Which iPhone should I buy? iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs 17 Pro vs 18 Pro
Every current iPhone compared on what actually differs (cameras, screen, battery, size) with today's lowest price at each Australian store, and which one is the best value.
In this guide
Apple sells more iPhones at once than ever, and the differences between them are smaller than the prices suggest. This guide is about which one to choose. If you've already decided and want the cheapest store, see where to buy the cheapest iPhone.
Today's prices, store by store
| Store | Apple iPhone 17e | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone Air | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Apple iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JB Hi-Fi | $1,149 256GB | $1,499 256GB | $1,899 256GB | $1,699 256GB | $2,099 256GB |
| Harvey Norman | — | $1,547 256GB | $1,897 256GB | $1,997 256GB | — |
| The Good Guys | $1,148 256GB | $1,547 256GB | $1,897 256GB | $1,799 256GB | $2,098 256GB |
| Mobileciti | — | — | — | $1,888 256GB | — |
| Apple Store | $1,149 256GB | $1,549 256GB | $1,899 256GB | — | $2,099 256GB |
| amaysim | $1,149 256GB | $1,549 256GB | $2,299 256GB | $1,999 256GB | $2,099 256GB |
| Costco | $1,499.99 512GB | — | $1,739.99 256GB | $2,699.99 1TB | $2,049.99 256GB |
| Umart | — | — | $1,799 256GB | $1,999 256GB | $2,069 256GB |
| MSY | — | — | $1,799 256GB | $1,999 256GB | $2,069 256GB |
| digiDirect | $1,147 256GB | $1,497 256GB | $1,797 256GB | $1,932.13 256GB | $2,097 256GB |
| Betta | $1,149 256GB | $1,549 256GB | — | $1,999 256GB | — |
Each cell is that store's cheapest storage size in stock (shown beside the price). The lowest price for each phone is highlighted.
The short answer
- Best value for most people: iPhone 17. It starts at 256GB and has a 120Hz ProMotion screen, the two upgrades that matter most day to day.
- Cheapest way to a new iPhone: iPhone 17e. The essentials of a current iPhone at a lower price, with fewer camera and display extras.
- Thinnest and lightest: iPhone Air. Beautiful to hold, but one rear camera and a smaller battery than the Pro models.
- Best cameras: the Pro models. A telephoto zoom, the best video features, and the biggest batteries in the Pro Max.
What actually differs
Cameras. The Pro models add a telephoto lens for zoomed shots without losing detail, plus pro video features. The iPhone 17 has a main and an ultra-wide camera; the Air has a single main camera. For everyday photos, all of them are excellent.
Screen. The 17, Air and Pro models have high-refresh ProMotion displays that make scrolling smoother.
Battery. The Pro Max sizes last longest. The Air trades battery for thinness; heavy users may want Apple's battery accessory or a Pro.
Size. The Pro Max models are big. If you want a smaller phone, the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro are the comfortable sizes.
Storage. Current models start at 256GB, which is enough for most people. Choose 512GB if you shoot a lot of 4K video. See how much phone storage you need.
Last year's Pro is the quiet bargain
When a new Pro launches, retailers discount the previous Pro while they clear stock. The 17 Pro is still one of the best phones you can buy, and it's usually well below the 18 Pro's price. Check both in the table above, and the 17 Pro's price history, before you pay for the newest model.
Outright or on a plan?
Carriers sometimes discount iPhones on plans. See outright vs plan for today's numbers, and buy from Apple or a retailer for why Apple's own store is rarely the cheapest.
Every iPhone is on the phones page, with each store's price and price history.
