Four iPhones, one choice: Which iPhone 17 model is the right pick for you

Every September, Apple does what it does best, i.e., launching new iPhones that immediately become the talk of the tech world. This year is no different. The company has introduced the iPhone 17 series, and while the naming feels familiar, the lineup is slightly different from last year. There are now four new iPhones: the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Air is the most surprising one here, not just because it replaces the Plus model but also because it ditches the number tag in its name. Prices in India start at Rs 82,900 for the iPhone 17 and go all the way up to a whopping Rs 2,29,900 for the maxed-out iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2TB storage. With options spanning across budgets, sizes, and features, the obvious question is: which iPhone 17 should you buy? Let’s break it down.

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Also read: iPhone Air replaces the Plus: Why Apple’s new slim iPhone makes sense

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iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 is going to be the default pick for most people. It strikes the right balance between price and features, and for 2025, Apple has finally brought ProMotion to its non-Pro models. That means you get a smoother 120Hz refresh rate screen, the same level of brightness as the Pros, and even an always-on display. It runs on Apple’s A19 chipset, which may not be on the same level as the A19 Pro on the higher models, but should be plenty for day-to-day use and even heavy gaming. Camera-wise, you get a 48-megapixel primary and a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, making it a solid upgrade over the previous generation. If you want a new iPhone without spending a fortune, this one will suit you best.

iPhone Air

This is where things get interesting. The iPhone Air is Apple’s boldest experiment this year. It’s thinner than any iPhone we’ve ever seen before, at just 5.6 mm thick. Even its weight is a mere 165 grams, given that this is a phone with a 6.5-inch display. The frame is made of titanium, so durability shouldn’t be much of an issue, considering the device is super sleek. The trade-off here is in the camera department. You only get a single 48-megapixel rear camera, and it misses out on ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. Battery life is expected to be the weakest among the four, and charging speeds are relatively slower, too. The one advantage is performance. The iPhone Air uses the A19 Pro chip, which is a step up from the iPhone 17. So, if you value design, weight, and portability over camera versatility, the Air might appeal to you, though at Rs 1,19,900, it is on the expensive side.

iPhone 17 Pro

For people who want more power and serious camera upgrades, the iPhone 17 Pro is the answer. It sticks to a 6.3-inch screen but adds features like a vapour chamber cooling system for better sustained performance. It’s also the first time the Pro gets an aluminium unibody design for improved heat management. The triple-camera setup has been upgraded with 48-megapixel sensors across the board, including the telephoto, which now offers up to 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-like zoom. Video recording options are best here, with 4K at 120fps and support for professional formats like ProRes RAW. You also get better microphones and a Lidar scanner, which are missing on the standard and Air models. In a nutshell, the iPhone 17 Pro is a phone designed for creators, gamers, and those who want the very best features without carrying a giant device.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is basically the Pro on steroids. It has the same set of features as the 17 Pro but with a much larger 6.9-inch screen, the biggest battery in the lineup, and the new 2TB storage option. For people who use their iPhone as their primary device for work, entertainment, or even content creation, this is the model that ticks all the boxes. It also supports faster USB-C transfers at 10 Gbps. Of course, it’s the heaviest iPhone of the lot and not everyone will be comfortable with its size. But if you want the absolute top-end iPhone experience and don’t mind spending upwards of Rs 1,49,900, this is the one to get.

Which iPhone 17 model should you buy?

All said, the iPhone 17 should be the safest choice for most people. Of course, it’s not the cheapest iPhone Apple sells, but it delivers all the important upgrades without stretching too far on price.

The iPhone Air is for those who want something different. A slim, light, and stylish iPhone that feels unlike anything Apple has made before, though you’ll be compromising on battery and cameras.

The iPhone 17 Pro is the sweet spot for power users, gamers, and creators who want professional-grade features without going too large. And finally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is for people who want it all: the best battery, the biggest screen, the highest storage, and every feature Apple can offer, even if it means paying a premium.

Also read: Despite price hike, iPhone 17 may still sell strongly in India thanks to Apple Store craze

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Aman Rashid

Aman Rashid is the Senior Assistant Editor at Digit, where he leads the website along with the brand’s YouTube, social media, and overall video operations. He has been covering consumer technology for several years, with experience across news, reviews, and features. Outside of work, Aman is a sneaker enthusiast and an avid follower of WWE, Dragon Ball, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. View Full Profile