iPhone 17 & "iPhone 17 Air" expected to come without 5x zoom

Apple fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the release of the iPhone 17 and the brand new iPhone 17 Air. Apple sets standards with each new model, but not all rumors suggest entirely positive innovations.

The iPhone has stood for innovation, performance and first-class design for years. But like every year, the question arises: Which features make the new iPhone special and what compromises have to be made? For the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, the differences between standard and Pro models seem to be even clearer. The focus is on the camera and the design in particular.

No 5x optical zoom for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air

If you are hoping for the latest camera technology from Apple, you will be disappointed with the standard models. According to a report According to the Korean publication The Elec, the iPhone 17 - like the iPhone 17 Air - will forego the 5x optical zoom. This feature is reserved for the Pro models: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The reason for this is Apple's tetraprism camera system, which is installed in the Pro devices. This system not only enables 5x optical zoom but also an impressive 25x digital zoom. Standard models such as the iPhone 17 will probably only offer 2x optical zoom - similar to the iPhone 16. The exact specifications of the iPhone 17 Air in terms of zoom are still unclear, however. Since it is reported to only have a single rear camera, it will hardly be able to keep up with the Pro models here.

The design of the iPhone 17 Air: Thinner but with compromises

The iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever launched. But this slim design comes at a price. According to reports, the device will only have a 48-megapixel camera. This means that in terms of photography, it is more reminiscent of the iPhone SE than the Pro models. The display will be 6.6 inches, placing it between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 6.9 inches. However, fans of a compact design could find a new favorite here. However, the Pro models remain the clear choice for anyone who has the highest demands on camera and performance.

Processor: Standard A19 chip instead of A19 Pro

According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 will be equipped with the standard A19 chip. This processor will be powerful enough for everyday and more demanding applications. The Pro models, on the other hand, will receive the more advanced A19 Pro chip, which promises even better performance.

Apple's 5G modem: A first

One of the most exciting innovations concerns the 5G modem. For the first time, Apple will a self-developed 5G modem Interestingly, this debut will take place in the iPhone 17 Air and not in the Pro models. It is still unclear whether this modem actually offers advantages over the proven Qualcomm modems in the Pro devices. Nevertheless, this marks an important step in Apple's strategy to become independent of external suppliers.

Differences between standard and Pro models

The Pro models of the iPhone 17 will not only have the edge in terms of the camera and processor but also in other details such as workmanship and general features. Despite all the limitations, the iPhone 17 Air remains a device with a modern design and good basic specifications, but without the premium features of the Pro models.

The iPhone 17 in comparison: The right model for every user

The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are clearly aimed at different target groups. If you value an elegant, lightweight design and solid performance, the iPhone 17 Air could be of interest to you. On the other hand, if you want the best camera, highest performance and all the new features, you will be more likely to go for the Pro models. It remains to be seen what further details will be announced in the coming months. But one thing is already clear: Apple will once again make a clear distinction between standard and Pro devices with the new models. So it's up to you to decide what is important to you in your next iPhone. (Photo by Unsplash / Amanz)