MKBHD Highlights “Impressive” iPhone Air Features but Identifies Two Major Dealbreakers

Marques Brownlee, widely known as MKBHD, has expressed significant admiration for the iPhone Air, though he has some reservations regarding its battery performance. In a recent tech review, MKBHD highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Apple’s latest release.

On September 9, Apple unveiled a series of innovative products during its annual technology showcase, including the AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17 Pro, Apple Watch Series 11, and notably, the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air gained the spotlight, promoted as the “thinnest iPhone ever”while boasting “the power of pro inside.”Apple also emphasized its enhanced durability compared to previous models.

MKBHD’s Concerns: Battery Life and Camera Limitations

In his review on September 22, MKBHD acknowledged the impressive craftsmanship involved in the iPhone Air’s design and component arrangement. However, he pointed out several imperfections, particularly focusing on the phone’s battery life.“The battery on the iPhone Air is pretty weak, and there’s no getting around that, ”he remarked, noting that it charges more slowly than other models in the iPhone 17 lineup.

Despite the battery drawbacks, MBKHD observed that some internal components have the ability to “underclock”their performance, which somewhat mitigates the issue. Yet, he rated the battery life a mere C-.“Ending the day with like 15% left in low power mode, after just four hours of screen time using a brand-new phone, is not great, ” he stated, raising concerns about long-term performance outlook in the coming years.

Aside from battery life, MKBHD identified the camera system as another significant drawback. The iPhone Air is equipped with a single camera lens, in stark contrast to its more advanced counterparts, which offer multiple lenses for varied photography options. While he believes that casual users may find the single-lens camera adequate, he suggests that the competitive landscape provides better alternatives for more serious photographers.“For your parents, they’ll probably be totally fine with this, ” he added, reflecting his own reluctance to switch over to the iPhone Air as a daily driver.

Audio quality also posed a concern for MKBHD, as the iPhone Air features only a single speaker located at the top of the device. This can be easily obstructed when holding the phone in landscape mode, resulting in sound that can occasionally feel “tinny.”

On a more positive note, he did commend Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, although he mentioned he wouldn’t be incorporating them into his daily routine either. The combination of MKBHD’s insights into the iPhone Air’s limitations, alongside its appealing design, reflects ongoing discussions in the tech community about balancing innovation with practicality.