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YOUR PHONE FACE-OFF

Apple iPhone Air vs Apple iPhone 17e

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact variants · Checked 28 Sept 2026
Apple256 GB

iPhone Air

6.5″ · OLED · 120 Hz · Apple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine

256 GB · Space Black · UK A3517 · dual eSIM · MG2L4QN/AFull product profile
Apple iPhone Air in Space Black, official product view
73%Spec
match
Space Black
PricesCheck retailers
UK
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US
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Search links open retailer results.

UK list price from Apple, checked 10 Sept 2026 · not a live offer: £1,099.00Apple source — manufacturer reference price, opens in a new tab

UK: no verified listing yet · checked daily

US: no verified listing yet · checked daily

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WHO EACH ONE SUITS

Choose the iPhone Air if…

Choose the iPhone 17e if…

Preferences from sourced specifications that differ, not a verdict.
—Display—
—Camera—
73Battery72
Make it personal How are scores calculated?
Apple256 GB

iPhone 17e

6.1″ · OLED · Apple A19 · 6 CPU cores · 4 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine

256 GB · Black · UK A3634 · nano-SIM + eSIM · MHRV4QN/AFull product profile
Apple iPhone 17e in Black, official product view
72%Spec
match
Black
PricesCheck retailers
UK
Search Amazon UKSearch eBay UK
US
Search Amazon USSearch eBay US

Search links open retailer results.

UK list price from Apple, checked 10 Sept 2026 · not a live offer: £699.00Apple source — manufacturer reference price, opens in a new tab

UK: no verified listing yet · checked daily

US: no verified listing yet · checked daily

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission. Search results can include other models; check the exact variant and final price with the retailer.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

EVERYDAY PRIORITIESMore evidence is needed.

An overall lead needs at least 2 scored categories verified on both phones; only battery can be compared here. Compare the actual figures below.

Change what matters

Published-spec match · for your selected priorities. Scores compare published capabilities, not lab-tested quality. Camera image quality and independent performance tests are not rated. See scoring

Display, Camera scoring is unavailable for this pair. Known hardware specs still appear below; default scores use only shared, verified categories.

THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison
How to read this comparison
  • Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown; scores cover published capabilities only. Not a quality rating or a test result.
  • “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
  • Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS SIDE BY SIDE6 topics
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 06

Chipset

A different chip or core configuration is a hardware change, not a measured performance uplift.

iPhone AirApple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
Source 1
iPhone 17eApple A19 · 6 CPU cores · 4 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
Source 1
Explore the full specifications
iPhone Air

0.4″ larger diagonal.

Bigger is a preference, not a quality score.

iPhone Air
6.5″
iPhone 17e
6.1″

Relative diagonals · illustrative shape, not actual size

BOTH PHONES

Matching native reach.

Dedicated telephoto reach. No digital or crop zoom.

iPhone Air
No telephoto
iPhone 17e
No telephoto

Lens illustration · not an image-quality test

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

15 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 2 are also drawn in Visual facts above. 1 manufacturer description restating separately listed fields is grouped below. Missing information stays separate.

Display specification

iPhone Air6.5-inch OLED; 2736 × 1260; up to 120 Hz; 3000 nits peak (outdoor)
iPhone 17e6.1-inch OLED; 2532 × 1170; 1200 nits peak (HDR)
Sources
iPhone Air

460 ppi; ProMotion adaptive refresh; 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits HDR peak.

Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications
iPhone 17e

460 ppi; 800 nits typical. Apple's UK specification does not state a maximum refresh rate.

Apple UK iPhone 17e technical specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Battery and charging

iPhone AirUp to 27 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 20 W wireless
iPhone 17eUp to 26 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 15 W wireless
Sources
iPhone Air

Apple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 22 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 20 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.

Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications
iPhone 17e

Apple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 21 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 15 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.

Apple UK iPhone 17e technical specifications

Manufacturer claims for the stated mode and equipment. Read each test condition; this is not measured everyday battery life.

Show 9 more verified differences
Manufacturer wording of separate fields (1)

Combined manufacturer descriptions whose values are listed as separate differences. Kept here so every verified difference stays in one list.

Small physical differences (2)
Configuration & compatibility details (1)

Regional SIM / network configuration

iPhone AirUK model A3517; eSIM only
iPhone 17eUK model A3634; nano-SIM + eSIM
Sources
iPhone Air

Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs); no physical SIM slot; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier eSIM support needs confirming with your network.

Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications
iPhone 17e

Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) with dual eSIM support; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier services and eSIM support need confirming with your network.

Apple UK iPhone 17e technical specifications

These descriptions or measurements differ. Wording alone does not establish a different capability; check the exact configuration.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (7)

Expandable storage

iPhone AirNot verified
iPhone 17eNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

iPhone 17e

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published support term

iPhone AirNot verified
iPhone 17eNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

iPhone 17e

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Headphone jack

iPhone AirNot verified
iPhone 17eNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

iPhone 17e

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Reverse wireless charging

iPhone AirNot verified
iPhone 17eNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

iPhone 17e

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

21 shared fields have the same recorded value.

WHAT THE SCORE COVERS

Score breakdown

Limited specification indices. Explore the inputs and their limits.

iPhone Air iPhone 17e
Display explainedNot enough evidence to score

iPhone Air: Published brightness, pixel density and maximum refresh under the existing capability model. This is not a laboratory display rating.

iPhone 17e: Required display inputs are incomplete.

Explore the sources
WHAT MATTERS TO YOU?

Your priorities

Make the comparison fit your life.

Any must-haves?

Your comparisonMore information needed
73vs72
Unknown must-haves pause the recommendation.
COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

All specs49 specificationsiPhone AiriPhone 17e
WeightDiffers
Sources
165g
170g
WidthDiffers
Sources
74.7mm
71.5mm
ThicknessDiffers
Sources
5.64mm
7.8mm
DimensionsDiffers
Sources
156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (height × width × thickness)
146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm (height × width × thickness)
HeightDiffers
Sources
156.2 mm
146.7 mm
Form factor
Sources
slab
slab
ColourDiffers
Sources
Space Black
Black
Screen sizeDiffers
Sources
6.5″
Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.
6.1″
Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.
Published peak brightnessManufacturer peak claims use different test conditions.Differs
Sources
3000 nits
Published outdoor peak · Outdoor peak claim.
1200 nits
Published HDR peak · HDR peak claim; not an outdoor or full-screen measurement.
Pixel density
Sources
460 ppi
460 ppi
Maximum refresh rate
Sources
120HzAdaptive ProMotion.
Not verifiedApple does not state the maximum refresh rate.
Display specificationDiffers
Sources
6.5-inch OLED; 2736 × 1260; up to 120 Hz; 3000 nits peak (outdoor)460 ppi; ProMotion adaptive refresh; 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits HDR peak.
6.1-inch OLED; 2532 × 1170; 1200 nits peak (HDR)460 ppi; 800 nits typical. Apple's UK specification does not state a maximum refresh rate.
Display resolutionDiffers
Sources
2736 × 1260
2532 × 1170
Native telephoto reach
Sources
No dedicated lensDedicated telephoto reach · The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.
No dedicated lensDedicated telephoto reach · The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.
Rear camera modules
Sources
1
1
Camera systemDiffers
Sources
Main: 48 MP (f/1.6, OIS), 2x crop mode; Front: 18 MP; Video: up to 4K 60 fps
Main: 48 MP (f/1.6, OIS), 2x crop mode; Front: 12 MP; Video: up to 4K 60 fps
Optical-quality crop reach
Sources
2×Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.
2×Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.
Front cameraDiffers
Sources
18 MP Center Stage · f/1.9 · autofocus
12 MP TrueDepth · f/1.9 · autofocus
Published professional camera workflows
Sources
0Versus counts four workflow types: RAW stills, professional codecs, log capture and external production tools. Apple lists HEIF/JPEG photos and HEVC/H.264 video, and none of the four workflows.
0Versus counts four workflow types: RAW stills, professional codecs, log capture and external production tools. Apple lists HEIF/JPEG photos and HEVC/H.264 video, and none of the four workflows.
Main camera optical stabilisation
Sources
YesSensor-shift OIS is stated for the 48 MP Fusion Main, the only rear camera.
YesOIS is stated for the 48 MP Fusion Main, the only rear camera.
Rear 4K recording maximum
Sources
60 fpsManufacturer recording-mode claim; not an independent quality or sustained-recording test.
60 fpsManufacturer recording-mode claim; not an independent quality or sustained-recording test.
Front 4K recording maximum
Sources
60 fpsFront 18 MP Center Stage camera only.
60 fpsFront TrueDepth camera only.
Front camera autofocus
Sources
Yes
Yes
Claimed video playbackUp-to manufacturer claims. Playback protocols differ.Differs
Sources
27 hours
Claimed local video playback · Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.
26 hours
Claimed local video playback · Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.
Wireless charging
Sources
Yes
Yes
Battery and chargingDiffers
Sources
Up to 27 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 20 W wirelessApple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 22 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 20 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.
Up to 26 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 15 W wirelessApple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 21 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 15 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.
Claimed streamed videoDiffers
Sources
22 hoursApple UK up-to claim.
21 hoursApple UK up-to claim.
Time to 50% wired charge
Sources
30 minutesApple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter.
30 minutesApple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter.
MagSafe / Qi2 powerDiffers
Sources
20 WCompatible charger and adapter required.
15 WCompatible charger and adapter required.
Update policy
Sources
No fixed update period published; ships with iOS 26
No fixed update period published; ships with iOS 26
Listed operating system
Sources
iOS 26
iOS 26
ChipsetDiffers
Sources
Apple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
Apple A19 · 6 CPU cores · 4 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
RAM and storage configuration
Sources
RAM not published; 256 GB storageApple does not publish RAM capacity.
RAM not published; 256 GB storageApple does not publish RAM capacity.
Regional SIM / network configurationConfiguration
Sources
UK model A3517; eSIM onlyDual eSIM (two active eSIMs); no physical SIM slot; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier eSIM support needs confirming with your network.
UK model A3634; nano-SIM + eSIMDual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) with dual eSIM support; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier services and eSIM support need confirming with your network.
Storage
Sources
256 GB
256 GB
Panel technology
Sources
OLED
OLED
eSIM onlyDiffers
Sources
Yes
No
Ingress protection
Sources
IP68Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
IP68Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
USB connection
Sources
USB-C; USB 2 data up to 480 Mb/s
USB-C; USB 2 data up to 480 Mb/s
Wireless connectivityDiffers
Sources
Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Thread · second-generation UWB
Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.3 · NFC
Device unlock
Sources
Face ID
Face ID
Apple UK reference priceDiffers
Sources
£1,099Apple UK price for the 256 GB model in September 2026; retailer prices may differ.
£699Apple UK price for the 256 GB model in September 2026; retailer prices may differ.
Cellular modem
Sources
Apple C1XListed in the UK Mobile and Wireless section for model A3517.
Apple C1XListed in the UK Mobile and Wireless section for model A3634.
Show unverified (6)Not verified or conflicting for both phones. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.
8K video recording
Sources
Not verified8K recording is not mentioned.
Not verified8K recording is not mentioned.
Published support term
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
RAM
Sources
Not verifiedNot stated by the manufacturer.
Not verifiedNot stated by the manufacturer.
Reverse wireless charging
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Headphone jack
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Expandable storage
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Exact variants · Manufacturer specificationsView sources
A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE. A BETTER DECISION.

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THE PRICE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

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Let’s check the fit first

Your must-haves take priority. Both phones must meet them to compare value.

Review your priorities
NO LOGOS. JUST YOU.

Would you choose it blind?

Forget the brand for a moment. Which set of specs feels more like you?

Pick a phone. Then meet your match.

Manufacturer specifications verified for both phones. Your choice doesn’t change the comparison above.

Good comparisons start with good sources.6 cited sources for this pair. Every number has a story.See the evidence

Your selected categories: Battery. Scores reflect published capabilities, not hands-on testing. Manufacturer battery claims can use different test conditions. Verified specifications remain visible even where a category cannot be scored.

How we calculate scores

Apple iPhone Air

256 GB · checked 28 Sept 2026

Your weighted score73.5 / 100Selected categories: Battery.

(93.00 × 0 + 73.47 × 1) ÷ 1

Display93.0 / 100

Published brightness, pixel density and maximum refresh under the existing capability model. This is not a laboratory display rating.

Not included in your current weighted score.

medium confidence · 100% model coverage
Published peak brightnessSource value: 3000
100.00 × 40% = 40.00

Manufacturer-published peak figure; not an independent measurement.

Apple
Pixel densitySource value: 460
80.00 × 35% = 28.00

Published or explicitly calculated pixel density.

Apple
Maximum adaptive refresh rateSource value: 120
100.00 × 25% = 25.00Apple

Category score = 40.00 + 28.00 + 25.00 = 93.00

CameraNot scored

Camera hardware is listed, but all inputs for the camera-capability model have not been verified.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Complete model-defined camera workflow evidence.

Battery73.5 / 100

Uses the listed playback mode and short charging claim. Manufacturer protocols differ; this is not measured endurance.

Selected weight: 1.

low confidence · 100% model coverage
Manufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 27
77.14 × 65% = 50.14

Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.

Apple
Manufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 1.67
66.67 × 35% = 23.33

Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter. 50 divided by 30 minutes; not a sustained charging rate.

Apple

Category score = 50.14 + 23.33 = 73.47

PerformanceNot scored

Comparable independent CPU, GPU and sustained-performance measurements are not available here.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Independent benchmarks.

LongevityNot scored

The published update policy is listed separately; remaining support is not converted into a quality score.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Comparable remaining-support scoring methodology.

Specifications & verification
Weight165 gManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Width74.7 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Thickness5.64 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Display size6.5 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.

Apple
Peak brightness3,000 nitsManufacturer claim · high confidence

Outdoor peak claim.

Apple
Claimed video playback27 hoursManufacturer claim · high confidence

Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.

Apple
Claimed charging rate1.67% per minuteCalculated from sources · low confidence

Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter. 50 divided by 30 minutes; not a sustained charging rate.

Apple
Published total supportNot verified

Not published

Wireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Reverse wireless chargingNot verified

Not published

Headphone jackNot verified

Not published

Expandable storageNot verified

Not published

eSIM onlyYesManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
IP ratingIP68Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.

Apple
RAMNot verified

Not published

Apple
Pixel density460 ppiManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Maximum refresh rate120 HzManufacturer claim · high confidence

Adaptive ProMotion.

Apple
Native telephoto reach0×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.

Apple
Claimed optical-quality reach2×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.

Apple
Rear camera modules1Manufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
8K recordingNot verified

Not published

Apple
Manufacturer list price£1,099.00Reference only · not a live offer or current priceApple
All sources3
  1. Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
  2. Apple UK iPhone Air configurationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
  3. iPhone Air exact UK configurationApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026

Apple iPhone 17e

256 GB · checked 28 Sept 2026

Your weighted score71.6 / 100Selected categories: Battery.

(71.62 × 1) ÷ 1

DisplayNot scored

Required display inputs are incomplete.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Comparable display specifications.

CameraNot scored

Camera hardware is listed, but all inputs for the camera-capability model have not been verified.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Complete model-defined camera workflow evidence.

Battery71.6 / 100

Uses the listed playback mode and short charging claim. Manufacturer protocols differ; this is not measured endurance.

Selected weight: 1.

low confidence · 100% model coverage
Manufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 26
74.29 × 65% = 48.29

Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.

Apple
Manufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 1.67
66.67 × 35% = 23.33

Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter. 50 divided by 30 minutes; not a sustained charging rate.

Apple

Category score = 48.29 + 23.33 = 71.62

PerformanceNot scored

Comparable independent CPU, GPU and sustained-performance measurements are not available here.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Independent benchmarks.

LongevityNot scored

The published update policy is listed separately; remaining support is not converted into a quality score.

Not included in your current weighted score.

Missing: Comparable remaining-support scoring methodology.

Specifications & verification
Weight170 gManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Width71.5 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Thickness7.8 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Display size6.1 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.

Apple
Peak brightness1,200 nitsManufacturer claim · high confidence

HDR peak claim; not an outdoor or full-screen measurement.

Apple
Claimed video playback26 hoursManufacturer claim · high confidence

Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.

Apple
Claimed charging rate1.67% per minuteCalculated from sources · low confidence

Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter. 50 divided by 30 minutes; not a sustained charging rate.

Apple
Published total supportNot verified

Not published

Wireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Reverse wireless chargingNot verified

Not published

Headphone jackNot verified

Not published

Expandable storageNot verified

Not published

eSIM onlyNoManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
IP ratingIP68Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.

Apple
RAMNot verified

Not published

Apple
Pixel density460 ppiManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Maximum refresh rateNot verified

Not published

Apple
Native telephoto reach0×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.

Apple
Claimed optical-quality reach2×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.

Apple
Rear camera modules1Manufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
8K recordingNot verified

Not published

Apple
Manufacturer list price£699.00Reference only · not a live offer or current priceApple
All sources3
  1. Apple UK iPhone 17e technical specificationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
  2. Apple UK iPhone 17e configurationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
  3. iPhone 17e exact UK configurationApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
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