Apple’s thinnest iPhone hits record low price
The iPhone Air is seeing steep price cuts in Vietnam, with 256GB models dropping to as low as VND 22 million at some retailers. Despite a 20% sales increase reported by FPT Shop, the device continues to be outsold by the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 17, according to distributor data and retailer Di Dong My.
Why is the iPhone Air price dropping so quickly?
The iPhone Air has recorded the steepest price decline of any iPhone model released in 2025, according to VnExpress. It launched in September 2025 with a starting price of VND 32 million, but current prices at Apple-authorized retailers have fallen to VND 22.8 million for the 256GB version.
This price erosion stems from a mismatch between the phone’s premium positioning and its hardware limitations. While it features a titanium body and the high-end A19 Pro chip, it only has a single rear camera. This camera provides image quality only slightly better than the budget 16e and is weaker than the dual-camera system found in the standard iPhone 17.
How does the iPhone Air compare to the iPhone 16 Plus and 17?
The iPhone Air is now cheaper than its siblings, yet it remains less popular. According to Di Dong My, demand has improved following discounts, but the 16 Plus and 17 still generate stronger sales. This suggests consumers prioritize camera versatility and established form factors over the Air’s thin profile.
Retail pricing currently shows a distinct gap. The iPhone 17 (256GB) and the iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) both sell for around VND 24 million, making them roughly VND 1.2 million to VND 2 million more expensive than the iPhone Air.
| Model | Approx. Price (Vietnam) | Key Advantage | Key Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Air | VND 22M – 22.8M | A19 Pro Chip / Thinness | Single Rear Camera |
| iPhone 17 | VND 24M | Dual-Camera System | Standard Design |
| iPhone 16 Plus | VND 24M | Larger Screen/Battery | Older Generation |
Does the A19 Pro chip make the iPhone Air a powerhouse?
On paper, the iPhone Air is a performance leader. It uses the A19 Pro chip, the same processor found in the 17 Pro lineup, according to VnExpress. This chip features a six-core CPU and a five-core GPU, which delivers performance levels comparable to some MacBook Pro models.
However, this processing power is offset by the device’s inability to compete in photography. For users who prioritize gaming or productivity, the A19 Pro is a major draw. For those who use their phones as primary cameras, the single-lens setup makes the device a harder sell, even at a lower price point.
FAQ: iPhone Air Pricing and Performance
Is the iPhone Air cheaper than the iPhone 17?
Yes. Authorized retailers sell the 256GB iPhone Air for VND 22.8 million, while the iPhone 17 is priced around VND 24 million.
What chip does the iPhone Air use?
The iPhone Air uses the A19 Pro chip, which includes a six-core CPU and five-core GPU, matching the performance of the 17 Pro models.
Why aren’t more people buying the iPhone Air?
According to data from Di Dong My and other distributors, the device struggles because it only has a single rear camera, making it less appealing than the dual-camera iPhone 17 or the 16 Plus.
How much has the price dropped since launch?
The starting price was VND 32 million in September 2025; it has since dropped to as low as VND 22 million at some smaller stores.
What do you think about the iPhone Air’s trade-off between power and camera quality? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tech price tracking.