TL;DR
The author bought an ultra-thin iPhone Air three months ago and has been largely satisfied with its battery, durability and size. Recent camera-related frustrations plus a move to suburbia and the news of impending twins have led them to reconsider whether the iPhone 17 Pro would suit their changing needs better.
What happened
Three months after choosing the ultra-thin iPhone Air over the iPhone 17 Pro, the author reports mostly positive experience — good battery life, acceptable durability and a screen size that works well with the slim profile. Over recent weeks, though, a handful of camera-related issues emerged: weak low-light photos, occasional performance throttling that delayed shots, and instances of distorted audio in video clips that appear linked to covering a microphone. The author notes DXOMARK found the Air's main camera performs worse than the 17 Pro in reduced lighting, and has heard that the 17 Pro’s vapor chamber and aluminum construction help avoid throttling. At the same time, life changes — moving from New York City to a suburb and expecting twin daughters — have shifted priorities toward reliability for family photos. The author hasn’t decided yet but is seriously considering testing the iPhone 17 Pro.
Why it matters
- Device trade-offs matter: ultra-thin design versus camera and thermal performance can affect real-world usability.
- Camera reliability becomes more important with life events that increase the need for consistent, high-quality photos and video.
- Thermal design and materials (like a vapor chamber or aluminum frame) can influence how quickly a phone can capture consecutive shots.
- Perception of a device can change over time as initial novelty fades and practical demands evolve.
Key facts
- The author chose the iPhone Air over the iPhone 17 Pro three months ago after using Pro models for years.
- Positive aspects reported for iPhone Air include better-than-expected battery life, satisfactory durability, and a comfortable screen size with the thin form factor.
- Recent issues with the iPhone Air have centered on camera performance: poor low-light photos, shot delays due to performance throttling, and occasional distorted audio in videos.
- DXOMARK’s review is cited as finding the iPhone Air’s main camera weaker than the iPhone 17 Pro in reduced-light conditions.
- The author has heard that the iPhone 17 Pro’s vapor chamber and aluminum design reduce throttling-related delays.
- Life changes — moving from New York City to a suburb and expecting twin daughters — are prompting a reassessment of which iPhone model best fits the author’s needs.
- The author has not made a final decision and plans to consider giving the iPhone 17 Pro a try.
What to watch next
- Whether the author ultimately switches from iPhone Air to iPhone 17 Pro (author has not decided yet).
- Real-world comparisons of low-light image quality and shot-to-shot responsiveness between iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
- Whether the audio distortion the author observed recurs or can be reliably attributed to accidentally covering a microphone.
Quick glossary
- Telephoto lens: A camera lens with a longer focal length that brings distant subjects closer and is commonly used for portrait or zoomed-in shots.
- Ultra Wide: A camera lens with a very short focal length that captures a much wider field of view, useful for landscapes and tight interior shots.
- Vapor chamber: A flat heat-dissipation component used in some phones to spread and remove thermal energy, helping keep performance consistent under load.
- Performance throttling: A reduction in device processing speed or responsiveness, often triggered by heat or power management to protect hardware and extend battery life.
- DXOMARK: An independent benchmarking organization that evaluates smartphone camera, audio and display performance among other tests.
Reader FAQ
Why did the author pick the iPhone Air originally?
They were attracted to the ultra-thin, futuristic design after years of using Pro models.
Is the author unhappy with the iPhone Air?
No — overall they remain satisfied, but recent camera issues and life changes have prompted reconsideration.
What camera problems did the author experience?
They reported poor low-light photos, occasional shot delays from performance throttling, and distorted audio in some videos.
Has the author decided to switch to the iPhone 17 Pro?
Not yet — they say they are seriously considering trying the iPhone 17 Pro but have not made a decision.
iOS 26 lets you customize Liquid Glass on your iPhone, here’s how Ryan Christoffel Dec 23 2025 IPHONE AIR IPHONE 17 PRO Three months after skipping iPhone 17 Pro, I’m…
Sources
- Three months after skipping iPhone 17 Pro, I’m starting to reconsider
- iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Still fresh
- I've spent one month with the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and iPhone Air
- The iPhone 17 Series Gets the Biggest iPhone Design …
Related posts
- Apple in 2025: the wins, setbacks, and disappointments that stood out
- Five music documentaries and series on Apple TV to stream now
- Samsung to produce advanced iPhone 18 Pro camera sensors at Austin fab