Apple is SO Close to Winning Me - iPhone 17 / iPhone Air Long Term Review
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Description
Grab yourself a case or some overpriced stickers at iamveryshort.com Linus tested the iPhone 17 lineup longer than originally planned. It even survived a classic Linus drop with no performance issues. That’s a good sign for Apple, but what’s holding him back from making it his daily phone? Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com
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In this long term review, the host bands together thoughts on the iPhone Air as a daily driver, juxtaposing it against the iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro Max. The initial stance is that the Air is visually impressive and incredibly light, but the narrow frame introduces practical drawbacks like a pressure point on the pinky and a less balanced weight distribution due to the prominent camera bump. He notes the iOS 26 experience as still rough in places, particularly with autocorrect and a lack of meaningful keyboard customization, which he argues hinders day-to-day productivity given how much he texts, types, and edits. Migration from Android is described as imperfect at first, with the Move to iOS app providing limited help and some manual setup required, though there are hints that platform migration could improve in the future. Throughout, the reviewer emphasizes the Air as an expensive niche device for early adopters, while contrasting its quirks with the more complete experience found in the iPhone 17 lineup. He highlights key hardware improvements across the family, especially in display tech, durability, and overall performance, but remains wary of the Air’s long-term practicality and value proposition. The review ultimately positions the iPhone 17 as the strongest overall choice, offering robust features at a lower price than the Pro models and marking a shift away from the Air as a daily driver for the reviewer. The sponsored segments are integrated with humor and a reminder of ongoing partner promotions, while the final take sets a clear verdict: if you want the best all-around iPhone this year, the iPhone 17 is the recommended route, with the Air serving as a compelling but imperfect, niche option.
Topics · technology · mobile-phones · review · hardware
Questions answered
- What is the reviewer’s overall verdict on the iPhone 17 compared to the iPhone Air?
- The reviewer considers the iPhone 17 the strongest overall option this generation, offering a complete package at a lower price than the Pro models, and he would choose it for daily usage over the Air.
- What are the main drawbacks of the iPhone Air according to the review?
- The Air has ergonomic issues like a pressure point on the pinky, a suboptimal weight balance due to the camera bump, slower charging, and a less satisfying software experience with iOS 26.
- Why does the reviewer still see value in the iPhone Air for some users?
- For early adopters and those prioritizing portability and a niche form factor, the Air can be compelling, but its drawbacks and price keep it from being the best daily driver for most users.