Reviews12 Sep 2025Posted byLiam Harris

iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

Q: How much can I save with a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro?

You can save at least A$170 compared to the new iPhone 17 Air, and even more when comparing higher storage models.

iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

The iPhone 16 series is still fresh on the market, but with Apple’s launch of the iPhone 17 Air, many buyers are weighing their options: should you go for the brand-new Air, or pick up the tried-and-tested 16 Pro?

At Phonebot, where we specialize in refurbished iPhones, the question becomes even more practical. With the iPhone 16 Pro available in Like New condition from just A$1,629 for the 256GB model, the Pro suddenly looks a lot more attractive for budget-conscious buyers who still want premium performance. By comparison, the iPhone 17 Air officially starts at A$1,799 in Australia, making the affordability gap even clearer.

Design and Display

Featherlight Feel

The iPhone 17 Air now holds the record as Apple’s thinnest device at just 5.64mm. It’s slimmer than any iPhone before it, and at only 165g, it’s noticeably lighter in the hand. This makes it appealing for those who prioritize portability and comfort during daily use.

However, thinness also comes with trade-offs. The iPhone 16 Pro, while thicker at 9.3mm, feels more solid and balanced. The additional bulk accommodates a larger battery and a more versatile camera setup—two features many buyers won’t want to compromise on. When factoring in the lower refurbished pricing, the Pro offers more practicality for the average user.

Bigger, Better Display

The iPhone 17 Air is fitted with a 6.5-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz technology. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.3-inch screen, the Air does offer a touch more viewing real estate. This could be a concern if you frequently stream videos or play mobile games.

But in real-world use, the difference is subtle. Both displays are bright, sharp, and color-accurate. Unless you place them side by side, most people won’t notice the 0.2-inch increase. Considering the price gap, the 16 Pro still delivers outstanding screen quality without pushing your budget over the A$1,600 mark.

Redesigned Look

The iPhone 17 Air features a single 48MP rear lens paired with an 18MP front-facing camera inside a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. Apple’s choice of a titanium frame and slim profile makes the Air look futuristic and premium. It’s available in Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black.

The iPhone 16 Pro, however, maintains Apple’s proven triple-camera design, which includes a telephoto lens for 5x zoom. For photography enthusiasts or even casual users who enjoy versatility, this design is far more useful. You also get the rugged titanium build without sacrificing battery or camera power.

Performance and Battery

The iPhone 17 Air debuts with the A19 Pro chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro runs on the A18 Pro. On paper, the newer chip should deliver more efficiency and slightly better performance. But in practice, both are built on advanced 3nm technology and handle heavy workloads with ease.

The more pressing difference comes in endurance. The iPhone 17 Air’s slim profile houses a smaller ~2900mAh battery, which can’t match the 16 Pro’s stamina.

By contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro comfortably delivers up to 27 hours of video playback. This extended endurance, combined with its refurbished price of A$1,629 (256GB Like New), makes it a far more practical daily driver for Australian buyers.

Camera Upgrades

Apple kept the iPhone 17 Air’s camera setup simple: a 48MP wide rear lens and an 18MP front selfie camera. It’s designed to capture crisp photos, but it lacks flexibility.

The iPhone 16 Pro, meanwhile, includes a 48MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto array, with up to 5x optical zoom. This setup is perfect for landscapes, portraits, and close-up shots where detail matters. For anyone who values photography, the Pro’s system is in another league. And again, you’re paying less for it on the refurbished market.

Storage and Pricing Advantage

Storage tiers are generous on both models, going all the way up to 1TB. The real difference lies in affordability:

iPhone 17 Air (Brand New, Official Price Australia): from A$1,799 (256GB)
iPhone 16 Pro (Refurbished, Like New at Phonebot): from A$1,629 (256GB)

That means you can own a Like New 16 Pro 256GB for A$170 less than the base iPhone 17 Air—while getting more advanced features like telephoto zoom and better battery life.

Verdict: The Smarter Buy Today

The iPhone 17 Air is an impressive feat of engineering—slim, light, and powered by the new A19 Pro chip. But its smaller battery, single camera, and higher launch price make it less compelling for most buyers.

The iPhone 16 Pro offers better all-around value. You get longer battery life, a more advanced triple-camera system, and top-tier performance—all at a significantly lower price when you shop refurbished at Phonebot. At A$1,629 for the 256GB Like New model, it’s one of the best-value high-end iPhones currently available in Australia.

Shop Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro at Phonebot and enjoy premium Apple performance without the premium price tag.

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 17 Air worth paying extra for?

Not for most people. At A$1,799, the Air is more expensive than the refurbished 16 Pro, yet offers fewer features like telephoto zoom and larger battery life.

How much can I save with a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro?

You can save at least A$170 compared to the new iPhone 17 Air, and even more when comparing higher storage models.

Which iPhone is better for battery life?

The iPhone 16 Pro. Its larger battery lasts hours longer than the 17 Air, making it more reliable for heavy users.

Do refurbished iPhones at Phonebot come with warranty?

Yes. Every refurbished iPhone, including the 16 Pro, comes backed with warranty for peace of mind.

Which model is better for photography?

The iPhone 16 Pro. With its triple-lens system and telephoto zoom, it offers much more flexibility than the 17 Air’s single rear camera.

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iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?