iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone Air - which is the better deal at T-Mobile right now?

Apple iPhone Air Review
(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

T-Mobile's current batch of iPhone 17 deals offers multiple ways to get even the most premium devices in the range for free with a trade-in, but which should you go for?

For the maximum bang-for-the-buck, the two best choices, in my opinion, are the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 right now. Both of these excellent devices are available with excellent discounts if you bundle them with a new line.

Of the two, the iPhone 17 Pro has a slightly bigger discount considering the $1,099 asking price on the baseline 256GB storage model. That's $100 more value than the iPhone Air, and I also expect the Pro is likely to be the more popular choice, just based on its impressive specs sheet alone.

If you're looking to skip the trade-in, then you can instead get a $830 discount on either device by switching over from another carrier. That's a deal that's just as good on either phone, so either is a fine choice if you're looking to upgrade to the latest (and shiniest) Apple device.

Today's iPhone 17 deals at T-Mobile

Apple iPhone 17 Pro: up to $1,100 off with a trade-in, or $830 off with switch at T-Mobile

Apple iPhone 17 Pro: up to $1,100 off with a trade-in, or $830 off with switch at T-Mobile
T-Mobile's current deal on the iPhone 17 Pro offers a range of superb promotions - including the option for a massive trade-in rebate of up to $1,100. While you'll need a line on one of the pricier plans, the rebate is enough to cover the entire cost of this premium device. If a trade-in doesn't appeal, then you can instead get an excellent $830 discount when you switch over and port-in your number.

Apple iPhone Air: up to $1,000 off with a trade-in, or $830 off with switch at T-Mobile

Apple iPhone Air: up to $1,000 off with a trade-in, or $830 off with switch at T-Mobile
Another superb brand-new iPhone deal from T-Mobile, you can also get those same excellent discounts on the stunning iPhone Air. Trade-in an older device in any condition to potentially get a huge rebate of up to $1,000 off, or simply switch to get a $830 discount with a new unlimited line.

One of the biggest upgrades in recent years

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max REVIEW

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

If I were upgrading, the iPhone 17 Pro would be my personal choice. Not only is today's deal at T-Mobile slightly better than the one on the iPhone Air, but I think the Pro's combination of high-end cameras and improved battery life makes it a more sensible buy. I'm also partial to the redesign in the stunning new orange color.

With that said, the iPhone Air certainly isn't without its own appeal. Even without the triple camera array, it's still an extremely capable device - and arguably the cleanest and best-looking device in the new range. If you just want a lightweight, premium device that skips out on a few of the very high-end features for outright style, then it's definitely a good choice.

Alex Whitelock
Deals Editor

Alex is TechRadar's deals editor, specializing in getting our readers the best bang for the buck on the tech that we know and love. He's a dab hand at covering retailer events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day having over seven years of e-commerce experience at Future PLC; including bylines at our sister sites T3 and GamesRadar. Alex's expertise touches on most areas of TechRadar but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his love for street and travel photography, at home working on music, or down at the local climbing gym.

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