Fall, the season every Apple fan eagerly awaits. Not for the changing weather, but for Apple’s annual iPhone launch event. Like clockwork, this September also ushered in the new iPhone series. However, this year, Apple shook things up a bit. The ‘Plus’ model was gone, and we got something entirely new: the iPhone Air. Mind you, this is not iPhone 17 Air, just iPhone Air. Slim, sleek, and never-before-seen iPhone design. With this move, Tim Cook and team have cracked a window open – and let some ‘Air’ in!
The Design
Remember holding the iPhone 6 after the slabby iPhone 4 and 5 generations? Seeing the iPhone X for the first time after the monotonous iPhone 6, 7, and 8? Witnessing the magic that was the iPhone 12 mini. Apple’s iPhone Air brings a similar awe-inspiring charm in terms of design, standing tall (read thin) in a market loaded with bulky phones.
As a ritual, I headed straight to the Apple Store as soon as the new iPhones were launched. However, this time around, we decided to check out the Air first instead of the Pro series. Oh boy, the first time I held this concept phone-like device, I was completely blown away. So thin, so light—it felt amazing!
According to me, the 6.5-inch display is the perfect size. I have never been a guy for big phablet-like devices, nor do I want another visit to the ophthalmologist by overstressing my eyeballs using a small screen.
Sure, this phone has a couple of drawbacks, like having a single camera, while it costs well over a lakh. Also, there’s an 11k battery pack to be added to this if you need a ‘pro level’ battery performance.
At 5.6 mm and weighing 165g, this is the lightest and thinnest iPhone ever. With ProMotion 120Hz display along with AOD and 3000 nits of peak brightness, I was ecstatic that Apple didn’t compromise the display of its non-Pro device. Apple really outdid its design playbook with this one.
Bringing It Home
Despite owning an iPhone 15 Pro, I felt the urge to upgrade, leading me to choose the iPhone Air. One might question the logic of ditching a ‘Pro’ model for something that might not even last a full day. However, as a dedicated Apple fanboy, I was keen to try the latest offering. So, the 15 Pro was out, and the Air was in.
Year after year, my major issue with Apple was that they always gave better displays only to the Pro lineup of iPhones. Yes, the cameras were and are better on the Pros. But, in actual everyday usage, for me, I never needed a better camera. All I ever wanted was a ProMotion display, the Pro chip and Always-on display.
Thankfully, the iPhone Air checked the right boxes, and my decision was seconded by an astonishingly slim and never-before-seen design. Despite the thinness, the titanium build of the iPhone Air gave me a sense of security.
Battery Life and Performance
I am a week into using Apple’s iPhone Air, and so far the results have surpassed my expectations. It lasts a full day with regular usage. In fact, by the end of the day, I always have 15-20% of battery remaining.
For running a hardcore test, I decided to drive to the hills for the weekend with the fam and connect the Air to my car via wireless CarPlay. I had Google Maps running for the full 3-hour drive with streaming music and attending calls in between. As soon as we reached, I checked my phone and was in awe to see the battery had drained only 25%. I was expecting a drop of more than 50%.
After a good, peaceful time in the hills, I was back to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Handling phone calls, WhatsApp, and spending time on social media, the iPhone Air exceeds expectations. I did try out Diablo Immortal to test GPU cores and battery life; the iPhone Air held right up there in comparison to say an iPhone 16 Pro.
Also, due to Apple having most of the components stacked up in the ‘Plateau’, the Air doesn’t heat up much near the frame or the remaining body area. Yeah, the 17 Pros are far superior in handling heat, yet the Air is not that hot while gaming.
Hardcore tasks are handled well, and the Air doesn’t feel like a non-pro device. The A19 Pro chip clears the air when it comes to speed. You really don’t feel the pinch of having one less GPU core than the Pro variants.
The Verdict
So far, the decision to get Apple’s iPhone Air has proved to be fantastic. Apple Silicon is a Pro variant, displays are right up there with the Pro models, and surprisingly, it has a good all-day battery life.
Each time I hold my new iPhone or put it in my pocket, I smile. That’s what Apple has achieved with the Air. Also, I saw Jerry rigging the Air, and it stood through the test. No bendgate this time. Moreover, the phone is also immune to this year’s scratchgate. So far I haven’t had any issues, and mind you I haven’t put on a cover nor a scratch guard. What’s the point of buying a really slim phone when you are going to add a bulky cover!
#Adventurous..!