilities. Throughout the review, the creator humorously reflects on Apple's design choices, such as the misaligned USB-C port and the unique vapor chamber. With comparisons to other devices like the S21 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL, this video gives viewers a comprehensive first impression of both devices, all while keeping things light and engaging.

Takeaways

• 📦 The iPhone Air (sky blue) is extremely thin (5.6 mm) and light (165 g), while the iPhone 17 Pro Max (silver) is thicker (8.7 mm) and heavier (233 g).
• 🎨 The reviewer prefers the silver color for longevity, viewing the orange Pro color as trendy but potentially short-lived.
• 💡 Both Air and Pro Max feature 120 Hz ProMotion displays with peak brightness up to 3,300 nits, though the Pixel 10 Pro XL is slightly brighter outdoors.
• 🔋 Battery capacities differ: Air has 3,100 mAh, Pro Max has 4,800 mAh (Europe) or 5,880 mAh (US), raising concerns about Air’s all-day battery life.
• 📸 Cameras differ significantly: Air has a single 48 MP main camera and 12 MP selfie camera, while Pro Max has triple 48 MP lenses, 8x optical zoom, 18 MP selfie, and ProRes RAW 16-bit video capabilities.
• 🎥 Center Stage selfie camera allows vertical or horizontal shooting without moving the phone, enhancing usability for both models.
• 🔊 Speaker quality favors the Pro Max, delivering richer, clearer sound; Air speakers sound slightly muffled.
• ⚙️ iOS 26 introduces new features like the camera control button, but minor quirks exist, such as fingerprint collection on sides and slightly different weather readings between devices.
• 🔌 Accessories: Air lacks a SIM slot, while Pro Max includes one in Europe; both include USB-C charging cables, with no SIM pin for Air.
• 📏 Comparisons highlight differences with other devices: S21 Ultra excels in anti-reflective coating, Pixel 10 Pro XL in brightness, and iPad Pro in thinness.
• 🔥 First impressions are positive: Air feels premium despite being lightweight, and Pro Max is robust with superior camera and audio performance.
• 💻 Design notes: Pro Max uses aluminum back for better cooling; minor design issues include misaligned USB-C ports and uneven vapor chamber edges.

Q & A

What two iPhone models are being unboxed and reviewed in the video?

The video features the unboxing and review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone Air.

Why did the reviewer choose the colors silver for the Pro Max and sky blue for the Air?

The reviewer preferred silver for the Pro Max for a timeless look and felt the orange option was more of a hype color. Sky blue was chosen for the Air likely for a lighter, aesthetic appeal.

What are the thickness and weight differences between the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The iPhone Air is 5.6 mm thick and weighs 165 g, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.7 mm thick and weighs 233 g, making the Pro Max noticeably heavier and thicker.

What is the reviewer’s impression of the iPhone Air’s display compared to the Samsung S21 Ultra?

The iPhone Air display has improved with a ceramic shell and anti-reflective coating, but the reviewer notes that the S21 Ultra still outperforms it in anti-reflective performance.

What are some design or hardware quirks noted in the new iPhones?

The reviewer mentions misaligned USB-C ports on the Air, a vapor chamber on the Pro Max that isn’t completely smooth at the edges, and the switch back from titanium to aluminum for better cooling.

How do the battery capacities differ between the iPhone Air and Pro Max?

The iPhone Air has a 3,100 mAh battery, while the Pro Max has a 4,800 mAh battery in Europe and 5,880 mAh in the US, despite both using the same A19 Pro chip.

What are the differences in camera setups between the Air and Pro Max?

The Air has a single 48 MP camera, while the Pro Max includes a 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP telephoto, and 48 MP wide lens, along with 8x optical zoom and ProRes RAW video support.

What new feature is highlighted for the selfie cameras on the Pro and Air?

Both phones have a center stage selfie camera that allows users to take vertical or horizontal selfies without physically rotating the phone. The Pro has an 18 MP camera, while the Air has a 12 MP camera.

How does the reviewer compare the speaker quality between the Air and Pro Max?

The Pro Max speakers deliver clear and powerful sound, while the Air's speakers sound somewhat muffled or 'like sand inside,' making the Pro Max the superior option for audio.

What software feature allows for quick setup of multiple iPhones using an old device?

The reviewer demonstrates that iPhones can be set up using an old iPhone to transfer data to multiple new devices simultaneously, which is convenient for users buying more than one iPhone.

What are the reviewer’s overall first impressions of the iPhone Air and Pro Max?

The reviewer is impressed with both phones. The Air feels extremely thin and light with a Pro-like display, but battery life is a concern. The Pro Max feels substantial and powerful with excellent cameras and speakers, suitable as a daily driver.

What issue did the reviewer note about brightness comparisons with the Pixel 10 Pro XL?

Despite the iPhone lineup reaching up to 3,300 nits peak brightness, the Pixel 10 Pro XL still appears brighter and more vibrant in real-world usage according to the reviewer.