I’ve been using the iPhone Air and it’s far better than you’d think – our iPhone Air Review

Normally, after the launch of a new iPhone, I’d do one big review looking at the lineup of phones and how to pick between them.  But with the focus on Apple’s super-thin iPhone Air this last week, I felt it important to look directly at this new model in the Apple lineup as a daily driver.

The iPhone Air is radically new, it’s eSIM only, it’s super thin, and in many ways, it’s the freshest new design for iPhone in a very long time.  But what’s it like as your regular everyday phone?

What is an eSIM?

For decades, whenever we get a new phone, we’ve grabbed that little metal pin and popped out the SIM Tray on our old phone, grabbed the little plastic chip from inside, and then put that chip (SIM) into our new phone to get things working.

That SIM card is a unique code built into a little computer chip that tells the phone which telco you’re with, connects to the telco, and sets up your phone with your normal number.

An eSIM is an electronic version of that.  Imagine your phone has some computer chips in it that the telcos can program remotely, with your approval.  And it’s all done by either scanning a QR code or following some links and steps after signing up.   Why? Well, it saves space on the phone, it’s one less moving part, so it’s also more watertight.

How do I get my number working as an eSIM on iPhone Air?

That’s the easy part. For existing iPhone users, simply go on your current phone to Settings, Mobile, and click on your current number and then right down the bottom of the page, click CONVERT TO ESIM.  It really is quite simple.

Even better, if you don’t do that, but you’re using an iPhone and upgrading to iPhone Air (or any iPhone), during the setup process after you log into your Apple ID account, you will be offered the chance to set up your number as an eSIM because it knows your number from your other phone/s.  And again – super simple!

Relax, it won’t be an issue.

Unless, that is, you’re with a telco that does not yet support eSIM.  So be sure to check that first!  The majors all do, as do most of the sub-carriers, but I’m told by some customers that brands like Aldi Mobile don’t yet do eSIM.

Photos make the iPhone Air look great, is it?

The photos you’ve seen until now and here do not do it justice.  This is a stunning device. The chrome shiny edges, the way it sits in your hand, the weight – it’s all just so obvious from the first moment you grab one.  

It’s why I’m sure this will be a very successful device in retail – the conversion from people who see it, hold it, then buy it will be high, I suspect.

Even with a case on it, it still feels thin, and there’s also a new (like old) bumper you can put just around the edges, but I’m very, very tempted to just keep it raw because it looks so good.

It’s so thin – it will bend!

Get this – It does bend. It can bend.  But it won’t break.

I witnessed this with my own eyes; they asked me and others to try bending a device shaped like a phone, measuring how much force we could put into it. They then doubled that and used a machine to apply that force.

It bent – but then when the force was released, it just went flat again.  Remarkable engineering, durable for sure.

Battery life must be bad on such a thin phone?

Wrong.

This has nowhere near the battery life of the iPhone 17 (or 16) Pro models.  No way.

But that’s not what it compares to.  The battery life is rated slightly lower than the iPhone 17 and higher than the iPhone 16.

In my several full days of normal use, I never got to a point of battery concern.  This is an all-day battery.  You aren’t going to get through a second night here, nor can you scroll TikTok for 8 hours a day and expect things to be hunky-dory.

Head-to-head when compared in normal usage to other phones, this is below the best, but on par with many.  

I rarely go a day without being unable to put my phone on a desktop charger or in the car anyway, but if I do, I know that when I’m ready for bed, the phone will be keen for a charge – it’s that simple.

A single camera – iPhone Air’s Achilles heel.

Photography on the iPhone Air is excellent. The 48MP fusion camera can shoot some great stuff – no question.  And yes, you can 2x zoom on this – that’s basically a crop-in on part of that larger 48MP sensor.

But there’s no Pro-level zoom, and certainly no 0.5 ultra-wide.

For me, I’m getting used to it – but several teenagers I spoke to wouldn’t have a bar of this even with its stunning design – no 0.5 no go.

And many others suggest that they want to know they have a stronger zoom available, even if it’s not used regularly.

I worry for Apple that this will affect the appeal of the iPhone Air.

Fortunately, the sensational 18MP front-facing Centre Stage enabled selfie camera is just a joy, and could convince some that they are okay with the compromise.

Should you buy the iPhone Air?

If you don’t need Pro-level Zoom, or more than 17-hour battery life – this is for you.

If you love design and simplicity – this is for you.

The iPhone Air has a market, I know that – it’s really just a matter of how big that market is going to be.

I think I’ll stick with the Air – I love the feel of it, but if you want to know my pick of the bunch – it’s the basic iPhone 17:)