Battery capacity: iPhone 17 gains an edge

The iPhone 17 models come with larger batteries than their predecessors:

iPhone 17: 3,692 mAh (+3.7% vs. iPhone 16)
iPhone Air: 3,149 mAh
iPhone 17 Pro: 4,252 mAh (+18.7% vs. iPhone 16 Pro)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,088 mAh (+8.6% vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max)

By contrast, the iPhone 16 lineup included:

iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh

Apple explains that models supporting only eSIM allow for larger batteries since physical SIM trays have been removed, freeing up space. Notably, the iPhone Air uses eSIM globally, ensuring a uniform battery size worldwide. Apple also introduced a slim MagSafe external battery designed specifically for the iPhone Air.

Battery life: Significant gains across the iPhone 17 lineup

On paper, the iPhone 17 series delivers a notable increase in usage time compared with iPhone 16, particularly in video playback.

iPhone 17: 30 hours video playback, 27 hours streaming
iPhone Air: 27 hours video playback, 22 hours streaming
iPhone 17 Pro: 33 hours video playback, 30 hours streaming
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 39 hours video playback, 35 hours streaming

In contrast:

iPhone 16: 22 hours video, 18 hours streaming, 80 hours audio
iPhone 16 Plus: 27 hours video, 24 hours streaming
iPhone 16 Pro: 27 hours video, 22 hours streaming
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 33 hours video, 29 hours streaming

The standard iPhone 17 outpaces the iPhone 16 by up to 8 hours in video playback and 9 hours in streaming. All iPhone 17 models support fast charging, replenishing 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes, matching iPhone 16.

Weight: iPhone Air the lightest, Pro Max the heaviest

The iPhone Air stands out as the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, while the iPhone 17 Pro sees a slight material change - from titanium to anodized aluminum - affecting weight.

iPhone Air: 165 g
iPhone 17: 177 g
iPhone 17 Pro: 206 g
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 233 g

By comparison:

iPhone 16: 170 g
iPhone 16 Plus: 199 g
iPhone 16 Pro: 199 g
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 227 g

The iPhone Air is 7% lighter than the iPhone 17 and a full 34% lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, yet it still packs a larger 6.5-inch display compared with the 6.3-inch iPhone 17. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max maintains its “giant” status with a 6.9-inch screen and the heaviest body in the lineup.

Overall, the iPhone 17 series combines larger batteries with improved software optimization to extend usage times. The iPhone Air makes the boldest impression, striking a balance between ultra-thin design, lightweight feel, and reliable all-day performance.

Du Lam