Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A16 5G
Starting at
£127.62£199.99 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A16 5G and iPhone Air?
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G starts at £127.62, £559.68 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A16 5G has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch.
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air specs
The Galaxy A16 5G and the iPhone Air differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy A16 5G offers a larger 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, ideal if you want a roomy display and expandable storage via microSDXC. The iPhone Air has a sharper 2736 x 1260 Super Retina XDR screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate, suited for those who value resolution and smoother visuals. Performance varies with the iPhone Air having 12 GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, making it better for multitasking and storing large files. The Galaxy A16 5G uses Android and a physical SIM, while the iPhone Air runs iOS and uses eSIM only. Camera and weight differences also help decide which fits your preferences better.
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air price
Colour
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability factors include operating system, release year, and foldability. Both phones are not foldable and each runs a different OS that influences the user experience and app ecosystem.
Operating System
The Galaxy A16 5G runs Android, offering a wide range of apps and customisation options suited for users familiar with or preferring Android devices. The iPhone Air uses iOS, which is known for its integration with other Apple products and a consistent update schedule, appealing to those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Release Year
The Galaxy A16 5G was released in 2024 while the iPhone Air came out in 2025. This context helps place the models within their respective product line timelines.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. The two phones differ in size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology, affecting how you experience media and everyday use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A16 5G has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering more space for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone Air's 6.5 inch screen has a higher resolution of 2736 x 1260, providing sharper images and finer detail, which benefits users who prioritise clarity.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A16 5G refreshes at 90 Hz, making scrolling and animations smoother than standard rates, which suits general multimedia use. The iPhone Air has a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering even smoother visuals that are noticeable when gaming or scrolling quickly.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A16 5G uses a Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone Air features a Super Retina XDR screen, which enhances brightness and contrast, making it well suited for viewing content even in bright environments.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air camera
Camera quality and audiovisual features are key for photography and video calls. Differences in megapixels and camera setups influence the detail and versatility you get from each phone.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A16 5G has a 13 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video chats. The iPhone Air's front camera offers 18 megapixels, providing higher detail which benefits users who take selfies frequently or use video calling extensively.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A16 5G includes a 50 MP wide camera with additional ultrawide and macro lenses, offering versatility for different photo styles. The iPhone Air has a 48 megapixel main camera, which provides high resolution and is well suited for detailed photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air size and design
Other features include connectivity, physical dimensions, storage, and SIM options. These affect how you use the device daily and what accessories or plans suit you.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A16 5G offers 128GB of storage with the option to expand via microSDXC cards, ideal if you prefer adding more storage later. The iPhone Air comes in larger storage options from 256GB up to 1TB, suitable if you want substantial built-in storage for apps, photos, and media.
SIM and Network
The Galaxy A16 5G supports a physical SIM card and 5G connectivity, fitting users who prefer traditional SIM use. The iPhone Air uses an eSIM and also supports 5G, which suits those comfortable using digital SIMs for network plans.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A16 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 164 mm by 77 mm and weighing 200 g, providing a bigger feel in hand. The iPhone Air is more compact at 156.2 mm by 74.7 mm and lighter at 165 g, which benefits users looking for a more pocket-friendly, lightweight device.
Connector Type
The iPhone Air also has a USB-C port.
Device Depth
The Galaxy A16 5G is 7 mm deep, which is thicker than the iPhone Air at 5.6 mm, influencing how bulky the device feels in hand and pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A16 5G or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A16 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £127.62, £559.68 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A16 5G often praise its condition, noting it looks as clean as new and works smoothly. Many appreciate the 128GB storage as sufficient for photos and apps. Some users mention the phone's larger size and weight, which suits those who prefer a bigger display. A few customers experienced regional software restrictions or battery drain, while others found the phone a good affordable upgrade with reliable performance.
The iPhone Air is widely regarded by customers as a premium device, often described as looking almost brand new with excellent battery health. Reviews highlight the spacious storage options and the phone's smooth performance, with battery life lasting a full day. Users appreciate the compact size and the quality of the display and camera. Some mention the challenge of finding a suitable case due to the phone's design.
Overall, the Galaxy A16 5G suits those who want a larger screen and expandable storage at a simpler performance level. The iPhone Air appeals to users seeking higher RAM, sharper display, and more built-in storage in a lighter, more compact form.
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air FAQs
Galaxy A16 5G vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1330, Mediatek Dimensity 6300 on the Galaxy A16 5G, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A16 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £127.62 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The Galaxy A16 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A16 5G gets updates until Oct 2030. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A16 5G comes in 128GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
