iPhone Air Review: Ultra-Light Design, Stunning Screen, Major Drawbacks

If we talk about the most “tempting” Apple release this year, it has to be the iPhone Air. Touted as the lightest and thinnest iPhone ever, it stunned the audience the moment it appeared.

But after using it for a few days, you’ll find that while it’s unbelievably light, it also comes with two frustrating drawbacks. In this article, we’ll discuss whether this “extremely thin” iPhone Air is really worth buying.

Feels like a feather, yet crafted like art
Apple really went all out this time. With a thickness of 5.64 mm and a weight of 165 g, the iPhone Air feels ridiculously light in hand—almost “unreal.” Sometimes, you even check your pocket twice to make sure it’s still there.

The titanium frame makes it not only light but also sturdy. Coupled with the front and back “Ceramic Shield 2,” said to be three times more scratch-resistant, you don’t even need a screen protector in your bag. The whole body feels like a single-piece metal masterpiece, with clean lines and a cold touch—Apple seems to have reached the peak of design once again.

Screen brightness that amazes, gets more addictive the longer you look
The iPhone Air’s display remains Apple’s signature strength. A 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR screen with 2736×1260 resolution, supporting 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. HDR video looks incredibly transparent; highlights under the sun and shadow details retain a cinematic quality. Apple’s screen calibration remains unmatched.

Stable imaging, video shooting is a delight
Photography remains Apple’s strong suit. The iPhone Air features a 48MP main camera + 18MP front camera, supporting 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60fps.

Daytime shots are clean and crisp, with accurate color reproduction and a “realistic” style. Night shots are cleaner than previous generations, with excellent light control. Although there’s only one rear camera, it’s more than enough for daily photography and social media posts.

Especially for video shooting, Apple’s Dolby Vision mode sets the industry benchmark. From lighting changes to color gradation and dynamic range, every frame looks premium. If you enjoy making Vlogs, this Air will really captivate you.

Performance remains top-notch
The A19 Pro chip still holds the crown for the strongest single-core performance. Paired with iOS 26, the experience is ultra-smooth. App switching, video editing, and gaming all run flawlessly.

Apple also fully supports eSIM on the iPhone Air, removing the physical SIM slot, making number changes more convenient and saving internal space, which explains the 5.64 mm thickness. However, for business travelers, this may be inconvenient as eSIM coverage is not yet comprehensive in many countries.

Two drawbacks that make you hesitate
After praising the advantages, let’s talk about the two frustrating points of the iPhone Air.

First drawback: The ultra-thin body means it can’t house a large battery. It only has a 3149mAh battery, with 20W wired + 15W wireless charging. In tests, continuous screen-on time lasts only 5 hours and 12 minutes. Worse, charging speed isn’t fast either—going from 1% to 100% takes 98 minutes.

Second drawback: The price is very high. Starting at 7999 yuan, while it has a titanium frame, top-tier screen, and chipset, the battery is just over 3100mAh and doesn’t support fast charging. This price turns many people away.

Final thoughts: This iPhone is unapologetically beautiful
In short: The iPhone Air is the ultimate embodiment of Apple’s “thin-and-light aesthetic,” but also a nightmare for “practical users.” It makes you fall in love with its lightness, yet frustrates you with its battery life. Its build quality is flawless, and the screen and performance are top-notch, but battery and price make it hard to justify.

If you seek extreme portability and don’t mind limited battery life, the Air might be your perfect iPhone. But if you’re a heavy user or budget-conscious, admire it from afar. Thin as air, stunning beyond reason—yet your wallet and battery feel lighter too.