One of my favorite phones this year is the new Apple iPhone Air. Apple’s first ultra-thin phone debuted last month, a few months after Samsung debuted its ultra-thin phone, the Galaxy S25 Edge.
The iPhone Air has fewer specifications than the other best phones at the same price, including compromises in camera, performance, and battery life. However, it also ticks a few major boxes that have otherwise been left unfulfilled by the iPhone to date.
When Apple announced the iPhone Air, I expected to like it, but I also thought I would eventually return it. A single camera, a smaller battery, and even throttled performance would probably have driven me to the iPhone 17 Pro instead, or the base Apple iPhone 17.
Instead, three weeks later, I’m sold on keeping the iPhone Air. Here’s why!
The perfect phone for when I need an internet communicator
Do you remember the launch of the original iPhone? Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone to great historical acclaim, promising a phone, an iPod with thousands of tracks, and an internet communicator in one device. Eighteen and a half years later, the iPhone Air delivers on the ideal form factor for the third option.
Yes, many people suggest that the best folding phones are better for internet browsing, especially since they unfold. However, having used many of them, the iPhone Air has proven to be my favorite phone for when I just want to browse the internet. Whether it’s scrolling Instagram while sitting lazily on the couch or reading an e-book in bed, the iPhone Air is my favorite device as it’s incredibly thin and light.
For everyone who wants the best smartphone cameras, many customers don’t need it, but want a phone that doesn’t weigh them down. The iPhone Air is the perfect mix of iPod, iPhone, and iPad for each of the three original iPhone use cases.
In many ways, the iPhone Air is the perfect throwback to the promise of the original iPhone, where Apple reinvented the smartphone. The iPhone Air has a chance to do the same, but it’s more than just a great-designed phone.
The best-sized iPhone ever
The iPhone Air is unique not just for its design but also for its size. Measuring 6.5 inches, this is the first iPhone in years to depart from an otherwise standard choice of either a 6.3-inch or a 6.8-inch screen.
In doing so, Apple has made the perfect-sized iPhone. The iPhone Air is not much bigger than the iPhone 17 Pro in day-to-day usage, but far more comfortable than the larger iPhone 17 Pro Max. The result is the perfect-sized iPhone for my needs.
Granted, not everyone has larger hands like I do, but if you’ve been looking for something bigger than the Pro without the heft of the Pro Max, look no further!
A flagship phone, even the camera
The iPhone Air seems like a series of compromises on paper, but in actual usage, the entire experience is surprisingly flagship.
The battery is the smallest on an iPhone in years, but the lack of additional cameras means you don’t use the camera as often, and therefore, the battery still delivers good battery life. Yes, you’ll want the $100 battery pack, but if you usually find yourself with a charger while at work or commuting, the iPhone Air is worth considering.
Beyond the battery, even the camera delivers a pro experience except for the two missing lenses. If you use the telephoto or ultra wide cameras on your phone, you’ll likely be disappointed by the iPhone Air cameras, or lack of them. However, look past this, and the 48MP main camera and 18MP Center Stage selfie camera both deliver excellent performance in all lighting conditions.
Then there’s the A19 Pro chipset. It’s Pro in name, but like the Galaxy S25 Edge, the ultra-thin phone uses a flagship chipset in name that’s throttled for thermal management reasons. Despite this, performance is smooth, and I’ve never had performance issues with the iPhone Air.
Why I’m keeping the iPhone Air
Therein lies a great example of why I’m keeping the iPhone Air. Undoubtedly, the iPhone Air has compromises compared to the best phones, but Apple has been smart with these compromises.
For some people, these compromises will be deal-breakers. However, that’s not me, as I have other phones to fill that gap. The iPhone Air isn’t a perfect phone, but it’s one of the most memorable phones in recent years. Three weeks on, it has become my favorite iPhone right now.
